bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SimEli: Similarity Elimination Method for Sampling Distant Entries in Development of Core Collections
Authors: Krishnan Ramesh R. , Sumathy R. , Ramesh S. R. , Bindroo B. B. , Naik Girish V.
Published: April 2014

Sampling core collections containing a diverse set of entries has been practiced over the last two decades for a number of crops and has become a vital component of modern day crop improvement programs. A diverse, multipurpose core collection should represent the maximum genetic diversity available in an entire germplasm collection with a small number of entries. Selection of genetically distant entries that represent the maximum diversity of the entire germplasm collection is a challenging task that has been improved over the years. In this study, we introduce the similarity elimination (SimEli) method to sample genetically distant entries for the development of core collections, which was used to sample a diverse core collection of mulberry accessions using phenotypic markers. The performance of the SimEli method was compared with that of the PowerCore algorithm for phenotypic markers and with that of the Core Hunter and genetic distance optimization (GDOpt) algorithms for simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The SimEli method effectively selected genetically distant entries, whereas PowerCore proved efficient for selecting outliers among a small number of entries. However, the SimEli method outperformed the Core Hunter algorithm in selecting distant entries with high mean and minimum entry to nearest entry distance values. The Core Hunter collections retained a greater number of alleles than did collections developed using the SimEli method only when increased weight was given to Shannon's diversity index when using Core Hunter. The SimEli method is more user‐friendly, involves simple steps, and requires less computational time than other leading programs for the development of core collections.
Comparative Proteomics Study on Anther Mitochondria between Cytoplasmic Male Sterility Line and its Maintainer in Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.)
Authors: Chen Peng , Liao Jian , Huang Zhipeng , Li Ru , Zhao Yanhong , Ran Shanmin , Zhou Ruiyang
Published: April 2014

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is a maternally inherited trait that causes the inability to produce functional pollen during anther development. Cytoplasmic male sterility is considered to be caused by mitochondrial mutation and regarded as a perfect model system for the investigation of nucleus‐cytoplasmic interaction. Kenaf CMS was first found by our group, but little has been known about the molecular mechanism. To reveal the possible mechanism, a comparative proteomic analysis of kenaf anther mitochondria from a CMS line and its maintainer was conducted. Changes in the abundance of proteins were examined using two‐dimensional (2‐D) electrophoresis. Among the >1000 protein spots reproducibly detected on each gel, 50 proteins were found differentially regulated (p < 0.05, change fold >1.5). Identified by matrix‐assisted‐laser‐desorption‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry MALDI‐TOF/TOF‐MS technology, 22 proteins were characterized. These proteins were involved in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis and energy metabolism, cytoskeleton, chaperones and protein processing, transmembrane transport, transcription, and other functions. The quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results of some differential proteins showed consistency between transcripts and proteins. Confined mostly to downregulated proteins in the respiratory chain, the anther respiratory rate investigation showed it was extremely decreased in the CMS line.
Soybean Nitrogen Uptake and Utilization in Argentina and United States Cultivars
Authors: Rotundo José L. , Borrás Lucas , De Bruin Jason , Pedersen Palle
Published: April 2014

Crop production increase needed to satisfy a growing world population depends, at least partially, on increasing current genetic gain in yield. Theory proposes that increased genetic gain can be attained using diverse high‐yielding parents. Physiological traits, compared to molecular or morphological markers, are hypothesized to better estimate parental diversity. A trait‐based hybridization approach will require assessing diversity for physiological traits. Here, we phenotyped several traits using two physiological frameworks to assess diversity in 25 and 65 elite cultivars from Argentina (ARG) and the United States (USA), respectively. First, we identified the highest‐yielding cultivar clusters across two environments in each country. These cultivars had the highest N uptake at both ARG and USA. Therefore, there was no genotypic diversity for total N uptake within each cluster. For other traits, the highest yielding clusters did not show the highest values. There was residual diversity within ARG and USA highest yielding clusters in the temporal pattern of N uptake, N use efficiency, and N harvest index. Stacking these traits in one cultivar could potentially increase yield by 13%. The possibility of such stacking, however, depends on the nature of the phenotypic correlation among traits. We demonstrated that several trade‐off correlations between phenotyped traits, thought to hinder stacking, are actually not biologically based.
Pod Drop and Pod Shatter are Not Closely Related in Canola
Authors: Cavalieri Andrea , Lewis Derek W. , Gulden Robert H.
Published: April 2014

Preharvest seed losses in canola (Brassica napus L.) can be substantial and are caused by pod drop and pod shatter. The relative importance of pod drop and pod shatter was determined among a group of hybrid and open‐pollinated canola varieties to better understand these phenomena. Preharvest seed losses in canola were determined by collecting canola seeds (pod shatter) and entire dropped pods (pod drop) from catch trays immediately before direct‐harvesting the plots. Results from correlation analysis showed that pod drop and pod shatter were largely independent. Interestingly, pod shatter was linked primarily to genotype while pod drop was influenced more by the environment. When significant differences were observed, average pod drop was greater in the open‐pollinated cultivars than in the hybrids used in this experiment.
Copy Number Estimation of a Plant‐Derived Selectable Marker Gene by High Resolution Melting Analysis: A Tool to Simplify Transgenic Plant Breeding
Authors: Milner Sara G. , Ferradini Nicoletta , Nicolia Alessandro , Veronesi Fabio , Salvi Silvio , Rosellini Daniele
Published: April 2014

Transferring a transgenic trait from a lab genotype into a cultivated plant variety requires selection of single‐locus T0 plants, a backcrossing breeding program with transgenic progeny selection at each cycle and, generally, attaining the homozygous state for the transgene locus. Polyploidy and outcrossing complicate this process, as in the case of alfalfa, an autotetraploid, cross‐fertilizing forage legume. Recently, a new, efficient selectable marker gene, MsGSAgr, derived from the alfalfa glutamate 1‐semialdehyde aminotransferase (GSA) gene was described. Since MsGSAgr differs from the wild‐type GSA by one nucleotide, high resolution melting (HRM) analysis could be used to screen transgenic plants for MsGSAgr, and linked transgene(s), copy number. An HRM assay was developed by simulating different copy numbers with mixes of plasmids containing mutated and wild‐type GSA sequences. The assay was validated by analyzing transgenic alfalfa plants containing one or multiple MsGSAgr loci. HRM enabled us to clearly discriminate transgenic from non‐transgenic plants, and the single copy from the multicopy state, thus providing a tool to streamline molecular plant breeding.
Seashore Paspalum Growth Regulation with Flucarbazone‐Sodium
Authors: McCullough Patrick E. , Sidhu Sudeep S. , Singh Rashmi , Yu Jialin
Published: April 2014

Seashore paspalum (SP) has desirable qualities for golf course turf, but prolific seedhead production is difficult to manage with growth regulators currently available. Flucarbazone‐sodium (FS) is currently used in turfgrass seed production for weed control, but also has potential for growth regulation of tolerant species. Experiments were conducted to evaluate (i) efficacy of FS alone or with trinexapac‐ethyl (TE) for SP growth regulation, and (i) physiological behavior of FS in SP. In field experiments, FS at 30 and 60 g a.i. ha–1 3 wk–1 provided good (80–89%) to excellent (≥90%) seedhead control on 8 of 9 evaluations, but 15 g ha–1 provided poor control (<70%) on four dates. At all rates, FS alone reduced clippings 62 to 93% from nontreated at three harvest dates, and caused <20% injury. Tank‐mixtures with TE at 96 g a.i. ha–1 3 wk–1 exacerbated injury on most dates from FS at 30 and 60 g ha–1 3 wk–1. At 96 g ha–1 3 wk–1, TE alone reduced clippings 48 to 85% from nontreated, but only controlled seedheads 12 to 52% from 1 to 6 wk after initial treatments. In laboratory experiments, SP distributed the majority of 14C‐FS to nontreated shoots after foliar and root uptake. The addition of TE did not affect 14C‐FS foliar absorption at 8 hours after treatment (HAT). Seashore paspalum metabolism of 14C‐FS in the treated leaf generally increased from ∼25% at 24 HAT to ∼50% at 168 HAT. Overall, FS has potential for managing clippings and seedheads in SP, as an alternative to TE.
Heterogeneous Variances in Multi‐Environment Yield Trials for Corn Hybrids
Authors: Orellana Massiel , Edwards Jode , Carriquiry Alicia
Published: April 2014

Recent developments in statistics and computing have enabled much greater levels of complexity in statistical models of multi‐environment yield trial data. One particular feature of interest to breeders is simultaneously modeling heterogeneity of variances among environments and hybrids. Our objective was to estimate the level of heterogeneity of genotype by environment interaction variance and error variance in the Iowa Crop Performance Test for Corn. A Bayesian approach was used to estimate variance components in a hierarchical model that allows for heterogeneous error and genotype‐by‐environment interaction (GEI) variances applied to corn yield data from the Iowa Crop Performance Test performed between 1995 and 2005. An average of 508 hybrids were tested per year with very little overlap between locations and years, which resulted in a very unbalanced data set. We divided the data into 16 subsets to study the effect of variability across locations and years. We found GEI and error variances to be heterogeneous among both environments and genotypes. Our results for corn contrasted previous work on oat (Avena sativaL.) in which very little heterogeneity was found for error variance among cultivars suggesting that different corn (Zea maysL.) hybrids can have different genotype by environment interaction variances and different error variances.
Species Succession and Turf Quality of Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass Mixtures as Affected By Mowing Height
Authors: Macolino Stefano , Pignata Guido , Giolo Maurizio , Richardson Michael D.
Published: April 2014

Mixtures of turfgrass species are commonly used throughout the world when establishing cool‐season grasses from seed. However, there have been limited studies investigating how various species compete with each other as the turf matures. A study was conducted in Padova, Italy, to investigate the performance and species composition of four mixtures that contained a single cultivar of Kentucky bluegrass (KB; Poa pratensis L.) and two rhizomatous or two nonrhizomatous tall fescue (TF; Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) cultivars. The trial was seeded in September 2010. Three mowing heights (20, 32, and 62 mm) were also applied to all the mixtures. General turfgrass performance of the mixtures was monitored through the 2011 growing season, and species composition was measured regularly to determine the abundance of both species in the mixture. Throughout the study, the mixtures containing the rhizomatous TF consistently had higher turfgrass quality and turfgrass density than mixtures containing the nonrhizomatous types. Mowing height had less effect on the performance of the mixtures, but the lower mowing heights (20 and 32 mm) performed more consistently than the plots mowed at the highest (62 mm) mowing height. Species composition of the mixtures was significantly influenced by the different TF cultivars, in that KB was less abundant in mixtures containing rhizomatous TF cultivars compared to nonrhizomatous cultivars, suggesting an increased competitive ability of rhizomatous TF lines. Mowing height also influenced the species composition, in that KB was significantly more abundant at lower mowing heights.
Sexually Transmitted Infections in Adolescents
Authors: Chinsembu Kazhila C.
Published: April 2014

Adolescents are the age group at greatest risk for nearly all Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
Adolescents are often at a higher risk for acqsuiring STIs because they are unable to conceptualize actions and their
consequences. STIs are more prevalent among adolescent women than men, thus two thirds of newly infected adolescents
aged 15-19 years are female. For reasons of biology, gender and cultural norms, adolescent females are also more
susceptible than males to STIs. Biologically, adolescent women face increased anatomical and physiological susceptibility
to infection due to increased cervical ectopy. The clinical presentation of STIs in adolescents should be carefully
examined because some conditions are asymptomatic while other unrelated disease symptoms can easily be mistaken for
STIs. This review presents some emergent epidemiological data from developed and developing countries that
demonstrate the heavy burden of STIs on adolescents. However, more adolescent-specific STI studies are needed
worldwide.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) in Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM)
Authors: Bratt Göran , Edlund Magnus , Cullberg Malin , Hejdeman Bo , Blaxhult Anders , Eriksson Lars E.
Published: April 2014

The impact of increasingly efficient antiretroviral therapy (ART) on survival and general well-being has
contributed to a “business as usual” attitude to sex among men who have sex with men (MSM). There has been a recent
marked increase of sexually transmitted infections (STI) including syphilis, LGV and Hepatits C among MSM. STIs
located in the oral cavity or rectum are asymptomatic in over 80% and 50%, respectively and these sites must be seen as
important reservoirs. On the other hand severe proctitis may be mistreated as inflammatory bowel disease without
adequate medical history and testing. Due to the reappearance of syphilis, all genital ulcers, non-itching exanthema and
severe disease symptoms (e.g. fever, fatigue, lymphadenopathy, hepato-splenomegaly, increased liver enzymes,
neurological and ophthalmologic symptoms without other explanations) should lead to testing for syphilis. There is a
marked association between STIs and HIV. Syphilis, LGV and Hepatits C are strongly overrepresented in HIV positive
MSM, while gonorrhoea, LGV and syphilis increase the HIV susceptibility. Syphilis leads to increased viral load in HIV
positive. The major risk factors for Hepatitis B are number of sex partners and receptive anal intercourse. High grade
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) anal lesions can progress to cancer. There is a 30 fold increase risk for anal cancer among
MSM, a risk that is doubled in HIV infection, making anal cancer one of the most common non-AIDS tumours. All MSM
should be offered Hepatitis A and B vaccination and the inclusion of boys in HPV vaccination programs must be
considered. The aim of this article is to describe asymptomatic and symptomatic bacterial and viral STIs of the oral cavity,
penis/urethra and rectum and the sexually transmittable viral Hepatitis and HIV in MSM and to inspire the medical
establishment to adhere to testing guidelines in this group. This article is built on a review of published findings, the
presentation of own data on Gonorrhoea and chlamydia and our own experience in treating all STIs including HIV in
MSM since 1982 at a Gay Men’s Health Clinic (Venhälsan) at Stockholm South General Hospital, Sweden.
Syphilis: A Review of the Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Emerson Carol R.
Published: April 2014

Syphilis has re-emerged as an important cause of morbidity, mortality and a possible transmission factor in the
spread of HIV infection. The control of syphilis requires early identification and treatment of cases. Here the diagnostic
tests are reviewed and discussed, including when to think of lumbar puncture for the examination of neurosyphilis. The
British, European and American guidelines for treatment at each stage are compared; with efficacy and side effect profile
of regimens considered and advice on management of complications. Stemming the spread of infection requires increased
education, early diagnosis and prompt notification of partners.
Curable Sexually Transmitted Infection Treatment Interventions to Prevent HIV Transmission in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: White Richard G.
Published: April 2014

Introduction:

Sub-Saharan Africa (Africa) remains the most severely HIV affected region in the world. As
there will not be a cure or vaccine against HIV for many years, primary HIV prevention remains key to HIV control.
Primary prevention currently includes treatment of curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Here, the evidence for
curable STI treatment as an HIV prevention strategy in Africa is reviewed.

Results:

Despite data on the plausible biological mechanisms from laboratory studies and the relative risks from
epidemiological studies suggesting that classical STIs do increase the risk of HIV acquisition and transmission, the impact
of curable STI treatment on HIV transmission measured in RCTs has varied markedly. Syndromic STI treatment was
shown to be an effective strategy in a population with an early HIV epidemic, but neither syndromic STI treatment, nor
mass STI treatment were effective in mature HIV epidemics. Among sex workers with relatively low rates of STI,
presumptive STI treatment also failed to reduce HIV incidence.

Discussion:

Rational health policy requires that scarce resources be allocated to interventions with the best costeffectiveness
even if relative impact at population level is modest. Curable STI treatment is likely to prevent a decreasing
fraction of new HIV infections as the HIV epidemic expands, but, because of increasing HIV incidence it may remain
cost-effective for HIV prevention in many African countries.
Utilisation of Rapid Tests for Sexually Transmitted Infections: Promises and Challenges
Authors: Peeling Rosanna W.
Published: April 2014

The control of curable STIs in countries with high disease burden has been hampered by the lack of accessible
STI laboratory services. Rapid tests that are sensitive, specific and easy to use have the potential to increase the specificity
of syndromic management of STIs in symptomatic patients and increase access to screening of asymptomatic infection to
prevent the development of long-term complications and to interrupt the chain of transmission of STIs in the population.
Although most rapid tests for chlamydia and gonorrhoea have sub-optimal sensitivity, and are neither simple nor
affordable, some rapid syphilis tests have been shown to have acceptable performance. These can be deployed to increase
access to screening in settings where testing is not previously possible or where laboratory services are inconsistent. With
more political commitment and technological advances made possible by increased funding and public and private
product development partnerships, there is much optimism in the near future for point of care tests for STIs that can
improve patient management and disease control.
Nonlinear Programming Technique for Analyzing Flocculent Settling Data
Authors: Rashid Md. Mamunur , Hayes Donald F.
Published: April 2014

The traditional graphical approach for drawing iso‐concentration curves to analyze flocculent settling data and design sedimentation basins poses difficulties for computer‐based design methods. Thus, researchers have developed empirical approaches to analyze settling data. In this study, the ability of five empirical approaches to fit flocculent settling test data is compared. Particular emphasis is given to compare rule‐based SETTLE and rule‐based nonlinear programming (NLP) techniques as a viable alternative to the modeling methods of Berthouex and Stevens (1982), San (1989), and Özer (1994). Published flocculent settling data are used to test the suitability of these empirical approaches. The primary objective, however, is to determine if the results of a NLP optimization technique are more reliable than those of other approaches. For this, mathematical curve fitting is conducted and the modeled concentration data are graphically compared to the observed data. The design results in terms of average solid removal efficiency as a function of detention times are also compared. Finally, the sum of squared errors values from these approaches are compared. The results indicate a strong correlation between observed and NLP modeled concentration data. The SETTLE and NLP approaches tend to be more conservative at lower retention times and less conservative at longer retention times. The SETTLE approach appears to be the most conservative. In terms of sum of squared errors values, NLP appears to be rank number one (i.e., best model) for eight data sets and number two for six data sets among 15 data sets. Therefore, NLP is recommended for analyzing flocculent settling data as a logical extension of other approaches. The NLP approach is further recommended as it is an optimization technique and uses conventional mathematical algorithms that can be solved using widely available software such as EXCEL and LINGO.
Fate of Heavy Metals and Evaluation of Eutrophication in a Wetland–Reservoir System
Authors: Yang Chou‐Ping , Hsieh Chi‐Ying , Hseu Zeng‐Yei
Published: April 2014

The fate of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in the water column, sediment, and macrophytic plants as well as a total phosphorus eutrophication model were evaluated by a field monitoring program in the LungLuanTan wetland–reservoir system in Taiwan. Zinc and Cd were found to have the highest and lowest partition coefficients, respectively. The levels of heavy metals in the sediment of the wetland were highest in the dry season. In fresh plant tissues and sediment, Cd had the highest bioconcentration factor during the study period. Furthermore, the results obtained using the total phosphorus model with time‐variable volumes for reservoir eutrophication and observed values were in reasonable agreement. Based on the modeling results, appropriate watershed management strategies are proposed to restore the wetland–reservoir water quality.
Feasibility of Using NaCl to Reduce Membrane Fouling in Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactors
Authors: Yang Jixiang , Tian Zheng , Spanjers Henri , van Lier Jules B.
Published: April 2014

The objective of this research study is to assess the feasibility of naturally occurring Na+ ions in wastewater as a possible coagulant to control the fouling of AnMBR under high salinity conditions. A multi‐bladed stirrer was installed in the reactor, which aimed at providing a good mixing condition for inducing coagulation. The rotation speed of the stirrer was set at 30 rpm for achieving the coagulation effect. A sludge was cultured in a saline environment with sodium concentration as high as 13 g/L. It was observed that, the applied conditions could not provide a high saline sludge with a good filterability. In addition, results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the functional groups of the cake layer formed by the saline sludge was similar to that of non‐saline sludge, therefore, the high salinity should promote the formation of a gel layer.
Delayed Mitogenic Stimulation Decreases DNA Damage Assessed by Micronucleus Assay in Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes after 60CO Irradiation
Authors: Selvan G. Tamizh , Bhavani M. , Vijayalakshmi J. , Solomon F.D. Paul , Chaudhury N.K. , Venkatachalam P.
Published: April 2014

While contradictory reports are available on the yield of dicentric chromosomes (DC) in blood samples stored at different temperature and stimulated to enter into cell cycle, various times gap followed by exposure, limited information is available on the micronucleus (MN) assay. As scoring the micronuclei frequency from the blood lymphocytes of exposed individuals is an alternative to the gold standard DC assay for triage applications, we examined radiation induced MN yield in delayed mitogenic stimulation after irradiation of in vitro. Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were exposed to low LET (60Co) radiation dose (0.1 to 5Gy) and incubated at 37°C for 2, 6 and 24 hours. The MN frequency obtained in blood samples stimulated 2 hours post-irradiation showed a dose dependent increase and used to construct the dose-response curve. Further, the results also showed that blood samples stimulated twenty four hours of post-irradiation, a significant reduction (p<0.05) in MN frequencies were obtained when compared to that of blood samples stimulated two hours and six hours after post-irradiation (0.5, 1, 3 and 5Gy). The observed result suggests that the prolonged PBL storage without mitogenic stimulation could lead to interphase cell death and a delayed blood sampling could results in underestimation of dose in biological dosimetry.
Susceptibility of common bacterial respiratory pathogens to antimicrobial agents in outpatients from south Backa District
Authors: Horvat Olga , Mihajlovic-Ukropina Mira , Mijatovic Vesna , Sabo Ana
Published: April 2014

Introduction. Acute infections of the upper respiratory tract are the most
common reasons why patients visit general practitioners. Overuse of
antibiotics in treatment of these conditions is extremely common practice
although these infections are most frequently caused by viruses. The aim of
this study was to determine the distribution and susceptibility of common
pathogens to antimicrobial agents that cause infections of the upper
respiratory tract in outpatients and to determine whether the results
obtained from the examined sample were in accordance with the recommendations
of the current National Guideline. Material and Methods. .The study included
945 strains isolated from the throat and nasal swabs from January 1st to
March 31st, 2008, as well as from 330 strains isolated from January 1st to
March 31st, 2013 in South Backa District, Serbia. Susceptibility tests were
performed by the standard disc diffusion method and according to the criteria
recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Results. The
most commonly isolated strains were Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus
aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Branchamella catarrhalis, and Haemophilus
influenzae. Susceptibility of Streptococcus pyogenes, Branchamella
catarrhalis and Haemophilus influenzae to examined antibiotics did not
substantially change over the two study periods. None of the isolates of
Staphylococcus aures demonstrated resistance to methicillin in 2008, while
the percentage of resistant strains was 5.93% in 2013. Susceptibility rates
of Staphylococcus pneumoniae isolates to erythromycin and clindamycin were
lower in 2013 than in 2008. Conclusion. The investigation results follow the
recommendations of the National Guideline for the usage of natural penicillin
in the treatment of tonsillopharyngitis. Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid is
recommended for the treatment of rhinosinusitis, and second generation
cephalosporins are the second choice.
Post-remission therapy of adult acute myeloid leukemia: High dose cytosine-arabinoside versus other consolidation regimens
Authors: Zeremski Vanja , Savic Aleksandar
Published: April 2014

Introduction. Modern therapy makes it possible for 60-80% patients with acute
myeloid leukemia to achieve complete remission after induction therapy.
However, most of them will relapse within six months to a year without
additional cytostatic therapy. The questions regarding post-remission therapy
remain unanswered. The objective of this study was to compare the survival
and relapse rate among the patients who had received high dose
cytosine-arabinoside during consolidation therapy and the patients who had
not received high dose cytosine- arabinoside during consolidation therapy.
Material and Methods. The study included 59 patients aged 18-60 years with de
novo acute myeloid leukemia (except for Acute promyelocytic leukemia, which
was excluded according to the French- American-British classification) who
achieved complete remission. Thirty-nine patients who received high dose
cytosine-arabinoside during consolidation were included in the study group
and twenty patients who did not receive high dose cytosinearabinoside during
consolidation were in the control group. Results. The results show a
statistically significantly longer survival rate (p= 0.003) and a lower
relapse rate (p= 0.02) among the study group patients, who received high dose
cytosine-arabinoside during consolidation, compared to the controls, who did
not receive high dose cytosine-arabinoside. The univariate analysis in the
study group suggests that the affiliation to Acute myeloblastic leukemia with
maturation and Acute myelomonocytic leukemia subgroups, as well as achieving
complete remission after a single induction therapy has the prognostic
significance. In the multivariate analysis, only the affiliation to Acute
myeloblastic leukemia with maturation and Acute myelomonocytic leukemia
subgroups retained the independent prognostic significance. Conclusion. This
study has demonstrated that high dose cytosine-arabinoside used for
consolidation therapy results in the higher survival rate and lower relapse
rate compared to consolidation therapy without high dose
cytosine-arabinoside. Only the patients within Acute myeloblastic leukemia
with maturation and Acute myelomonocytic leukemia subgroups benefited
significantly from high dose cytosine-arabinoside.
Diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis: Necessity of biopsy
Authors: Stjepanovic Mihailo , Mihailovic-Vucinic Violeta , Jovanovic Dragana , Mijajlovic Milija , Skodric-Trifunovic Vesna , Stjepanovic Mirjana
Published: April 2014

Introduction: Sarcoidosis can affect any part of the central nervous system
presenting with an extremely diverse clinical picture. Clinical presentations
actually depend on the localization of granulomas in the central nervous
system. Making diagnosis according to the localization and the clinical
variations is often a clinical challenge. Diagnosis of Neurosarcoidosis.
Diagnosis is based on the clinical picture, clinical and radiological
findings (magnetic resonance imaging with contrast endocranium), laboratory
findings (angio-tenzin-converting enzyme and chitotriosidase in cerebrospinal
fluid); however, it is necessary first to exclude all other possible causes
of granulomatous inflammation. Recent studies in patients with
neurosarcoidosis show a high value of at least one marker of the disease. The
safest way and the gold standard in diagnosing this disease would be
histopathological confirmation, which is rarely performed due to its
invasiveness. Conclusion. New diagnostic methods will contribute to better
methods of bypassing invasive procedures, and they will significantly
facilitate the diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis, which is a real challenge even
for experienced clinicians who deal with this disease.
Our experience with intraoperative cell salvage during cesarean delivery in women with uterine myomas: Four case reports
Authors: Sparic Radmila , Lazovic Biljana , Sulovic Nenad , Buzadzic Snezana
Published: April 2014

Introduction. Cesarean section is more frequent in pregnant women with
uterine myomas, and is usually complicated with perioperative hemorrhage. In
some cases, cesarean myomectomy represents an inevitable surgery, adding risk
of hemorrhage occurrence. Massive obstetric hemorrhage is the most common
cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. The aim of this study was to show
our experience and results of the implementation of intraoperative blood
salvage during cesarean section in the patients with uterine myomas. Material
and Methods. The study encompassed four patients with uterine myomas who had
cesarean delivery at our Department in the period from 2010 to 2011. Results.
Postoperative transfusion of packed red blood cells was given to one patient.
No complications resulting form the intraoperative blood salvage were
recorded in our research. Conclusion. Intraoperative blood salvage should be
applied in patients with uterine myoma, and certainly in those who are
planned for cesarean myomectomy and particularly in cases when massive
intraoperative hemorrhage is expected.
ABC Electronics: An Instructional Case Illustrating Auditors' Use of Preliminary Analytical Procedures
Authors: Clikeman Paul M. , Diaz Jamie
Published: April 2014

This instructional case demonstrates auditors' use of analytical procedures during the planning/risk assessment phase of a financial statement audit. An Excel spreadsheet enables instructors to embed up to seven operating problems or potential accounting issues into a fictitious consumer electronics manufacturer's current year financial statements. Questionnaires from students at two universities indicate that the case is effective at helping undergraduate auditing students understand (1) auditors' use of analytical procedures during the planning stage of the audit, and (2) the types of accounting issues and operating problems that might be identified using analytical procedures.
Emotion Dysregulation, Problem-Solving, and Hopelessness
Authors: Vatan Sevginar , Lester David , Gunn John F.
Published: April 2014

A sample of 87 Turkish undergraduate students was administered scales to measure hopelessness, problem-solving skills, emotion dysregulation, and psychiatric symptoms. All of the scores from these scales were strongly associated. In a multiple regression, hopelessness scores were predicted by poor problem-solving skills and emotion dysregulation.
Design and Evaluation of a Computerized Test for Hand Motor Skills
Authors: Hsiao Hsien-Sheng , Chang Cheng-Sian , Lin Chien-Yu , Chiu Ching-Tsun
Published: April 2014

The purposes of this study are to design and develop a computerized test to measure junior high school students' motor skills, specifically their abilities in hand-eye motor coordination and hand motor skills, using the Wii Remote. The hand motor skills computerized test, which is based on the operational examinations in the General Aptitude Test Battery, examines hand and finger dexterity (i.e., motion, rotation, fabrication, and disassembly tests). 55 students participated in the experiment to assess the reliability and validity of the computerized test, which were supported. Information literacy and experience in the use of Wii devices did not affect the reliability.
The Need to Consider Relative Age Effects in Women's Talent Development Process
Authors: Romann Michael , Fuchslocher Jörg
Published: April 2014

Relative age effects (RAEs) refer to age differences among athletes in the same selection year. This study analyzed birth date distributions of 301,428 female athletes (aged 10–20 yr.) in Swiss Youth sports and the subgroup ( n = 1,177) of the National Talent Development Program (TDP) in individual sports. Comparisons showed significant RAEs in the distribution of athletes' birth dates in alpine skiing, tennis, athletics, fencing, and snowboarding. Significant “reverse” RAEs with an overrepresentation of athletes at the end of the year were found in table tennis. In the TDP, significant RAEs were found in alpine skiing and tennis. No RAEs were detected in athletics. In table tennis, fencing, and snowboarding, “reverse” RAEs were found. Clearly, RAEs are complex and vary across individual sports for females.
The Effect of Amount and Tangibility of Endowment and Certainty of Recipients on Selfishness in a Modified Dictator Game
Authors: Chang Shao-Chuan , Lin Li-Yun , Horng Ruey-Yun , Wang Yau-De
Published: April 2014

Taiwanese college students ( N=101) participated in the study to examine the effects of the amount of an endowment, the tangibility of an endowment, and the certainty of the recipient on selfishness in a modified dictator game. Results showed that dictators were more selfish when allocating tangible (money) than less tangible (honor credits) endowments. Selfishness was higher when large amounts of money were involved. The certainty of the recipient was manipulated by whether the recipient was chosen and announced before or after the decision. Unexpectedly, participants were more self-interested in the certain-recipient condition than in the uncertain-recipient condition. In the honor condition, the amount of an endowment and the certainty of the recipient did not affect participants' allocations.
Enabling Policy Environments for Co-operative Development: A Comparative Experience
Authors: Adeler Monica C.
Published: April 2014

This paper argues that public policy and legislation have significant influence in fostering or hindering co-operative development. Factors that influence co-operative development, such as financial mechanisms, technical assistance, and sector support infrastructure, are often treated separately in the literature without sufficiently focusing on the importance and role of public policy and legislation to establish the necessary mechanisms to effectively promote co-operative development. This paper argues that while the aforementioned factors are relevant, without grounding in a comprehensive public policy strategy, they paint only a partial picture of the co-operative development phenomenon. Public policy can create all the formerly mentioned mechanisms to develop co-operative organizations more effectively. By learning from Canadian and international co-operative experiences, this paper offers insights into enabling co-operative policy mechanisms that can benefit the Canadian social economy sector.
Le tiers secteur dans la co-construction des politiques publiques canadiennes
Authors: Vaillancourt Yves
Published: April 2014

Dans cet article, nous définissons les concepts clés de co-construction et de co-production des politiques publiques. Nous examinons le rôle du tiers secteur dans la co-construction de deux politiques mises en place par le gouvernement fédéral (la Voluntary Sector Initiative et le Plan de soutien à l’économie sociale), puis dans la co-construction de six politiques du gouvernement québécois (les politiques de reconnaissance de l’économie sociale, des Centres de la petite enfance (CPE), de soutien à domicile, de logement social, de reconnaissance des organismes communautaires autonomes ainsi que la Loi visant à combattre la pauvreté et l’exclusion sociale). Nous comparons et analysons ces politiques à la lumière du concept de co-construction.
Partnering to Finance Enterprise Development in the Aboriginal Social Economy
Authors: Ketilson Lou Hammond
Published: April 2014

A significant portion of the Aboriginal population lives in rural and remote locations. Many Aboriginals do not have access to financial services in their communities. Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFIs), created in the 1980s through a partnership with the federal government, are a key source of business financing and support services for Aboriginal entrepreneurs. Some are exploring the creation of a financial institution to service personal and community banking needs. This paper examines the potential for AFIs to evolve from their current developmental role to that of full-service financial providers, such as credit unions. It also raises related policy issues.
The Political Economy of Procurement
Authors: McMurtry J.J.
Published: April 2014

This paper discusses the political economy of procurement and purchasing policies, specifically at the sub-national level. It frames these policies historically and philosophically as struggling to articulate an alternative to capitalism while working within capitalist contexts. It then examines the proposed trade agreement between Canada and the European Union, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), as an exemplar of this struggle, concluding with three policy suggestions.
What Clinical Instructors Want: Perspectives on a New Assessment Tool for Students in the Clinical Environment
Authors: Anderson Charlotte , Cosgrove Meaghan , Lees Dalyce , Chan Gigi , Gibson Barbara E. , Hall Mark , Mori Brenda
Published: April 2014

Purpose: Many Canadian physical therapy education programs use the 1997 version of the Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument (PT-CPI) to evaluate students in their clinical placements. Recent evidence that clinical instructors (CIs) are unsatisfied with the PT-CPI, however, suggests a need to develop a new assessment tool. The purpose of this study was to gather Canadian CIs' perspectives on rating scales, preferred training methods, and format for future tool development. Methods: This qualitative descriptive study involved five focus groups from across Canada. English-speaking CIs who had supervised at least one Canadian student in clinical practice were eligible for the study. Results: Participants identified concerns with the PT-CPI and indicated a preference for (1) more objective rating scales with clearly defined anchors, (2) both in-person and online training methods for CIs, and (3) a tool that could be completed and reviewed on paper or online. Conclusions: CIs affirmed the need to develop a new assessment tool. Results of the study will be used to inform the development of a new assessment tool to better evaluate Canadian physical therapy students' performance in the clinical setting.
Perspectives and Positions in Contemporary Analytic Philosophy of Religion
Authors: Kraay Klaas J.
Published: April 2014

Abstract:

This essay discusses two issues. The first is whether the “insider's” or “outsider's” perspective is more truth-conducive in the study of religion. I do not attempt to settle this very thorny question: I merely attempt to identify some aspects of what it might mean to be an insider with respect to one kind of investigation—the investigation into whether God exists. The second issue is how best to characterize certain philosophical positions on the axiology of ultimate reality. Here I argue that it can be useful to group together certain axiological positions under one heading, while leaving their details open to interpretation. For example, two philosophers might agree that God's existence would—or does—make the world far better than it would otherwise be, even though they have incompatible notions of what constitutes “far” and “better.” In my view, it makes sense to call both thinkers pro-theists, despite their differences. In discussing these issues, I engage the work of Myron A. Penner and Paul Moser, both of whom published replies to an article of mine in the most recent issue of the Toronto Journal of Theology. 1
Religious Skepticism
Authors: Penner Myron A.
Published: April 2014

Abstract:

Is belief in God intellectually viable? That is, is belief in an all-knowing, all-powerful, perfectly good supernatural being the kind of belief that has credible support that strongly suggests that it is true? There is a long tradition of religious skepticism according to which the answer to these questions is no. This is an interesting and important query for those who do believe in God, for there are (and should be) moments when reflective believers wonder how or why they should think some specific religious claim is true. In this article, I will present skepticism about religious claims as a species of a broader kind of epistemological skepticism. Then I'll explore some reasons that are often cited in support of religious skepticism. In the final section, I'll present some responses to skepticism about the intellectual viability of belief in God.
Guest Editor's Introduction: Digital Methods and Tools for Historical Research
Authors: Alves Daniel
Published: April 2014

As an introduction to a series of articles focused on the exploration of particular tools and/or methods to bring together digital technology and historical research, the aim of this paper is mainly to highlight and discuss in what measure those methodological approaches can contribute to improve analytical and interpretative capabilities available to historians. In a moment when the digital world present us with an ever-increasing variety of tools to perform extraction, analysis and visualization of large amounts of text, we thought it would be relevant to bring the digital closer to the vast historical academic community. More than repeating an idea of digital revolution introduced in the historical research, something recurring in the literature since the 1980s, the aim was to show the validity and usefulness of using digital tools and methods, as another set of highly relevant tools that the historians should consider. For this several case studies were used, combining the exploration of specific themes of historical knowledge and the development or discussion of digital methodologies, in order to highlight some changes and challenges that, in our opinion, are already affecting the historians’ work, such as a greater focus given to interdisciplinarity and collaborative work, and a need for the form of communication of historical knowledge to become more interactive.
Geographic Information Systems and Historical Research: An Appraisal
Authors: da Silveira Luís Espinha
Published: April 2014

It is time to make a critical appraisal of the application of the Geographic Information System (GIS) to historical research. In this article I briefly review the promises and achievements of the use of this technology in history and I also consider some of its possible developments. Based on the experience of a project on the Iberian Peninsula, a special emphasis is put on transnational GIS. In the last section, the new avenues opened by GIS to historical research and the difficulties that its application also involves are considered in the light of the evolution of historiography and of the experience of using databases in history. I argue that although the application of this tool in historical research represented an important innovation, GIS did not bring about a revolution in knowledge production in history. I also raise doubts about the notion of a spatial turn in this field. I finally suggest that the emphasis should be put, not on the technology, but on the historical problems.
Crowdsourcing Bentham: Beyond the Traditional Boundaries of Academic History
Authors: Causer Tim , Terras Melissa
Published: April 2014

The Bentham Papers Transcription Initiative 2 (Transcribe Bentham for short) is an award-winning crowdsourced manuscript transcription initiative which engages students, researchers, and the general public with the thought and life of the philosopher and reformer, Jeremy Bentham (1748–1832), by making available digital images of his manuscripts for anyone, anywhere in the world, to transcribe. Since its launch in September 2010, over 2.6 million words have been transcribed by volunteers. This paper will examine Transcribe Bentham's contribution to humanities research and the burgeoning field of digital humanities. It will then discuss the potential for the project's volunteers to make significant new discoveries among the vast Bentham Papers collection, and examine several examples of interesting material transcribed by volunteers thus far. We demonstrate here that a crowd-sourced initiative such as Transcribe Bentham can open up activities that were traditionally viewed as academic endeavors to a wider audience interested in history, whilst uncovering new, important historical primary source material. In addition, we see this as a switch in focus for those involved in digital humanities, highlighting the possibilities in using online and social media technologies for user engagement and participation in cultural heritage.