bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multicenter Comparison of Four Contemporary Sensitive Troponin Immunoassays
Authors: Salvagno Gian Luca , Giavarina Davide , Meneghello Moira , Musa Roberta , Aloe Rosalia , Da Rin Giorgio , Lippi Giuseppe
Published: November 2013

Background: The IFCC Task Force on Clinical Applications of Cardiac Biomarkers currently recommends evaluation of all troponin immunoassays within the same population to compare their performance. Hence, we planned a multicenter study to compare the four most widespread contemporary sensitive troponin I (TnI) methods.

Methods: Seventy-six serum samples were centrifuged, separated and divided in 5 aliquots. The first aliquot was used for clinical measurement, whereas the rest were shipped to participating laboratories, where they were simultaneously thawed. High-sensitivity troponin T (HS-TnT) was measured on a Roche Cobas, whereas TnI was assessed with the Ortho Vitros cTnI, Beckman Coulter DXI 800 AccuTnI, Siemens Vista cTnI and Abbott Architect STAT cTnI.

Results: A substantial bias was found between TnI and HSTnT values. Although the correlation was acceptable and comprised between 0.86-0.89, the agreement of diagnostic values was poor, with the kappa statistic always lower than 0.50. Although the direct comparison between the four contemporary sensitive TnI immunoassays generated more favourable results, with Pearson’s correlations greater than 0.970 and the kappa statistic equal to or higher than 0.59, we observed wide 95% confidence intervals, significant bias and large dispersion of values, with a single notable exception (i.e., Vitros cTnI versus DXI 800 AccuTnI).

Conclusions: The results of this study attest that substantial discrepancies still exist among contemporary sensitive TnI immunoassays. The presence of random variation rather than constant bias appears to be the major contributor to this variance, thus precluding the interchangeability of methods and making the objective of harmonization a rather long and challenging enterprise.
Pituitary-Gonadal, Pituitary-Adrenocortical Hormones and IL-6 Levels Following Long-Term Magnesium Supplementation in Male Students
Authors: Zogović Dušanka , Pešić Vesna , Dmitrašinović Gordana , Dajak Marijana , Plećaš Bosiljka , Batinić Bojan , Popović Dejana , Ignjatović Svetlana
Published: November 2013

Background: Sleep deprivation, malnutrition and lack of physical activity are contemporary stress-related factors present in the student population. Stress activates the HPA and often suppresses the HPG axis, but also influences cytokine synthesis and consequently regulates immune response. Since magnesium deficiency facilitates negative pathophysiological consequences, a reasonable question imposes, wheth er Mg supplementation might correct the adrenal/go - n adal hormone balance and immuno-endocrine function.

Methods: Fifteen male students were given 2 × 250 mg Mg for four weeks. Serum levels of FSH, LH, testosterone (T), ACTH and cortisol (C) were measured before and after supplementation and the T/C ratio was calculated. Furthermore, IL-6, red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cells (WBC) and the WBC differential were measured.

Results: Despite no change in the serum level of ACTH, a statistically significant (p<0.05) decrease in the serum cortisol level appeared, accompanied with an IL-6 level reduction (p<0.05) after Mg supplementation. Analysis of the pituitarygonadal axis hormones showed an increasing trend of the FSH level (p=0.087), and a significant increase (p<0.05) in the T/C ratio. An RBC count increase (p<0.001) was found, along with a decrease in the percentage of neutrophils (p< 0.05), and a trend toward a lymphocyte percentage increase.

Conclusions: The results suggest that chronic oral magnesium supplementation in male students improves the balance of pituitary-gonadal and pituitary-adrenal hormones and is involved in the regulation of the basal IL-6 level.
An Optimization Approach to Selective Editing
Authors: Arbue´s Ignacio , Revilla Pedro , Salgado David
Published: November 2013

We set out two generic principles for selective editing, namely the minimization of interactive editing resources and data quality assurance. These principles are translated into a generic optimization problem with two versions. On the one hand, if no cross-sectional information is used in the selection of units, we derive a stochastic optimization problem. On the other hand, if that information is used, we arrive at a combinatorial optimization problem. These problems are substantiated by constructing a so-called observation-prediction model, that is, a multivariate statistical model for the nonsampling measurement errors assisted by an auxiliary model to make predictions. The restrictions of these problems basically set upper bounds upon the modelled measurement errors entering the survey estimators. The bounds are chosen by subject-matter knowledge. Furthermore, we propose a selection efficiency measure to assess any selective editing technique and make a comparison between this approach and some score functions. Special attention is paid to the relationship of this approach with the editing fieldwork conditions, arising issues such as the selection versus the prioritization of units and the connection between the selective and macro editing techniques. This approach neatly links the selection and prioritization of sampling units for editing (micro approach) with considerations upon the survey estimators themselves (macro approach).
Automated and Manual Data Editing: A View on Process Design and Methodology
Authors: Pannekoek Jeroen , Scholtus Sander , Van der Loo Mark
Published: November 2013

Data editing is arguably one of the most resource-intensive processes at NSIs. Forced by everincreasing budget pressure, NSIs keep searching for more efficient forms of data editing. Efficiency gains can be obtained by selective editing, that is, limiting the manual editing to influential errors, and by automating the editing process as much as possible. In our view, an optimal mix of these two strategies should be aimed for. In this article we present a decomposition of the overall editing process into a number of different tasks and give an upto- date overview of all the possibilities of automatic editing in terms of these tasks. During the design of an editing process, this decomposition may be helpful in deciding which tasks can be done automatically and for which tasks (additional) manual editing is required. Such decisions can be made a priori, based on the specific nature of the task, or by empirical evaluation, which is illustrated by examples. The decomposition in tasks, or statistical functions, also naturally leads to reuseable components, resulting in efficiency gains in process design.
Internet Coverage and Coverage Bias in Europe: Developments Across Countries and Over Time
Authors: Mohorko Anja , Leeuw Edith de , Hox Joop
Published: November 2013

To estimate the coverage error for web surveys in Europe over time, we analyzed data from the Eurobarometer. The Eurobarometer collects data for the European Community across member and applicant states. Since 2005, the Eurobarometer has contained a straightforward question on Internet access. We compared respondents with and without Internet access and estimated coverage bias for demographic variables (sex, age, length of education) and sociopolitical variables (left-right position on a political scale, life satisfaction). Countries in Europe do differ in Internet penetration and resulting coverage bias. Over time, Internet penetration dramatically increases and coverage bias decreases, but the rate of change differs across countries. In addition, the countries’ development significantly affects the pace of these changes.
Proteomic Analysis of Soybean Leaves in a Compatible and an Incompatible Interaction with Phakopsora Pachyrhizi
Authors: Pereira Mateus Rodrigues , Gouvêa Bianca Castro , Marcelino-Guimarães Francismar Corrêa , Ramos Humberto Josué de Oliveira , Moreira Maurilio Alves , Barros Everaldo Gonçalves de
Published: November 2013

Asian soybean rust (ASR), which is incited by the fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi, is considered one of the most aggressive diseases to the soybean culture. There are no commercial cultivars immune to the pathogen and the control measure currently used is the application of fungicides that harms the environment and increases production costs. For a better understanding of the host’s response to the pathogen at the molecular level, two soybean genotypes were analyzed (PI561356, resistant to ASR and Embrapa 48, susceptible) at 72 hours and 192 hours after inoculation with spores of P. pachyrhizi. Leaf protein profiles of the plants were compared by two-dimensional electrophoresis associated with mass spectrometry (MS). Twenty-two protein spots presented different levels when the two treatments were compared (inoculated vs. non-inoculated). From those, twelve proteins were identified by MS analysis. Some of them are involved in metabolic pathways related to plant defense against pathogens, as in the case of carbonic anhydrase, 1-deoxy-D-xylulose- 5-phosphate reductoisomerase, fructose-bisphosphate aldolase and glutamine synthetase. The possible biochemical-physiological meanings of our findings are discussed.
The role of PET-CT in radiotherapy planning of solid tumours
Authors: Jelercic Stasa , Rajer Mirjana
Published: November 2013

Background. PET-CT is becoming more and more important in various aspects of oncology. Until recently it was used mainly as part of diagnostic procedures and for evaluation of treatment results. With development of personalized radiotherapy, volumetric and radiobiological characteristics of individual tumour have become integrated in the multistep radiotherapy (RT) planning process. Standard anatomical imaging used to select and delineate RT target volumes can be enriched by the information on tumour biology gained by PET-CT. In this review we explore the current and possible future role of PET-CT in radiotherapy treatment planning. After general explanation, we assess its role in radiotherapy of those solid tumours for which PET-CT is being used most.

Conclusions. In the nearby future PET-CT will be an integral part of the most radiotherapy treatment planning procedures in an every-day clinical practice. Apart from a clear role in radiation planning of lung cancer, with forthcoming clinical trials, we will get more evidence of the optimal use of PET-CT in radiotherapy planning of other solid tumours
Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) as a bridge to aortic valve replacement in cancer patients who require urgent non-cardiac surgery
Authors: Kogoj Polonca , Devjak Rok , Bunc Matjaz
Published: November 2013

Background. Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) is a percutaneous treatment option for severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis. Due to early restenosis and failure to improve long term survival, BAV is considered a palliative measure in patients who are not suitable for open heart surgery due to increased perioperative risk. BAV can be used also as a bridge to surgical or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in haemodinamically unstable patients or in patients who require urgent major non-cardiac surgery.

Patients and methods. We reported on 6 oncologic patients with severe aortic stenosis that required a major abdominal and gynaecological surgery. In 5 cases we performed BAV procedure alone; in one patient with concomitant coronary artery disease we combined BAV and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Results. With angioplasty and BAV we achieved a good coronary artery flow and an increase in aortic valve area without any periprocedural complications. After the successful procedure, we observed a hemodynamic and symptomatic improvement. As a consequence the operative risk for non-cardiac surgery decreased and the surgical treatment of cancer was done without complications in all the 6 cases. Conclusions. BAV can be utilized as a part of a complex therapy in severe aortic stenosis aimed to improve the quality of life, decrease the surgical risk for major non-cardiac surgery or as a bridge to surgical or transcatheter aortic valve implantation.
Inter-application displacement of brachytherapy dose received by the bladder and rectum of the patients with inoperable cervical cancer
Authors: Marosevic Goran , Ljuca Dzenita , Osmic Hasan , Fazlic Semir , Arsovski Oliver , Mileusnic Dusan
Published: November 2013

Background. The aim of the study was to examine on the CT basis the inter-application displacement of the positions D0.1cc, D1cc and D2cc of the brachytherapy dose applied to the bladder and rectum of the patients with inoperable cervical cancer.

Patients and methods. This prospective study included 30 patients with cervical cancer who were treated by concomitant chemo-radiotherapy. HDR intracavitary brachytherapy was made by the applicators type Fletcher tandem and ovoids. For each brachytherapy application the position D0.1cc was determined of the bladder and rectum that receive a brachytherapty dose. Then, based on the X, Y, and Z axis displacement, inter-application mean X, Y, and Z axis displacements were calculated as well as their displacement vectors (R). It has been analyzed whether there is statistically significant difference in inter-application displacement of the position of the brachytherapy dose D0.1cc, D1cc and D2cc of the bladder and rectum. The ANOVA test and post-hoc analysis by Tukey method were used for testing statistical importance of differences among the groups analyzed. The difference among the groups analyzed was considered significant if p < 0.05. Results. There are significant inter-application displacements of the position of the brachytherapy dose D0,1cc, D1cc and D2cc of the bladder and rectum. Conclusions. When we calculate the cumulative brachytherapy dose by summing up D0,1cc, D1cc and D2cc of the organs at risk for all the applications, we must bear in mind their inter-application displacement, and the fact that it is less likely that the worst scenario would indeed happen
Cyclical Surfaces Created by Helix on General Surface of Revolution
Authors: Olejníková Tatiana
Published: November 2013

This paper describes the method for modelling of cyclical surfaces created by the helix on the general surface of revolution Φ. The axis of the cyclical surface Φ1 is the helix s created by screwing the point located on the surface Φ about the axis of this surface. The circle moves together with Frenet-Serret moving trihedron along the helix s and creates the cyclical surface Φ1. The paper describes also the modelling of a rope of n cyclical surfaces created by moving circles about tangent, principal normal or binormal of the helix s.
Geometrical Modeling of Steel Ropes
Authors: Stanová Eva
Published: November 2013

The paper deals with the mathematical geometric modeling of the ropes of circular cross- section. Such rope can be formed from strands of different shapes. There is considered steel rope made up of six strands, whose crosssection has oval, triangular or circular profil in this paper. The wires of these types of the strands are presented by parametric equations of the wire axis. The equations are implemented in the Pro/Engineer Wildfire V5 software for creating the geometrical model of the strand.
Towards Regularisation: Morphological Spelling in Several Editions of the Kalender of Shepherdes
Authors: Rutkowska Hanna
Published: November 2013

This corpus-based study focuses on the graphemic realisations of several derivational suffixes in thirteen editions of the Kalender of Shepherdes, an early modern almanac published between 1506 and 1656. Morphological spelling, that is, the consistent representation of particular morphemes, is considered to be one of the most important criteria in research on the orthographic standardisation in English. The analysis of the graphomorphemic information available in the documents under consideration indicates that particular printing houses applied different combinations of spelling rules with regard to the variants of suffixes and were characterised by varying levels of consistency in the use of these graphemic representations. The new spelling variants of the suffixes were adopted partly as the printers’ own regularisation policy, and partly under the influence of normative writings.
Miocene Toothed Whales (Cetacea, Odontoceti) from the Dniester Valley: The First Record of Sperm Whales (Physeteroidea) from The Eastern Europe
Authors: Gol’din P. E. , Marareskul V. A.
Published: November 2013

Isolated odontocete teeth were found in two Miocene sites in the Dniester River valley. Cetaceans from the both sites possibly represent unknown taxa. One of them is a stem physeteroid, the most similar to Scaldicetus caretti and Early Miocene taxa; another one can be a stem physeteroid or a large stem delphinoid.
Mitochondrial DNA Polymorphism of The European Roe Deer, Capreolus Capreolus (Artiodactyla, Cervidae), from The South-West of Ukraine
Authors: Zvychaynaya E. Yu. , Volokh A. M. , Kholodova M. V. , Danilkin A. A.
Published: November 2013

Analysis of mtDNA control region (934 b. p.) and cytochrome b gene (1140 b. p.) polymorphism of the 33 roe deer samples from the south-west of Ukraine was carried out. 30 different haplotypes of mtDNA have been described and all of them are related to Capreolus capreolus Linnaeus, 1758. Two well differentiated haplogroups were discovered on the examined territory. The isolated subgroup of related haplotypes was revealed in the Crimea that is likely a result of the long-term geographical isolation of the Crimean roe deer populations.
The Chorionic Sculpture in Eggs of Some Noctuidae (Lepidoptera)
Authors: Dolinskaya I. V. , Ponomarenko M. G.
Published: November 2013

The eggs of 9 species Noctuidae belonging in 4 subfamilies (Plusiinae, Eustrotinae, Acontiinae and Pantheinae) are examined, described, and illustrated with SEM. The diagnostic characters of the eggs of examined species are given.
Changes in the Structure and Functions of Mollusc Organs Under the Effect of Orientobilharzia Turkestanica Larvae
Authors: Shakarbaev U. A. , Mingbaev A. S. , Akramova F. D. , Shakarboev E. B. , Azimov D. A.
Published: November 2013

The paper presents results of the studies on alterations in the structure and functions of mollusc organs under the effect of the trematode Orientobilharzia turkestanica (Skrjabin, 1913) larvae. Destructive changes were observed along with a vast necrosis of the hepatopancreatic gland. Parasitism of O. turkestanica parthenitae and cercariae in L. auricularia causes deep histopathological changes in the tissues. Protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism disorders result in the weakening of molluscs and loss of their lability, which is essential for adaptation to environmental changes. The latter is confirmed by a high mortality of infected individuals.
Changes in Levels of Affirmative Action in College Admissions in Response to Statewide Bans and Judicial Rulings
Authors: Blume Grant H. , Long Mark C.
Published: November 2013

Affirmative action in college admissions was effectively banned in Texas by the Hopwood ruling in 1997, by voter referenda in California and Washington in 1996 and 1998, and by administrative decisions in Florida in 1999. The Hopwood and Johnson rulings also had possible applicability to public colleges throughout Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The Supreme Court’s 2003 decision in the Grutter and Gratz cases reaffirmed but limited the legal basis for affirmative action in colleges. This article uses nationally representative data on the admissions decisions of high school students in 1992 and 2004 to estimate the magnitude of the change in affirmative action in college admission decisions (i.e., how these policy changes affected the relative likelihood of admission of minority and nonminority applicants). We find substantial declines in levels of affirmative action practiced by highly selective colleges in the states affected by bans and the Hopwood and Johnson rulings, and no evidence of declines outside these states (and thus modest and generally insignificant declines nationwide). We show how the decline in affirmative action in these particular states affects not only students in these states but also those students who live in adjacent states, particularly when the adjacent states lack highly selective colleges.
Morphological plasticity of corms in enhancing invasion of Chromolaena odorata
Authors: Joshi C. , Andel J. Van , Skidmore A. , Leeuw J. De , Duren I. V.
Published: November 2013

In this paper, the researchers investigate the vegetative growth of Chromolaena odorata and the infl uence of light intensity on the understorey environment of Shorea robusta forest at Chitwan in south-central Terai, Nepal. C. odorata is a clonally growing shrub and typically consists of several clones with an underground “cormous organ” (a modifi ed stem to store food reserve; here after “corm”) belonging to an identical genet. In C. odorata, the biomass of such corms varied across the light gradient. The number of shoot demonstrated a strong logarithmic relation with biomass of corm. Under open forest canopy environment, corm biomass was strongly correlated with the number of shoots and the corm’s age. However, under dense forest canopy, there was no signifi cant relationship between corm biomass and its age. This result shows that corms of C. odorata were capable of maintaining their viability for a long period even under closed canopy environment. Any disturbances in forest canopy density would ultimately trigger its clonal growth capability. This plasticity of corms appeared to be a key strategy for invasion success of this species. Comparison of these results further indicates the importance of canopy density in determining invasion success of C. odorata.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/banko.v21i2.9124Banko JanakariVol. 21, No. 2, 2011Page: 3-12Uploaded date: November 10, 2013
Taming and Training Greek “Peasant Girls” and the Gendered Politics of Whiteness in Postwar Canada: Canadian Bureaucrats and Immigrant Domestics, 1950s–1960s
Authors: Mina Noula
Published: November 2013

Drawing on the voluminous government records as well as selective interviews in a large oral history archive created over several years, this article explores Canada's recruitment of Greek female domestics in the 1950s and early 1960s within the context of the feminist scholarship on female labour schemes as well as more recent whiteness literature on the in-between racial status of peripheral Europeans. In considering the contradictory features of a large but little-known labour scheme through which more than ten thousand Greek women arrived, many of them before their families, it documents the role of the bureaucrats – who envisioned the domestics' transformation into models of modern domesticity while portraying them as victims of their patriarchal communities and manipulators of Canadian immigration policy – and that of the women who negotiated various challenges. To account for the scheme's remarkable longevity, a key argument probes the mix of factors that repositioned a traditionally non-preferred Southern European group of women into a desirable white source of immigrant labour and future Canadian motherhood. Ultimately, Greek women enjoyed a racial privilege and mobility not afforded to later arriving women from the Caribbean and Philippines.
A “Golden Age” of CBC Television News for the Military, 1952–1956
Authors: Schwartz Mallory
Published: November 2013

Abstract:

The military received significant coverage on the earliest television news broadcasts in Canada. There were reports and features about the wars Canadians fought in Korea and were preparing to fight against the Soviets in the early years of the Cold War. A close examination of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's television (cbc-tv) news coverage between 1952 and 1956 of topics ranging from the return of troops from Korea to combat training in Petawawa, Ontario, offers insight, not only into early television representations of military endeavours, but also into a formative period in cbc-tv's development. The article argues that, during the first years of transmission, cbc-tv news programs were largely uncritical and often supportive of the military. As a result, the national broadcaster reinforced the consensus on defence policy and military commitments. This did not reflect deficiencies in the cbc National News Service's journalistic ethics, but rather production contexts unique to the early 1950s: technological constraints; limited resources; strict military regulations; the cbc's established practices, policies, and program formats; the lack of debate about defence during the early Cold War; and the influence of American broadcasters, military newsfilm services, and foreign newsreel agencies.
Integration of Congestion Pricing and Intertemporal Preference Rate in Social Welfare Function
Authors: Guzmán Luis A. , Di Ciommo Floridea , de la Hoz Daniel
Published: November 2013

Many researchers have used theoretical or empirical measures to assess social benefits in transport policy implementation. However, few have measured social benefits by using discount rates, including the inter-temporal preference rate of users, the private investment discount rate, and the intertemporal preference rate of the government. In general, the social discount rate used is the same for all social actors. This paper aims to assess a new method by integrating different types of discount rates belonging to different social actors to measure the real benefits of each actor in the short term, medium term, and long term. A dynamic simulation is provided by a strategic land use and transport interaction model. The method was tested by optimizing a cordon toll scheme in Madrid, Spain. Socioeconomic efficiency and environmental criteria were considered. On the basis of the modified social welfare function, the effects on the measure of social benefits were estimated and compared with the classical welfare function measures. The results show that the use of more suitable discount rates for each social actor had an effect on the selection and definition of optimal strategy of congestion pricing. The usefulness of the measure of congestion toll declines more quickly over time. This result could be the key to understanding the relationship between transport system policies and the distribution of social actors’ benefits in a metropolitan context.
Using Onboard Sound Intensity Measurements to Interpret Results of Traffic Noise Modeling
Authors: Lodico Dana M. , Donavan Paul R.
Published: November 2013

With the evaluation of noise impacts and noise abatement under the requirements of 23 CFR 772, Procedures for Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise, traffic noise levels are calculated with FHWA's Traffic Noise Model (TNM). The TNM calculates traffic noise levels on the basis of the geometry of the site and traffic volumes, mix, and speeds. The TNM does not currently account for pavement type or condition, atypical vehicle noise populations, transparent shielding, reflections, or meteorological conditions. For these reasons, noise measurements are conducted, and traffic noise model adjustments and calibration factors are developed. For several highway studies recently conducted in California, onboard sound intensity (OBSI) measurements were made concurrent to the traditional wayside noise measurements along the length of the freeway to be studied, to account for the existing pavement type and condition of the freeway. Use of OBSI data, when compared with the calculated TNM average pavement OBSI level, has helped to interpret calibration factors that had been developed in the TNM on the basis of standard modeling practices. A description is given of how the OBSI can be used as a supplementary tool to help interpret calibration factors developed for a TNM model.
Virginia Quieter Pavement Demonstration Projects
Authors: McGhee Kevin K. , de León Izeppi Edgar David , Flintsch Gerardo W. , Mogrovejo Daniel E.
Published: November 2013

The first stages of the development of a formal quieter pavement use guideline for Virginia are described. Chronicled are the selection of lower-noise pavement technologies (i.e., quieter pavement [QP]); development and construction of the first season (2011) of QP demonstration projects and evaluation tools and analysis being used to compare the performance of the alternative strategies. After one winter of service, the lower-noise asphalt technologies were measurably (2 dB or less) less noisy than the control surfaces were on average and noticeably (≤3 dB) more quiet in several specific cases. The quiet concrete technology, the Next Generation Concrete Surface (NGCS), maintained a readily noticeable (5 dB) noise advantage over the control concrete surface. Beyond tire–pavement noise, the QP technologies have a distinct advantage over the control surfaces when it had came to achieved ride quality. The NGCS was very smooth, and contractors earned incentives for ride quality with the quiet asphalt materials, including (and especially with) the materials that were placed at a 1-in. thickness. Although some wheelpath consolidation was evident in the texture data for the asphalt technologies, all of the QP surfaces were exhibiting excellent skid resistance and were receiving consistent recognition for good wet-weather service.
Influence of Quieter Pavement and Absorptive Barriers on US-101 in Marin County, California
Authors: Donavan Paul R. , Lodico Dana M.
Published: November 2013

A highway-widening project was completed on US-101 near San Rafael in Northern California with the addition of a high-occupancy vehicle lane in each direction, relocation of the southbound existing sound wall, and the addition of a multipurpose path. Because there was an existing sound wall in the northbound direction, additional conventional noise abatement was not considered feasible under California Department of Transportation and FHWA policies for this Type 1 project. However, two elements were included to improve aspects of existing noise environment. The elements included overlaying all lanes of the completed project area with quieter, open-graded asphalt and applying absorptive treatments to the traffic side of both barriers. To document the potential benefit of these features, the Transit Authority of Marin commissioned a study of preproject and postproject noise levels. Included were measurements of wayside noise levels above and behind the northbound sound wall and of tire–pavement noise using the onboard sound intensity method. Measurements indicated that 6- to 7-dB reductions in wayside noise levels both above and behind the barrier could be accounted for by reduction in tire–pavement noise. Effectiveness of added absorption could not be directly isolated in the measurements, so the benefit of this feature was assessed through acoustic modeling. Results indicated that additional reductions of 3 to 5 dB could occur for receptors elevated above the roadway, shielded from ongoing traffic but with a view of the opposing sound wall, and at distances of 500 ft or more. Near the highway, reduction provided by absorptive treatment was 1 to 1½ dB or less.
Assessing National Institutes of Health funding and scholarly impact in neurological surgery
Authors: Svider Peter F. , Husain Qasim , Folbe Adam J. , Couldwell William T. , Liu James K. , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: November 2013

Object

Research productivity is increasingly important in academic neurological surgery and can be measured through a variety of methods, such as publications, objective bibliometrics, and securing external grant support. The authors' objectives were to determine whether there is an association between scholarly impact, as measured by the h index, and successful National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant funding awarded to faculty in neurological surgery departments.

Methods

Primary investigators receiving National Institutes of Health (NIH) awards from Fiscal Years 2011–2013 were organized by academic rank, terminal degree, and their h index, as calculated from the Scopus database. These data were also obtained for nonfunded faculty from 15 randomly selected departments for comparison, and the average h index for each group was calculated.

Results

National Institutes of Health–funded faculty had higher average h indices than their nonfunded colleagues (23.6 vs 10.8, p < 0.0001), a finding that persisted upon controlling for academic rank. The mean h index increased with successive academic rank in both cohorts; greater funding totals were seen with successive academic position (Kruskal-Wallis, p < 0.05). National Institutes of Health–funded MDs had higher h indices than their PhD colleagues (p = 0.04), although funding levels did not differ significantly. There was a trend of increasing h index with higher NIH-funding ranges (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The authors' findings demonstrate a strong relationship between scholarly impact and securing NIH funding among faculty in academic neurosurgical departments. Faculty receiving a greater amount of funding tended to have a higher h index. Mean scholarly impact, as measured by the h index, increased with successive academic rank among both NIH-funded and nonfunded faculty, suggesting that this bibliometric may have utility as an adjunct in the academic appointment and promotion process in academic neurological surgery.
Assessing Aphid Infestation in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) under Present and Future Climate Scenarios
Authors: Rao B Bapuji , Rao VUM , Nair Linitha , Prasad YG , Ramaraj AP , Chattopadhyay C
Published: November 2013

Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) production in India suffers from aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach), infestation considerably. Role of weather on the incidence and development of mustard aphids was assessed from experimental data from six north Indian locations. Aphid appearance and population build up was found to be regulated by temperature and time to attain peak population was relatively short in warm humid climates than in cool climates. Aphids appeared generally when the accumulated thermal time ranged between 810-847 and diurnal temperature range had a key role on the pest build up. Functional relations developed from the present study between aphid incidence and peak population using previous weeks weather and pest data for majority of the locations could be used for taking of any prophylactic/control measures. Projections on aphid population in future climates using generated weather variables indicated that warming may not increase aphid population at all locations uniformly. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v38i3.16924 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 38(3): 373-387, September 2013
Effect of N, P, K, and Mg application on yield and fruit Quality of mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
Authors: Nasreen Shamima , Ahmed R , Ullah MA , Hoque MA
Published: November 2013

The study was carried out at the farmer's field of Juri Upazilla, Maulavibazar District during 2008-2009, 2009-2010, and 2011-2012 to find out the proper combination of fertilizer nutrients that promotes better fruit yield and quality of mandarin (cv. Khashi Kamla). The treatments were Native nutrient i.e., control (TI), N150P50K150Mg30 (T2), N200P75K175Mg40 (T3), N250P100 K200Mg50 (T4), N300P125K225Mg60 (T5), and N200P75K175Mg0 (T6) g/plant/year. In addition, 20 kg cowdung/plant was used as blanket dose. Yield components, yield, and TSS content (%) of mandarin varied significantly due to variation of nutrients in all the test years. Fruit yield/plant was improved significantly with increase in NPK and Mg dose irrespective of years. Application of Mg in combination with NPK increased 17-157% mean fruit yield over magnesium control. Significantly the highest yield and yield attributes were recorded under treatment N300 P125 K225 Mg60 g/plant (T5) along with 20 kg cowdung/plant in all the years. Total soluble sugar (%) content was also maximum in trees receiving N300P125K225Mg30 g/plant. The highest gross margin and marginal rate of return were achieved by the same treatment (T5). The lowest fruit yield/plant was obtained from untreated control plot (native nutrient). Three years study revealed that application of N300P125K225Mg60 along with 20 kg cowdung/plant would be economically optimum for achieving higher yield and better fruit quality in mandarin grown under piedmont plain soil. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v38i3.16969 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 38(3): 425-433, September 2013
Effect of seed rate and sowing method on foliage production of different genotypes of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)
Authors: Moniruzzaman M , Rahman MM , Hossain MM , Karim AJM Sirajul , Khaliq QA
Published: November 2013

A field experiment on coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) was conducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur during February 2009 to April 2009 to find out the optimum seed rate in relation to sowing methods for maximizing foliage yield of coriander. Four genotypes (CS001, CS002, CS003 and CS008) and three sowing methods (continuous line sowing spaced at 10 cm, 20 cm and broadcast method) and three levels of seed rate (30, 40 and 50 kg/ha) were used as treatment variables.. The result showed that genotype CS003 singly gave the maximum plant height, number of leaves/plant, single plant weight and plant weight/m2 and thus gave the highest foliage yield/ha. Line sowing (10 cm), broadcast method with seed rate @ 50 kg/ha independently produced the maximum foliage weight/m2 and foliage yield/ha. Line sowing (10 cm) with 50 kg/ha seed rate produced the highest foliage yield in case of CS001, CS002 and CS003 genotypes, which was closely followed by broadcast method and the same seed rate. But line sowing (10 cm) as well as broadcast method coupled with 40 kg/ha seed rate gave better foliage yield in genotype CS008. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v38i3.16970 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 38(3): 435-445, September 2013
Effect of rate of arbuscular mycorrhiza inoculum on Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seedlings
Authors: Bhuiyan MAH
Published: November 2013

An experiment on the effect of rate of Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) inoculum on tomato seedlings was conducted at Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Joydebpur, Gazipur, Bangladesh for two consecutive years. Seven rates of AM inoculum viz., 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 kg/m2 were tested. Cowdung was used at a rate of 5 kg/m2. Seeds were sown in 10 cm apart lines on 13 November 2007 and 11 November 2008, and the seedlings were thinned out to about 3 cm from seedling to seedling within a week of germination. Roma VF was used as a variety of tomato. Biomass yield, root colonization, spore number, and nutrient uptake by tomato seedlings increased remarkably with the rates of AM inoculum. The biomass yield followed a quadratic trend with the increase of AM inoculum rate from 0 to 2.0 kg/m2 in 2007-08 and 0 to 1.5 kg/m2 in 2008-09. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v38i3.16974 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 38(3): 473-480, September 2013
Screening of different plant extracts against leaf spot (Cercospora arachidicola and Cercosporidium personatum) of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Hossain MH , Hossain I
Published: November 2013

A study was undertaken to evaluate effectiveness of foliar spray with 33 plant extracts against leaf spot (Tikka) of groundnut caused by Cercospora arachidicola and Cercosporidium personatum. Bavistin and BAU-Biofungicide were included in the experiment as checks and spray of plain water represented control. Almost all treatments gave considerable reduction in disease incidence and increase in growth parameters, pod and haulm yield compared to control. The most effective materials were Bavistin 50 WP, BAU-Biofungicide, leaf extract of neem, tomato, datura black, and datura white. The materials decreased spot number per leaf, defoliation per plant, incidence of leaf spot, and number of infected leaf per plant by 35.45 -60.07, 42.06-72.20, 51.9763.58, and 38.33 to 46.89 % and increased pod yield and haulm yield by 64.37-111.41 and 32.35- 74.71 %, respectively. The materials may be recommended against the disease after economic analysis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v38i3.16976 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 38(3): 491-503, September 2013
Correlation and path analysis of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. Var. Durum)
Authors: Khan AA , Alam MA , Alam MK , Alam MJ , Sarker ZI
Published: November 2013

A study was conducted to examine relationship between important traits of durum wheat and their direct and indirect effects on grain yield. Research work was conducted during the winter season of 2009-10 under irrigated optimum seeding condition at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Ishurdi, Pabna with 10 advanced genotypes. A wheat variety was used as check. Positive and significant correlation was found for plant height, spikes/m2, and 1000-grain weight with grain yield. Head days and maturity days showed considerable negative correlation with grain yield. Maturity days, spikes/m2, and 1000-grain weight had significant positive direct effects on grain yield. Grains/spike had direct positive effect but in low magnitude. The indirect effect of head days and plant height on grain yield was found mainly through maturity days and 1000-grain weight. It can be concluded that more emphasis should be given on head days and plant height along with 1000-grain weight, spikes/m2, and grains/spike during selection for dururn wheat improvement. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v38i3.16978 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 38(3): 515-521, September 2013
Performance of different crop species with pointed gourd (Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.)
Authors: Alom MS , Nag BL , Islam MN , Ahmed F , Akther S
Published: November 2013

The experiment was conducted at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Jessore during the period from November 2008 to April 2010 to find out the suitable component crop and planting system under intercropping system with pointed gourd for higher yield and economic return. The treatment combinations were T1 = Pointed gourd (PG) sole, T2 = PG + radish + mungbean (1 row at the boarder of the bed) + amaranth (broadcast), T3 = PG + radish + mungbean (2 rows at the boarder of the bed) + shabuj shak (broadcast), T4 = PG + radish + Indian spinach (1 row at the boarder of the bed), T5 = PG + radish + Indian spinach (2 rows at the boarder of the bed) and T6 = PG + radish + mungbean: Indian spinach (1 : 1 row at the boarder of the bed). The fruit yield (26.27-30.50 t/ha) of pointed gourd did not affect by sole and different intercropping systems. The highest pointed gourd equivalent yield (68.02 t/ha), gross return (Tk.1020300/ha) and net return (Tk.631466/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.62) was obtained from the intercropping combination of PG + radish + Indian spinach (2 rows at the boarder of the bed). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v38i3.16979 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 38(3): 523-529, September 2013
Price Forecasting in the Day-Ahead Energy Market by an Iterative Method with Separate Normal Price and Price Spike Frameworks
Authors: Voronin Sergey , Partanen Jarmo
Published: November 2013

A forecasting methodology for prediction of both normal prices and price spikes in the day-ahead energy market is proposed. The method is based on an iterative strategy implemented as a combination of two modules separately applied for normal price and price spike predictions. The normal price module is a mixture of wavelet transform, linear AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and nonlinear neural network models. The probability of a price spike occurrence is produced by a compound classifier in which three single classification techniques are used jointly to make a decision. Combined with the spike value prediction technique, the output from the price spike module aims to provide a comprehensive price spike forecast. The overall electricity price forecast is formed as combined normal price and price spike forecasts. The forecast accuracy of the proposed method is evaluated with real data from the Finnish Nord Pool Spot day-ahead energy market. The proposed method provides significant improvement in both normal price and price spike prediction accuracy compared with some of the most popular forecast techniques applied for case studies of energy markets.
A Two-Dimensional Modeling Procedure to Estimate the Loss Equivalent Resistance Including the Saturation Effect
Authors: Salas Rosa
Published: November 2013

We propose a modeling procedure specifically designed for a ferrite inductor excited by a waveform in time domain. We estimate the loss resistance in the core (parameter of the electrical model of the inductor) by means of a Finite Element Method in 2D which leads to significant computational advantages over the 3D model. The methodology is validated for an RM (rectangular modulus) ferrite core working in the linear and the saturation regions. Excellent agreement is found between the experimental data and the computational results.
Recent Development of Flax Fibres and Their Reinforced Composites Based on Different Polymeric Matrices
Authors: Zhu Jinchun , Zhu Huijun , Njuguna James , Abhyankar Hrushikesh
Published: November 2013

This work describes flax fibre reinforced polymeric composites with recent developments. The properties of flax fibres, as well as advanced fibre treatments such as mercerization, silane treatment, acylation, peroxide treatment and coatings for the enhancement of flax/matrix incompatibility are presented. The characteristic properties and characterizations of flax composites on various polymers including polypropylene (PP) and polylactic acid, epoxy, bio-epoxy and bio-phenolic resin are discussed. A brief overview is also given on the recent nanotechnology applied in flax composites.
Penicillinolide A: A New Anti-Inflammatory Metabolite from the Marine Fungus Penicillium sp. SF-5292
Authors: Lee Dong-Sung , Ko Wonmin , Quang Tran , Kim Kyoung-Su , Sohn Jae , Jang Jae-Hyuk , Ahn Jong , Kim Youn-Chul , Oh Hyuncheol
Published: November 2013

In the course of studies on bioactive metabolites from marine fungi, a new 10-membered lactone, named penicillinolide A (1) was isolated from the organic extract of Penicillium sp. SF-5292 as a potential anti-inflammatory compound. The structure of penicillinolide A (1) was mainly determined by analysis of NMR and MS data and Mosher’s method. Penicillinolide A (1) inhibited the production of NO and PGE2 due to inhibition of the expression of iNOS and COX-2. Penicillinolide A (1) also reduced TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 production, and these anti-inflammatory effects were shown to be correlated with the suppression of the phosphorylation and degradation of IκB-α, NF-κB nuclear translocation, and NF-κB DNA binding activity. In addition, using inhibitor tin protoporphyrin (SnPP), a competitive inhibitor of HO activity, it was verified that the inhibitory effects of compound 1 on the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and NF-κB DNA binding activity were partially associated with HO-1 expression through Nrf2 nuclear translocation.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of RGD-Conjugated MEK1/2 Kinase Inhibitors for Integrin-Targeted Cancer Therapy
Authors: Li Xiaoxiao , Hou Jianjun , Wang Chao , Liu Xinjie , He Hongyan , Xu Ping , Yang Zhenjun , Chen Zili , Wu Yun , Zhang Lihe
Published: November 2013

Two novel series of RGD-MEKI conjugates derived from a MEK1/2 kinase inhibitor—PD0325901—have been developed for integrin receptor mediated anticancer therapy. The first series, alkoxylamine analog RGD-MEKI conjugates 9a–g showed anti-proliferation activity in melanoma A375 cells by the same mechanism as that of PD0325901. PEGylation increased the IC50 value of 9f three-fold in the A375 assay, and the multi-cRGD peptide cargo significantly improved the receptor specific anti-proliferation activity of 9g in integrin-overexpressing U87 cells. In the second series, RGD-PD0325901 13 exhibited significantly increased antitumor properties compared to the alkoxylamine analogs by both inhibition of the ERK pathway activity and DNA replication of the cancer cells. Furthermore, 13 displayed more potent anti-proliferation activity in the U87 assay than PD0325901 in a dose-dependent manner. All these data demonstrate that RGD-MEKI conjugates with an ester bond linkage enhanced anticancer efficacy with improved targeting capability toward integrin-overexpressing tumor cells.