bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Geography in Low Mammography Screening Rates and Late-Stage Breast Cancer Diagnosis in Utah
Authors: KA Henry , NM Stroup , AY Kinney
Published: March 2013

Purpose: Mammography screening rates in Utah have been lower than other states for nearly 20 years. We examine the role of geographic factors on mammography screening rates and late-stage breast cancer diagnosis in Utah. Methods: Mammography screening data from the 2008 and 2010 Utah Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System included Utah women aged 40–74 (weighted N = 417,064). Utah Cancer Registry data included women 40+ years, who were diagnosed with breast cancer from 2004–2008 (N = 6,500). Multilevel logistic regression was used to examine the association between measures of geographic access to mammography (travel time, geo access scores, rural/urban residence) and individual factors (age, race/ethnicity, insurance) and the odds of (a) not having a mammogram within the last two years and (b) being diagnosed with late stage breast cancer. Geo access scores are composite values based on the number of mammography facilities and the distribution of drive times. Results: Overall 32.7% (95%CI 31.1%–34.5%) of Utah women 40–74 reported not having a mammogram within the last 2 years and 31.3% of women aged 40+ were diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer. A disproportionate number 43.1% (95%CI 39.9%–46.3%) of women 40–49 did not have a mammogram within the last 2 years compared to women 50–74 (26.8% 95%CI 24.9%–28.7%). Geographic access measures were not associated with mammography screening and late-stage breast cancer diagnosis among women 40–74. Travel time was moderately significant for women living >20 minutes from a mammography facility compared to women living <5 min (OR = 1.23 95%CI 1.01–1.50), even after controlling for age, race/ethnicity, and insurance status. Women aged 50+ with low geo access scores had higher odds (OR = 1.20 95%CI 1.04 1.37) of late-stage breast cancer diagnosis compared to women with high geo access scores. Conclusion: Geographic access may be a risk factor for late-stage breast cancer for specific segments of the population, who may benefit from targeted interventions to improve early detection. Future work should consider alternate geographic access measures and other potential sociodemographic or cultural barriers to screening in Utah.
Predictors of Colorectal Cancer Surveillance among Radiation-treated Survivors of Childhood Cancer
Authors: C Daniel , P Nathan , K Oeffinger , K Stratton , W Leisenring , K Whelan , J Waterbor , T Henderson , G Armstrong , K Krull , L Robison , C Kohler
Published: March 2013

Purpose: To identify predictors of adherence to colorectal cancer (CRC) surveillance guidelines among survivors of childhood cancer who received ≥30 Gy radiotherapy to the abdomen, pelvis, or spine, and were 36 years or older at the time of last contact. Methods: We sought to identify predictors of self-reported CRC surveillance participation among 5-year survivors who completed the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) 2007 Follow-Up Questionnaire and met the criteria above. Univariate and multivariable generalized linear models with a log link and Poisson distribution were used to calculate relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for adherence to CRC surveillance guidelines (i.e., home stool blood testing and/or colonoscopy/sigmoidoscopy). Results: The mean age of 711 childhood cancer survivors eligible for the study was 44 years (SD = 5.2 years). Among them, 231 (32.5%) reported ever performing home stool blood testing and 276 (38.8%) reported ever having colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. Of the 711 participants, 60 (8.4%) reported home stool blood testing in the past year (meeting screening guidelines for the general adult population) and 207 (29.1%) reported having a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy in the past 5 years (meeting surveillance recommendations for survivors of childhood cancer treated with radiation). In the multivariable analyses, factors associated with CRC surveillance were age 50 years or older (RR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.9–2.9); having routine cancer follow-up visit within one year prior to questionnaire completion (RR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.2–2.5); having a physical impairment requiring the assistance of others for routine activities of daily living (RR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.2–2.2); and having discussed future cancer risk with a physician at their most recent follow-up visit (RR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.1–1.6). Conclusions: More than 70% of survivors at risk for CRC were not screened as recommended. Indeed, unless a physician discussed their future cancer risk, most survivors were not screened until they reached age 50, the time at which CRC screening is recommended for individuals at average CRC risk. These findings underscore the need for education of survivors and their physicians regarding the heightened CRC risk following radiation.
Early Effects of Pars Plana Vitrectomy Combined with Intravitreal Gas Tamponade on Corneal Biomechanics
Authors: Teke Mehmet Y. , Elgin Ufuk , Sen Emine , Ozdal Pinar , Ozturk Faruk
Published: March 2013

Purpose: To detect the early effects of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with intravitreal gas tamponade on corneal biomechanics and compare these effects of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) and perfluropropane (C3F8). Methods: 19 eyes underwent PPV with C3F8, 14 eyes underwent PPV with SF6 tamponade and 16 eyes underwent PPV without tamponade. Corneal biomechanical parameters were measured preoperatively and at the first postoperative week by an ocular response analyzer. Results: There were no significant differences of corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), corneal compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc) and Goldmann-correlated intraocular pressure (IOPg) between the groups preoperatively. The mean CRF, IOPcc and IOPg significantly increased at the first postoperative week in the C3F8 group. In the SF6 group, CRF increased significantly but the increases in IOPcc and IOPg were not significant. In the PPV group, the increases in CRF, IOPcc and IOPg were not significant. The mean CH decreased in the C3F8, SF6 and PPV groups postoperatively but these results were not significant. No statistically significant differences were found between the changes of preoperative and postoperative CH, CRF and IOPg between the groups, but the increase in IOPcc was statistically significantly higher in the C3F8 group than the others. Conclusion: SF6 and C3F8 gas tamponade may affect corneal biomechanical parameters at the early postoperative period which should be related with surgery, gas tamponade or intraocular pressure changes.
Size doesn´t matter—recircumscription of Microlejeunea (Lejeuneaceae, Porellales) based on molecular and morphological evidence
Authors: DONG SHANSHAN , SCHÄFER-VERWIMP ALFONS , PÓCS TAMÁS , FELDBERG KATHRIN , CZUMAJ ALEKSANDRA , SCHMIDT ALEXANDER R. , SCHNEIDER HARALD , HEINRICHS JOCHEN
Published: March 2013

Phylogenetic analyses of a three marker dataset of Lejeuneaceae (chloroplast genome rbcL gene and trnL-F region, and nuclear ribosomal ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region) resolve the “Lejeunea complex” in three main lineages assigned here to Harpalejeunea, Lejeunea and Microlejeunea. The taxa Harpalejeunea fischeri, H. filicuspis, H. latitans and Pluvianthus squarrosus are nested in a clade with several representatives of Microlejeunea including the generitype M. africana, and are transferred to the latter genus. Harpalejeunea and Microlejeunea differ from Lejeunea by the presence of ocelli. Harpalejeunea has diverging, blunt underleaf lobes in contrast to the forward directed, blunt to acute underleaf lobes of Microlejeunea. Morphologically similar accessions of Microlejeunea form independent lineages. Drepanolejeunea vandenberghenii is newly reported for Madagascar, Malawi and Réunion.
Association of the angiotensinogen gene polymorphism with atherosclerosis and its risk traits in the Saudi population
Authors: Al-Najai Mohammed , Muiya Paul , Tahir Asma I , Elhawari Samar , Gueco Daisy , Andres Editha , Mazhar Nejat , Altassan Nada , Alshahid Maie , Dzimiri Nduna
Published: March 2013

Background

Angiotensinogen (AGT) constitutes a central component of the renin-angiotensin system that controls the systemic blood pressure and several other cardiovascular functions and may play an important role in atherosclerosis pathways. In this study, we employed TaqMan genotyping assays to evaluate the role of 8 AGT variants in primary hypertension (HTN), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and obesity as a possible trigger of coronary artery disease (CAD) in a population of 4615 angiographed native Saudi individuals.

Methods

Linkage analysis was done by using the Affymetrix Gene Chip array, sequencing by using the MegaBACE DNA analysis system and genotyping accomplished by TaqMan chemistry using the Applied Biosystem real-time Prism 7900HT Sequence Detection System.

Results

Six variants, rs2067853 GG [Odds ratio(95% Confidence Interval) = 1.44(1.17-1.78); p = 0.001], rs7079 [1.49(1.20-1.85); p < 0.0001], rs699 G [1.19(1.08-1.13); p < 0.0001], rs3789679 A [1.51(1.14-1.99); p = 0.004], rs2148582 GG [1.31(1.11-1.55); p = 0.002] and rs5051 TC + CC [1.32(1.13-1.60); p = 0.001] conferred risk for HTN (3521 cases versus 1094 controls). The rs2067853 (p = 0.042), rs699G (p = 0.007) and rs5051 (p = 0.051) also conferred risk for myocardial infarction (MI; 2982 vs 1633), while rs3789679 A (p < 0.0001) and GA + AA (p < 0.0001) as well as rs4762G (p = 0.019) were associated with obesity (1576 vs 2458). However, while these variants appeared to be also associated with CAD (2323 vs 2292), only the rs7079G (p = 0.035) retained its significant relationship. Interestingly, among the haplotypes constructed from these SNPs, the baseline 8-mer haplotype, GGTGGGGT (χ2 = 7.02; p = 0.0081) and another GGCGGAGT (χ2 = 5.10; p = 0.024), together with several of their derivatives were associated with HTN. T2DM was associated with two 8-mer haplotypes, GGTAGGAC (χ2 = 5.66; p = 0.017) and ATTGAGAC (χ2 = 5.93; p = 0.015), obesity with GGCGGAGT (χ2 = 9.49; p = 0.0021) and MI was linked to ATTGGGAC (χ2 = 6.68; p = 0.010) and GGTGGGAT (χ2 = 4.25; p = 0.039). Furthermore, several causative haplotypes were also shared among the risk traits as well as with CAD.

Conclusion

These results point to AGT as independently conferring risk for various cardiovascular traits, and possibly interacting with these traits in events leading to atherosclerosis.
Neonatal extravasation injury: prevention and management in Australia and New Zealand-a survey of current practice
Authors: Restieaux Matthew , Maw Andrew , Broadbent Roland , Jackson Pam , Barker David , Wheeler Ben
Published: March 2013

Background

Extravasation injury remains an important cause of iatrogenic injury in neonatal intensive care. This study aims to describe the current approach to extravasation injury (EI) prevention and management in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) in Australia and New Zealand.

Methods

A literature review regarding extravasation injury in the newborn was carried out to inform questionnaire design. An internet-based survey was then conducted with the clinical directors of the 27 tertiary NICUs in Australia and New Zealand.

Results

The survey received a 96% response rate. Approximately two thirds of Australian and New Zealand NICUs have written protocols for prevention and management of extravasation injury. Considerable practice variation was seen for both prevention and treatment of EI. 92% of units had experienced cases of significant EI.

Conclusions

Australian and New Zealand tertiary neonatal units clearly recognise EI as an important cause of iatrogenic morbidity and mortality. Significant variation still exists among units with regards to guidelines for both prevention and management of EI. We recommend that neonatal staff should remain vigilant, ensuring that guidelines for the prevention and treatment of EI are available, and rigorously followed.
Aggressive natural killer-cell leukemia with jaundice and spontaneous splenic rupture: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Gao Li-min , Liu Wei-ping , Yang Qun-pei , Li Hui-fang , Chen Jun-jie , Tang Yuan , Zou Yan , Liao Dian-Ying , Liu Yan-mei , Zhao Sha
Published: March 2013

Aggressive natural killer cell leukemia/lymphoma (ANKL) is a rare aggressive form of NK-cell neoplasm. We report an uncommon case of 36-year-old male who showed jaundice and spontaneous splenic rupture. The diagnosis was established by the biopsy of liver and spleen. The monomorphous medium-size neoplastic cells infiltrated into portal areas and sinus of liver as well as the cords and sinus of the spleen. Necrosis, mitotic figures and significant apoptosis could be seen easily. These neoplastic cells demonstrated a typical immunophenotype of CD3ε+, CD56+, CD16+, Granzyme B+, TIA-1+. T-cell receptor γ (TCR-γ) gene rearrangement analysis showed germline configuration and the result of in situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus-encoded RNA (EBER-ISH) was positive. The patient has undergone an aggressive clinical course and died of multi-organ function failure 14 days later after admission. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of ANKL with spontaneous splenic rupture, and we should pay more attention to recognize it.

Virtual Slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here:http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/2048154883890867
SVAw - a web-based application tool for automated surrogate variable analysis of gene expression studies
Authors: Pirooznia Mehdi , Seifuddin Fayaz , Goes Fernando S , Leek Jeffrey T , Zandi Peter P
Published: March 2013

Background

Surrogate variable analysis (SVA) is a powerful method to identify, estimate, and utilize the components of gene expression heterogeneity due to unknown and/or unmeasured technical, genetic, environmental, or demographic factors. These sources of heterogeneity are common in gene expression studies, and failing to incorporate them into the analysis can obscure results. Using SVA increases the biological accuracy and reproducibility of gene expression studies by identifying these sources of heterogeneity and correctly accounting for them in the analysis.

Results

Here we have developed a web application called SVAw (Surrogate variable analysis Web app) that provides a user friendly interface for SVA analyses of genome-wide expression studies. The software has been developed based on open source bioconductor SVA package. In our software, we have extended the SVA program functionality in three aspects: (i) the SVAw performs a fully automated and user friendly analysis workflow; (ii) It calculates probe/gene Statistics for both pre and post SVA analysis and provides a table of results for the regression of gene expression on the primary variable of interest before and after correcting for surrogate variables; and (iii) it generates a comprehensive report file, including graphical comparison of the outcome for the user.

Conclusions

SVAw is a web server freely accessible solution for the surrogate variant analysis of high-throughput datasets and facilitates removing all unwanted and unknown sources of variation. It is freely available for use at http://psychiatry.igm.jhmi.edu/sva. The executable packages for both web and standalone application and the instruction for installation can be downloaded from our web site.
Management of acute and post-operative pain in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Parmar Malvinder S , Parmar Kamalpreet S
Published: March 2013

Chronic kidney disease is common and patients with many co-morbid conditions frequently have to undergo surgical procedures and, therefore, require effective pain management. The pharmacokinetics of various analgesic agents are not well studied in patients with chronic kidney disease and the risk of accumulation of the main drug or their metabolites, resulting in serious adverse events, is a common scenario on medical and surgical wards. It is common for these patients to be cared for by 'non-nephrologists' who often prescribe the standard dose of the commonly used analgesics, without taking into consideration the patient's kidney function. It is important to recognize the problems and complications associated with the use of standard doses of analgesics, and highlight the importance of adjusting analgesic dosage based on kidney function to avoid complications while still providing adequate pain relief.
Consumer Behavior in “Equilibrium”: How Experiencing Physical Balance Increases Compromise Choice
Authors: Larson Jeffrey S. , Billeter Darron M.
Published: March 2013

The authors propose that the physical sensation of balance can affect consumer judgments and decisions. A series of six experiments demonstrates that certain consumer behaviors, such as leaning back in a chair while shopping online, can activate the concept of balance and thereby affect the consumer decision-making process. Specifically, consumers experiencing a heightened sense of balance are more likely to choose compromise options. The authors propose and show evidence for the mechanism underlying these effects: that the concept of balance is metaphorically linked in the mind to the concept of parity and that activating balance increases the accessibility of the parity concept. The increased accessibility of parity changes consumer perceptions of the product offerings in a choice set, increasing the selection of compromise options because they provide parity on the described product attributes.
Leitura de textos originais de cientistas por estudantes do Ensino Superior
Authors: Zanotello Marcelo
Published: March 2013

Neste trabalho investigo os sentidos produzidos por alunos do primeiro ano, em um curso superior de ciência e tecnologia, a partir da leitura de textos originais de cientistas ilustres nos campos da termodinâmica e da teoria cinética dos gases. A análise é realizada com base nas respostas por escrito dos estudantes a um questionário proposto sobre os textos. A atividade desenvolvida se insere no contexto de uma reflexão sobre a inclusão de elementos de história da ciência em aulas de ciências nos diversos níveis de ensino. Apesar de certas dificuldades apontadas pelos alunos na leitura dos textos, que, do meu ponto de vista, constituem oportunidades de uma efetiva mediação dialógica em sala de aula, observa-se, em seus relatos, a enriquecedora contribuição que a presença da história da física proporcionou, por meio da leitura dos originais, tanto para a formação de uma cultura científica quanto para a compreensão de determinados conceitos.
Concepções de alunos do ensino médio sobre a origem das espécies
Authors: Almeida David Figueiredo de
Published: March 2013

Este trabalho teve por objetivo analisar as concepções de estudantes de Ensino Médio, em Macapá (Amapá, Brasil), a respeito da origem das espécies. Por meio de questionários, observou-se a predominância da concepção criacionista descrita na Bíblia, em sua interpretação literal. A concepção evolucionista tendeu a ser mais frequente somente quando aplicada às espécies não humanas. Registraram-se, ainda, contradições entre algumas ideias dos alunos e a teoria da evolução, que também demonstrou ser pouco compreendida pelos pesquisados. Estas observações indicam a necessidade de intervenções educativas para minimizar a problemática observada, contribuindo para o maior diálogo entre as concepções dos alunos e o ensino de evolução.
Children's representations of the biological richness of the mata atlântica biome
Authors: Schwarz Maria Luiza , André Pierre , Sevegnani Lucia
Published: March 2013

This paper aims to examine the representations of Brazilian children from Joinville Region of biodiversity in the Mata Atlântica. We interviewed 112 girls and 90 boys from a school in the city of Joinville, in the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. These 6 to 14 year old students from grade 1 to 8 were requested to estimate the abundance of plants, animals and microorganisms in the region, and to name the species they know. Our results show that children are aware of the high level of biodiversity in their region, but they had difficulty in naming native species.
Olimpíadas de ciências: uma prática em questão
Authors: Rezende Flávia , Ostermann Fernanda
Published: March 2013

Neste trabalho questionamos a prática das olimpíadas escolares como uma das medidas de Estado que, pretensamente, visam à melhoria do ensino nas escolas públicas e, mais fortemente, as olimpíadas das ciências naturais, área de conhecimentos historicamente excludente. Com base na perspectiva histórico-cultural sobre aprendizagem, argumentamos contra a competitividade e a favor da colaboração nos processos educativos. A partir de análises da desigualdade escolar balizadas pela sociologia da educação, colocamo-nos contra a competição injusta entre estudantes já pré-selecionados por seu capital cultural. Defendemos que a interação, a colaboração e a democracia são valores defensáveis tanto do ponto de vista cognitivo ou educativo quanto do ponto de vista da formação humana. Concluímos sobre a necessidade de se investir em políticas que não sirvam apenas como tapa-buraco das condições ainda precárias da escola pública brasileira e que fomentem valores que possam produzir transformações na sociedade desigual em que vivemos.
Função pulmonar persistentemente reduzida em crianças e adolescentes com asma
Authors: Luisi Fernanda , Pinto Leonardo Araujo , Marostica Laura , Jones Marcus Herbert , Stein Renato Tetelbom , Pitrez Paulo Márcio
Published: March 2013

OBJETIVO: A asma é a doença pulmonar crônica mais comum na infância, caracterizada por inflamação brônquica. Algumas crianças com asma podem apresentar função pulmonar persistentemente reduzida. A prevalência e etiologia dessa anormalidade em crianças com asma em países em desenvolvimento ainda não são conhecidas. O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a proporção de pacientes com função pulmonar reduzida, sem resposta a tratamento, em um grupo de crianças e adolescentes com asma, e descrever as características fenotípicas da amostra. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados pacientes ambulatoriais (5-17 anos) diagnosticados com asma persistente através de um questionário padronizado. Esses pacientes foram submetidos a espirometria e teste cutâneo para aeroalérgenos comuns. Definiu-se como função pulmonar persistentemente reduzida apresentar relação VEF1/CVF < 0,80, mesmo após ter recebido tratamento com broncodilatador e corticoide oral por 10 dias. O índice de intensidade de atopia foi utilizado para diferenciar pacientes pouco reatores daqueles multirreatores (ponto de corte: 4 alérgenos). RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 96 pacientes, com média de idade de 10,6 anos. Desses, 52 (54,1%) eram do sexo masculino, e 89 (92,7%) eram atópicos. Dos 96 pacientes, 8 (8,3%) apresentaram redução da função pulmonar mesmo após o tratamento. Desses pacientes, 8 (100%) eram atópicos, 7 (87,5%) apresentavam asma moderada ou grave, e 7 (87,5%) tinham história de hospitalização por bronquiolite aguda. CONCLUSÕES: Crianças e adolescentes com asma moderada a grave podem apresentar função pulmonar reduzida e sem resposta a tratamento. Essa situação clínica é pouco estudada em países em desenvolvimento, e seus fatores de risco e etiologia serão mais bem entendidos somente com estudos de coorte de nascimento.
Infrared Warming Affects Intrarow Soil Carbon Dioxide Efflux during Vegetative Growth of Spring Wheat
Authors: Wall Gerard W. , McLain Jean E. T. , Kimball Bruce A. , White Jeffrey W. , Ottman Michael J. , Garcia Richard L.
Published: March 2013

Global warming will likely affect carbon cycles in agricultural soils. Our objective was to deploy infrared (IR) warming to characterize the effect of global warming on soil temperature (Ts), volumetric soil‐water content (θs), and intrarow soil CO2 efflux (Φs) of an open‐field spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Yecora Rojo) crop grown in the semiarid desert Southwest. A temperature free‐air controlled enhancement (T‐FACE) apparatus using IR heaters maintained canopy air temperature above 3.0‐m plots by 1.3 and 2.7°C (0.2 and 0.3°C below the targeted set‐points) during the diurnal and nocturnal periods, respectively. A randomized complete block (RCB) design with two IR warming treatments (i.e., Heated; Reference) in three replicates was planted on 10 Mar. and 1 Dec. 2008. Intrarow Ts, θs, and Φs were measured from emergence (bare soil) up until inflorescence emergence (canopy closure). Under ample soil water supply with high θs, midday Φs was 10% greater in Heated [4.1 μmol (CO2) m−2 s−1] compared with Reference [3.7 μmol (CO2) m−2 s−1]. In contrast, as the soil dried and θs decreased to a greater degree in Heated compared with Reference, a 10% decrease in Φs occurred in Heated compared with Reference. Overall, θs had the greatest impact on Φs, whereas it was responsive to Ts only under high θs. Accurate predictions of global climate change effects on Φs in agricultural soils require that interactive effects of Ts and θs be coupled. Infrared warming with T‐FACE proved to be an effective experimental methodology to investigate these interactive effects.
A Versatile, Low‐Cost Weighing Hopper for Small‐Plot Field Research
Authors: Pearson Calvin H. , Judson Fred M. , Rock Calvin B.
Published: March 2013

Conducting small‐plot, field research often necessitates weighing plant matter. A versatile, low‐cost, custom‐made weighing hopper for conducting small‐plot, field research was designed and fabricated at the Colorado State University, Agricultural Experiment Station, Western Colorado Research Center at Fruita. The major components of the weighing hopper are: (i) weighing container, (ii) frame, (iii) electromechanical actuators, (iv) weighing electronics and accompanying wiring and momentary switch, and (v) three‐point hitch, tool bar, and clamps. The cost of fabricating the weighing hopper was approximately $3700, not including labor expended by the authors. The time required to harvest two, 76‐cm corn (Zea mays L.) forage rows that are 11.3‐m long, capture the weight of the chopped plant matter, empty the contents of the weighing hopper, and allow the scale to zero and be ready to harvest the next plot is 60 to 75 s. The weighing hopper is considered to be safe, easy to use, relatively inexpensive, reliable, and accurate with good precision. We designed and constructed the weighing hopper for corn forage research, but we envision it could be used in other research applications.
Novel methodology for evaluating economic feasibility of low-water cooling technology retrofits at power plants
Authors: Stillwell Ashlynn S. , Webber Michael E.
Published: March 2013

Increasing demand on water supplies – already strained by population and economic growth and instream flow requirements – means many areas are considering conservation and reallocation to meet their needs. One method of increasing water availability is through low-water cooling technologies at thermoelectric power plants. Cooling towers, hybrid wet–dry and dry cooling systems reduce water requirements and the environmental impact at power plants but require additional capital and operating expenditure. These expenses can be offset with revenue from leasing water rights made available by new cooling technologies and the added benefit of drought resiliency. Thus, cooling technology retrofits are hypothesized as cost-effective opportunities for increasing drought resiliency and supporting instream flows. To test this hypothesis, we developed a novel methodology for evaluating drought resiliency as a function of economic and technical performance parameters. Using a river basin-based water resources model of 39 Texas power plants, we illustrate this methodology to determine the feasibility of retrofitting alternative cooling technologies. At current capital costs and water prices, switching to alternative cooling technologies is economically justifiable today at three facilities. Higher water prices, coupled with higher volatility in water availability, will be likely to make low-water cooling technologies economically viable at more power plants in the future.
From vagueness to precision: raising the volume on social issues for the water sector
Authors: Goldin Jacqueline
Published: March 2013

The paper raises the volume on complex social issues that affect water management. The paper proposes Amartya Sen's capability approach (CA) as a suitable framework against which to consider these complex ideals. This is because the CA is attentive to issues of social justice and it addresses a range of intangible goods that contribute to human well-being which are critical if the gap between progressive ideas about water policy and their practical application is to be lessened. We isolate certain attributes within the CA and propose that these attributes are particularly relevant when considering ideas of social justice concerning water. We then conclude that a sharper focus on intangible social issues brings more precision to a water discourse that is all too often vague and fuzzy in its dealings with society.
The Szeged, vertex PI, first and second Zagreb indices of corona product of graphs
Authors: Yarahmadi Zahra , Ashrafi Reza
Published: March 2013

The corona product GoH of two graphs G and H is defined as the graph obtained
by taking one copy of G and |V(G)| copies of H and joining the i-th vertex of
G to every vertex in the i?th copy of H. In this paper, the Szeged, vertex PI
and the first and second Zagreb indices of corona product of graphs are
computed.
Generalized topological function spaces and a classification of generalized computer topological spaces
Authors: Georgiou D.N. , Han Sang-Eon
Published: March 2013

We introduce several kinds of generalized continuities and homeomorphisms in
computer topology and investigate some properties of function spaces of these
generalized continuous maps and classify generalized computer topological
spaces up to each of these generalized homeomorphisms.
The optimal convergence factor of the gradient based iterative algorithm for linear matrix equations
Authors: Wang Xiang , Liao Dan
Published: March 2013

A hierarchical gradient based iterative algorithm of [L. Xie et al.,
Computers and Mathematics with Applications 58 (2009) 1441-1448] has been
presented for finding the numerical solution for general linear matrix
equations, and the convergent factor has been discussed by numerical
experiments. However, they pointed out that how to choose a best convergence
factor is still a project to be studied. In this paper, we discussed the
optimal convergent factor for the gradient based iterative algorithm and
obtained the optimal convergent factor. Moreover, the theoretical results of
this paper can be extended to other methods of gradient-type based. Results
of numerical experiments are consistent with the theoretical findings.
A new application of generalized power increasing sequences
Authors: Bor Hüseyin
Published: March 2013

In this paper, an application of quasi-?-power increasing sequences has been
generalized for quasi- f -power increasing sequences. We have also obtained
some new results.
Modelling of Classical and Rotary Inverted Pendulum Systems – A Generalized Approach
Authors: Jadlovský Slávka , Sarnovský Ján
Published: March 2013

The purpose of this paper is to present the design and program implementation of a general procedure which yields the mathematical model for a classical or rotary inverted pendulum system with an arbitrary number of pendulum links. Lagrange equations of the second kind with an integrated Rayleigh dissipation function are employed in model design, and the energetic balance relations, derived for the base and all pendulum links in a generalized (n-link) classical and rotary inverted pendulum system, are implemented in form of symbolic MATLAB functions and a MATLAB GUI application. The validity and accuracy of motion equations generated by the application are demonstrated by evaluating the open-loop responses of simulation models of classical double and rotary single inverted pendulum.
Improvement of BER performance in MIMO–CDMA systems by using initial–phase optimized gold codes
Authors: Develi Ibrahim , Filiz Meryem
Published: March 2013

This paper describes a new approach to improve the bit error rate (BER) performance of a multiple-input multiple-output code-division multiple-access (MIMO-CDMA) system over quasi-static Rayleigh fading channels. The system considered employs robust space-time successive interference cancellation detectors and initial-phase optimized Gold codes for the improvement. The results clearly indicate that the use of initial-phase optimized Gold codes can significantly improve the BER performance of the system compared to the performance of a multiuser MIMO-CDMA system with conventional nonoptimized Gold codes. Furthermore, this performance improvement is achieved without any increase in system complexity.
The Cylindrical Multi–Wire System to Provide Homogeneous Electric Field
Authors: Janík Ján , Veselý Marian
Published: March 2013

This article is a study of electrostatic field homogeneity produced by system of wires cylindrically placed parallel to the axis. The study investigates the homogeneity in a chamber having 20 wires and compares results of different computation methods. The chamber can be a part of a charge particles beam deflecting system as good as it can be an electrostatic part of Wien velocity filter for electron/ion beams. Results of field homogeneity radius calculations are presented.
Robust Control Methods a Systematic Survey
Authors: Veselý Vojtech
Published: March 2013

The paper addresses the problem how to recognize a level of robust controller design and is aimed show the difficulties of implementation for practical use. In the first part of paper we introduce the survey of robust controller design for SISO systems with generalization design procedure for structured and unstructured uncertainties. The second part of paper is devoted to MIMO systems. In the frequency domain robust controller design procedure we reduce to independent design of SISO subsystems and in time domain the LMI or BMI approaches with polytopic system description are favorable.
Malignancies after kidney transplantation: 3 clinical case reports
Authors: Dalinkevičienė Eglė , Kuzminskis Vytautas , Kairevičė Laura , Jančiauskienė Rasa , Milonas Daimantas , Jievaltas Mindaugas , Sribikienė Birutė , Bumblytė Inga-Arūnė
Published: March 2013

Post-transplant malignancies present an aggressive course and are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Tumours of viral ethiology have the greatest risk in renal transplant recipients. Oncogenic effect of immunosuppressive therapy is another major risk factor of post-transplant malignancy. We report cases of three different types of malignancies developed after kidney transplantation: non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma and germ cell testicular cancer (nonseminoma).
Research and Development and Tax Incentives
Authors: Hodžić Sabina
Published: March 2013

In many countries, tax incentives are a popular means to achieve political, economic and social objectives. Their aim is to reach and accelerate certain activities of public interest. Furthermore, one of the objectives is to accelerate the development of a certain industry and influence the growth of research and investment in foreign capital. Innovation is the key element that helps a company achieve competitive advantage. Global competition is forced to offer unique products with added values on the market. Tax incentives for research and development are an important factor of innovation. This paper aims to present the importance of research and development, as well as the role of tax incentives. States should use their fiscal policy to stimulate investment in research and development through various forms of tax relief. The Republic of Croatia applies tax incentives for research and development, but to a significantly less extent than other European Union countries.
The Influence of Globalization in Promoting Entrepreneurship in Malaysia
Authors: Arokiasamy Anantha Raj A.
Published: March 2013

Entrepreneurship is increasingly becoming a very relevant instrument in promoting economic growth in a country. Thus the role of globalization in promoting entrepreneurship in Malaysia is analyzed in this context. In this regard, universities as teaching and research units and according to their potential and capabilities play an important role in development, entrepreneurship and job creation. What affect does globalization have on an economy? Globalization of education and entrepreneurial studies has allowed efficient access to the scientific environment and culture of various countries. Given the ever-changing world in which we live, this paper aims to explain the importance of investigating educational and research activities of universities converging towards globalization and entrepreneurship.
Supply Management: A Transaction Cost Economics Framework
Authors: Garfamy Reza Mohammady
Published: March 2013

Transaction Cost Economics (TCE) is an economic theory that provides an analytical framework for investigating the governance structure of contractual relations within a supply chain. The purpose of this paper is to examine existing research in an effort to understand the potential effects of transaction costs on the vertical coordination of a supply chain. The paper arrives at many insights into how supply chains are organized under different governance structures. These insights can certainly be shared via the development and introduction of related propositions. The conceptual typology of contractual relations developed herein can help researchers better understand the scope of both the problems and the opportunities associated with supply management. It will be of value, therefore, not only to researchers who desire to expand their research into this area, but also to those who have already investigated this topic in isolation or with limited scope.
On the Ethnographic Categorization of Biodiversity in the Danube Delta “Biosphere Reserve”
Authors: Constantin Marin
Published: March 2013

This paper is an interpretative approach of a conflicting state of affairs in the Danube Delta, Romania, where local communities of Russian and Ukrainian fishermen claim their “rights” of wetland management in the context of (and sometimes against) the government policies of “conserving biodiversity”. My general assumption is that divergences acting between fishermen and the authorities in the Danube Delta are essentially rooted in a kind of “generalized (but not insurmountable) incongruity” of two such occupational and institutional “worlds” and, moreover “worldviews”.
The Business Media for the Rural World – an Analysis on the Romanian Audiovisual
Authors: Radu Raluca Nicoleta
Published: March 2013

Starting from the findings a Romanian research group gathered during the project “Models of mass-media consumption in the Romanian rural world: traditional identities, European identities” of the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Studies, University of Bucharest, this article identifies some risk factors in the conceptual design of an audiovisual programme for the rural world. These factors are: (1) differences in the definitions of the public - in our case, the Romanian peasant - as they are held by the journalist, the programme editor, the sources and by the public itself; (2) a quasi-general lack of vision about the future of the rural world, based on a lack of information; and (3) deficiency in applying journalistic information gathering techniques and text writing rules. The conclusions are based on media product analysis of business journalism programmes broadcast by the Romanian public broadcasting services for rural audiences and on questionnaire-based and in-depth interviewing with potential members of the public.
Blood dendritic cells in cattle infected with bovine leukemia virus (BLV): isolation and phenotyping
Authors: Szczotka M. , Kuźmak J. , Kostro K. , Bednarek D. , Purzycka M.
Published: March 2013

Dendritic cells (DCs) are most potent antigen presenting cells (APCs) with unique ability to prime effective immune responses. They express higher levels of MHC class II and accesory molecules on their surface, than other professional APCs. The investigations were performed on DCs generated from blood with the use of microbeads magnetically labeled with mouse anti human CD14. Flow cytometry was applied for determination of DCs immunophenotype in healthy and naturally infected with BLV cattle. For immunophenotyping mouse monoclonal antibodies anti bovine: CD11a, CD11b, CD11c, MHC-I and MHC-II were used. Our results demonstrated that dendritic cells infected with BLV expressed very high percentage of determinants: CD11a, CD11b, CD11c, MHC-I and MHC-II class. Leukaemic DCs exhibited DCs morphology and had a phenotype of mature DCs. The expression of gp51 glycoprotein of BLV on leukaemic DCs was detected in flow cytometry investigations.
Effect of a two-week treatment with low dose of ortho-substituted polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB104 and PCB153) on VEGF-receptor system expression in the choroid plexus in adult ewes
Authors: Szczepkowska A. , Młynarczuk J. , Grochowalski A. , Dufourny L. , Thiéry J.-C. , Skipor J.
Published: March 2013

Ortho-substituted polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, which constitute a large part of PCB residues found in the environment and in animal tissues, are known to exert potent vascular effects and can activate endothelial cells in the periphery and in the brain. The choroid plexus (CP) is responsible for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production and its epithelial cell layer is responsible for structure and functions of the blood-CSF barrier. The aims of this study were: 1) to investigate if environmentally relevant doses of PCB153 and similar doses of PCB104 caused changes in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) - receptor system, which maintains CP function, and 2) to determine the level of both congeners in blood plasma after their oral administration. Studies of both congeners were performed on ovariectomized ewes treatedper oswith low doses (0.1 mg/kg, three times a week for two weeks) of PCB153 (n=4) or PCB104 (n=4) and vehicle (control, n=4). The effects of PCB153 and PCB104 treatment on mRNA expression of two isoforms of VEGF (VEGF120 and VEGF164) and their receptors Flt-1 and KDR were determined using real-time PCR. Plasma concentration of PCBs was measured using high resolution chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (HRGC/MS-MS). We observed that neither PCB153 nor PCB104 significantly altered the mRNA of the VEGF-receptor system in the CP. In PCB treated animals plasma concentration of PCB153 (1.425 ± 0.16 ng/g of dry mass, DM) was about 150 times higher than PCB104 (0.009 ± 0.007ng/g DM). In control animals the PCB153 level was 0.14 ± 0.031 ng/g DM, while the PCB104 level was below detection level. This indicates that increase in plasma PCB153 concentration to levels similar to those reported in humans and of PCB104 concentration to levels 100 times higher than those found in human plasma did not affect the VEGF-receptor system in the CP in adult ewes. The significantly lower increase of PCB104 than PCB153 concentration in blood after oral administration suggests different absorption of both congeners from the digestive tract.
Mismatch between transcriptomic and histopathologic picture of canine lymphomas
Authors: Ostrzeszewicz M. , Maciejewski H. , Sapierzyński R. , Micuń J. , Majewska A. , Lechowski R. , Motyl T. , Jank M.
Published: March 2013

Lymphoma is one of the most common malignant tumours occurring in dogs. Since there is a constant need for new, more comprehensive laboratory diagnostic tools which permit the precise determination of many tumour-related factors we decided to verify whether the use of microarray analysis could be helpful in classifying lymphomas. The study was performed on samples collected from 7 dogs in which multicentric lymphoma was recognized. Among this group we were able to identify one sub-cluster of transcriptionally similar tumours, which completely differed in terms of the histopathological examination. Among them there were one diffuse large B cell lymphoma, one diffuse macronucleolated medium-sized cell lymphoma and one pleomorphic mixed small and large T-cell lymphoma. The lymphomas belonging to the sub-cluster differed from other analysed tumours in the expression of more than 100 genes of which only 18 were described earlier in regard to lymphomas.
Nutritional Analysis of Locally Preferred Fodder Trees of Middle Hills of Nepal: A Case Study from Hemja VDC, Kaski District
Authors: Dhungana Sunita , Tripathee Hari P , Puri Lila , Timilsina Yajna P , Devkota Krishna P
Published: March 2013

The study on nutritional value of locally preferred fodder trees in the farmland of middle hills of Nepal was conducted in Hemja VDC of Kaski district. Primary information on distribution and frequency of fodder trees was obtained through key informants survey, group discussion and observation of the study area. The preference ranking of ten most abundant fodder trees was done on the basis of palatability, propagation easiness, growth rate and competition with agricultural crops. The nutritional value of fodder species was analyzed and compared with the farmers’ preference ranking to examine association among them. The analysis correspond farmers’ preference of fodder tree species to their nutritional values. The study revealed that Ficus subinisa was the dominant fodder tree however, the Artocarpus lakoocha was highly preferred trees for its palatability and nourishing values. Nutritional analysis of ten preferred fodder species with respect to moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber and carbohydrate was carried out. The crude protein varied from 15-29%, in which, A. lakoocha to contained the highest amount of crude protein. Similarly, F. lacor contained highest crude fiber (42.07%), and Machilus odoratissima yielded highest amount of carbohydrate (21.92%). Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 13, No. 2 (2012) 39-44 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v13i2.7712
Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Assessment of Five Medicinal Plants Found in Terai Region
Authors: Sah Sadhana , Shrestha Ranjita , Koirala Sadikchya , Bhattarai Keshab
Published: March 2013

Crude petroleum ether and methanol extracts of different parts of five medicinal plants collected from Terai region, namely, Asparagus racemosus, Catharanthus roseus, Hedychium coronarium, Mimosa pudica and Terminalia chebula were examined for their antimicrobial activity against different pathogenic microorganisms, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsella spp., Salmonella paratyphi, Bacillus subtilis, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium spp. and Penicillium spp. From the obtained growth curves of methanol extract of Terminalia chebula and petroleum ether and methanol extracts of Hedychium coronarium, it can be said these extracts have relatively high bacteriostatic property than other plant extracts. Similarly, the zone of inhibitions observed during antifungal assay by methanol extract of Terminalia chebula against Aspergillus niger, Fusarium spp. and Penicillium spp. are comparable to that of Itraconazole (antifungal drug). It shows that Terminalia chebula has fungistatic property. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids and glycosides. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 13, No. 2 (2012) 79-86 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v13i2.7718