bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multimodal Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Thalamic Development and Aging across the Human Lifespan: Implications to Neurodegeneration in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Hasan Khader M. , Walimuni Indika S. , Abid Humaira , Frye Richard E. , Ewing-Cobbs Linda , Wolinsky Jerry S. , Narayana Ponnada A.
Published: November 2011

The human brain thalami play essential roles in integrating cognitive, sensory, and motor functions. In multiple sclerosis (MS), quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) measurements of the thalami provide important biomarkers of disease progression, but late development and aging confound the interpretation of data collected from patients over a wide age range. Thalamic tissue volume loss due to natural aging and its interplay with lesion-driven pathology has not been investigated previously. In this work, we used standardized thalamic volumetry combined with diffusion tensor imaging, T2 relaxometry, and lesion mapping on large cohorts of controls (N= 255, age range = 6.2–69.1 years) and MS patients (N= 109, age range = 20.8–68.5 years) to demonstrate early age- and lesion-independent thalamic neurodegeneration.
State-Dependent, Bidirectional Modulation of Neural Network Activity by Endocannabinoids
Authors: Piet Richard , Garenne André , Farrugia Fanny , Le Masson Gwendal , Marsicano Giovanni , Chavis Pascale , Manzoni Olivier J.
Published: November 2011

The endocannabinoid (eCB) system and the cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1R) play key roles in the modulation of brain functions. Although actions of eCBs and CB1Rs are well described at the synaptic level, little is known of their modulation of neural activity at the network level. Using microelectrode arrays, we have examined the role of CB1R activation in the modulation of the electrical activity of rat and mice cortical neural networksin vitro. We find that exogenous activation of CB1Rs expressed on glutamatergic neurons decreases the spontaneous activity of cortical neural networks. Moreover, we observe that the net effect of the CB1R antagonist AM251 inversely correlates with the initial level of activity in the network: blocking CB1Rs increases network activity when basal network activity is low, whereas it depresses spontaneous activity when its initial level is high. Our results reveal a complex role of CB1Rs in shaping spontaneous network activity, and suggest that the outcome of endogenous neuromodulation on network function might be state dependent.
Amping Up Effort: Effects ofd-Amphetamine on Human Effort-Based Decision-Making
Authors: Wardle Margaret C. , Treadway Michael T. , Mayo Leah M. , Zald David H. , de Wit Harriet
Published: November 2011

Animal studies suggest the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) plays an important role in decision-making. In rats, DA depletion decreases tolerance for effort and probability costs, while drugs enhancing DA increase tolerance for these costs. However, data regarding the effect of DA manipulations on effort and probability costs in humans remain scarce. The current study examined acute effects ofd-amphetamine, an indirect DA agonist, on willingness of healthy human volunteers to exert effort for monetary rewards at varying levels of reward value and reward probability. Based on preclinical research, we predicted amphetamine would increase exertion of effort, particularly when reward probability was low. Over three sessions, 17 healthy normal adults received placebo,d-amphetamine 10 mg, and 20 mg under counterbalanced double-blind conditions and completed the Effort Expenditure for Rewards Task. Consistent with predictions, amphetamine enhanced willingness to exert effort, particularly when reward probability was lower. Amphetamine did not alter effects of reward magnitude on willingness to exert effort. Amphetamine sped task performance, but its psychomotor effects were not strongly related to its effects on decision-making. This is the first demonstration in humans that dopaminergic manipulations alter willingness to exert effort for rewards. These findings help elucidate neurochemical substrates of choice, with implications for neuropsychiatric diseases characterized by dopaminergic dysfunction and motivational deficits.
Regionally Specific Human GABA Concentration Correlates with Tactile Discrimination Thresholds
Authors: Puts Nicolaas A. J. , Edden Richard A. E. , Evans C. John , McGlone Francis , McGonigle David J.
Published: November 2011

The neural mechanisms underlying variability in human sensory perception remain incompletely understood. In particular, few studies have attempted to investigate the relationship betweenin vivomeasurements of neurochemistry and individuals' behavioral performance. Our previous work found a relationship between GABA concentration in the visual cortex and orientation discrimination thresholds (Edden et al., 2009). In the present study, we used magnetic resonance spectroscopy of GABA and psychophysical testing of vibrotactile frequency thresholds to investigate whether individual differences in tactile frequency discrimination performance are correlated with GABA concentration in sensorimotor cortex. Behaviorally, individuals showed a wide range of discrimination thresholds ranging from 3 to 7.6 Hz around the 25 Hz standard. These frequency discrimination thresholds were significantly correlated with GABA concentration (r= −0.58;p< 0.05) in individuals' sensorimotor cortex, but not with GABA concentration in an occipital control region (r= −0.04). These results demonstrate a link between GABA concentration and frequency discriminationin vivo, and support the hypothesis that GABAergic mechanisms have an important role to play in sensory discrimination.
Lifelong Bilingualism Maintains White Matter Integrity in Older Adults
Authors: Luk Gigi , Bialystok Ellen , Craik Fergus I. M. , Grady Cheryl L.
Published: November 2011

Previous research has shown that bilingual speakers have higher levels of cognitive control than comparable monolinguals, especially at older ages. The present study investigates a possible neural correlate of this behavioral effect. Given that white matter (WM) integrity decreases with age in adulthood, we tested the hypothesis that bilingualism is associated with maintenance of WM in older people. Using diffusion tensor imaging, we found higher WM integrity in older people who were lifelong bilinguals than in monolinguals. This maintained integrity was measured by fractional anisotropy (FA) and was found in the corpus callosum extending to the superior and inferior longitudinal fasciculi. We also hypothesized that stronger WM connections would be associated with more widely distributed patterns of functional connectivity in bilinguals. We tested this by assessing the resting-state functional connectivity of frontal lobe regions adjacent to WM areas with group differences in FA. Bilinguals showed stronger anterior to posterior functional connectivity compared to monolinguals. These results are the first evidence that maintained WM integrity is related to lifelong naturally occurring experience; the resulting enhanced structural and functional connectivity may provide a neural basis for “brain reserve.”
Elimination of Redundant Synaptic Inputs in the Absence of Synaptic Strengthening
Authors: Wang Hao , Liu Hong , Zhang Zhong-wei
Published: November 2011

Synaptic refinement, a developmental process that consists of selective elimination and strengthening of immature synapses, is essential for the formation of precise neuronal circuits and proper brain function. At glutamatergic synapses in the brain, activity-dependent recruitment of AMPA receptors (AMPARs) is a key mechanism underlying the strengthening of immature synapses. Studies using receptor overexpression have shown that the recruitment of AMPARs is subunit specific. With the notable exception of hippocampal CA3–CA1 synapses, however, little is known about how native receptors behave or the roles of specific AMPAR subunits in synaptic refinementin vivo. Using patch-clamp recordings in acute slices, we examined developmental refinement of whisker relay (lemniscal) synapses in the thalamus in mice deficient of AMPAR subunits. Deletion of GluA3 or GluA4 caused significant reductions of synaptic AMPAR currents in thalamic neurons at P16–P17, with a greater reduction observed in GluA3-deficient mice. Deletions of both GluA3 and GluA4 abolished synaptic AMPAR responses in the majority of thalamic neurons, indicating that at thalamic relay synapses AMPARs are composed primarily of GluA3 and GluA4. Surprisingly, deletions of GluA3 or GluA4 or both had no effect on the elimination of relay inputs: the majority of thalamic neurons in these knock-out mice—as in wild-type mice—receive a single relay input. However, experience-dependent strengthening of thalamic relay synapses was impaired in GluA3 knock-out mice. Together these findings suggest that the elimination of immature glutamatergic synapses proceeds normally in the absence of synaptic strengthening, and highlight the role of GluA3-containing AMPARs in experience-dependent synaptic plasticity.
Description and survey of methodologies for the determination of amorphous content via X-ray powder diffraction
Authors: Madsen Ian C. , Scarlett Nicola V. Y. , Kern Arndt
Published: November 2011

The presence of amorphous materials in crystalline samples is an increasingly important issue for diffractionists. Traditional phase quantification via the Rietveld method fails to take into account the occurrence of amorphous material in the sample and without careful attention on behalf of the operator its presence would remain undetected. Awareness of this issue is increasing in importance with the advent of nanotechnology and the blurring of the boundaries between amorphous and crystalline species.

The methodology of a number of different approaches to the determination of amorphous content via X-ray diffraction and an assessment of their performance, is described. Laboratory-based, X-ray diffraction data from a suite of synthetic samples, with amorphous content rangäing from 0.0 to 50 wt%, has been analysed using both direct (in which the contribution of the amorphous component to the pattern is used to obtain an estimate of concentration) and indirect (where the absolute abundances of the crystalline components are used to estimate the amorphous content by difference) methodologies. In addition, both single peak and whole pattern methodologies have been assessed.

All methods produce reasonable results, however the study highlights some of the strengths, deficiencies and applicability of each of the approaches.
Diversidade genética molecular entre cultivares e híbridos de Brachiaria spp. e Panicum maximum
Authors: Almeida Mariana Castro da Costa , Chiari Lucimara , Jank Liana , Valle Cacilda Borges do
Published: November 2011

A utilização de marcadores moleculares pode servir para direcionar cruzamentos, confirmar novos híbridos e identificar genótipos para fins comerciais. Nesse contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a diversidade genética entre cultivares e híbridos de Brachiaria spp. e Panicum maximum usando marcadores moleculares do tipo RAPD (Polimorfismos de DNA amplificados ao acaso). Foram 22 genótipos analisados com 10 primers, os quais amplificaram 178 fragmentos polimórficos de DNA, que foram usados para estimar a similaridade genética por meio do coeficiente de Jaccard. Os valores de similaridade obtidos variaram de 0,066 a 0,841. A estrutura genética entre todos os genótipos estudados foi estimada pelo método UPGMA (Método de agrupamento com médias aritméticas não ponderadas), revelando três grupos distintos com altos valores de bootstrap (>89%). Os resultados demonstraram que a técnica RAPD oferece uma maneira rápida, relativamente barata e útil para a caracterização da diversidade genética entre as diferentes cultivares e híbridos de Brachiaria ssp. e P. maximum analisados.
Fly ash–limestone ternary cements: effect of component fineness
Authors: Weerdt Klaartje De , Sellevold Erik , Kjellsen Knut O. , Justnes Harald
Published: November 2011

Composite cements in which the ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is partly replaced by limestone powder and/or siliceous fly ash (FA) at levels up to 35% were studied using three different finenesses for each material. The aim was to evaluate the influence of fineness and replacement level on the development of the compressive strength, the amount of bound water and calcium hydroxide and the heat of hydration of the composite cements. Replacing up to 10% of the fine OPC by fine limestone powder did not impair the compressive strength. Using 5% fine limestone powder instead of 5% fine FA in a cement containing 35% FA resulted, on the other hand, in a considerable strength increase of 13% at 28 days, indicating a synergetic effect between limestone powder and fly ash. The OPC fineness was the major parameter regarding the early hydration. At 28 days the fineness of the fly ash also played an important role due to its contribution to the pozzolanic reaction. Indeed, intensive grinding of the fly ash appeared to render the fly ash more reactive. The fineness of the limestone powder within the tested range (362–812 m2/kg) had no effect on the hydration of the OPC and the composite cement.
Estimating parameters of hidden Markov models based on marked individuals: use of robust design data
Authors: Kendall William L. , White Gary C. , Hines James E. , Langtimm Catherine A. , Yoshizaki Jun
Published: November 2011

Development and use of multistate mark–recapture models, which provide estimates of parameters of Markov processes in the face of imperfect detection, have become common over the last 20 years. Recently, estimating parameters of hidden Markov models, where the state of an individual can be uncertain even when it is detected, has received attention. Previous work has shown that ignoring state uncertainty biases estimates of survival and state transition probabilities, thereby reducing the power to detect effects. Efforts to adjust for state uncertainty have included special cases and a general framework for a single sample per period of interest. We provide a flexible framework for adjusting for state uncertainty in multistate models, while utilizing multiple sampling occasions per period of interest to increase precision and remove parameter redundancy. These models also produce direct estimates of state structure for each primary period, even for the case where there is just one sampling occasion. We apply our model to expected‐value data, and to data from a study of Florida manatees, to provide examples of the improvement in precision due to secondary capture occasions. We have also implemented these models in program MARK. This general framework could also be used by practitioners to consider constrained models of particular interest, or to model the relationship between within‐primary‐period parameters (e.g., state structure) and between‐primary‐period parameters (e.g., state transition probabilities).
Influence of sodium dodecyl sulphate concentration on disperse and rheological characteristics of oil-in-water emulsions stabilized by OSA starch-SDS mixtures
Authors: Krstonosic Veljko , Dokic Ljubica , Nikolic Ivana , Dapcevic Tamara , Hadnadjev Miroslav
Published: November 2011

Stability of oil-in-water emulsions can be achieved by chemical modified
starch, such as octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) starch, as emulsifier. In
order to analyse disperse and rheological characteristics of emulsions
containing two kind of emulsifiers, part of the OSA starch can be substituted
with adequate concentration of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), which is small
surfactant with same charge as OSA starch. Oil contents of examined emulsions
were 5, 20 and 50%. Selected OSA starch concentration was 10% and
replacements of the part of OSA starch were realized with SDS concentrations
of 1, 3 and 5%. Dispersed droplets of emulsions were defined by determination
of Sauter mean diameter d32 and particle size distribution. Flow curves were
used to describe rheological properties of the emulsions. Also, stability of
emulsion samples was observed and expressed by the creaming index. Obtained
results indicated decrease in Sauter mean diameter of droplets, standard
deviation and apparent viscosity of emulsions while amounts of SDS increase
within emulsifiers mixture OSA starch-SDS. The emulsions with OSA starch
according to creaming rate were more stable than emulsions stabilized by OSA
starch and SDS combination.
Development of new model for high explosives detonation parameters calculation
Authors: Jeremic Radun , Bogdanov Jovica
Published: November 2011

The simple semi-empirical model for calculation of detonation pressure and
velocity for CHNO explosives has been developed, which is based on
experimental values of detonation parameters. Model uses Avakyan?s method for
determination of detonation products' chemical composition, and is applicable
in wide range of densities. Compared with the well-known Kamlet's method and
numerical model of detonation based on BKW EOS, the calculated values from
proposed model have significantly better accuracy.
Variation of ratio kinetic profiles as a simple and novel spectrophotometric method for the simultaneous kinetic analysis of binary mixtures
Authors: Naseri Abdolhossein , Malakzadeh-Rousta Shokoofeh
Published: November 2011

In this paper, a new and very simple kinetic - spectrophotometric method is
developed for the simultaneous determination of binary mixtures without prior
separational steps. The method is based on the calculation of the variation
of ratio kinetic profiles. The mathematical explanation of the procedure is
also illustrated. The proposed method can be used for simultaneous
determination of two analytes A and B that react with the same reagent to
give the same absorbing species. In order to evaluate the applicability of
the method, a model data as well as an experimental data were tested. The
results from experimental data relating to the simultaneous
spectrophotometric determination of Co (II) and V (IV) based on their
oxidation reactions with Fe (III) in the presence 1, 10- Phenanthroline
(Phen) in micellar media were presented as a real model for resolution of the
binary systems. The applicability of the method in tap water and synthesized
alloy samples was also assessed by spiking experiments with different amount
of Co (II) and V (IV).
Synthesis of 1,6-bis(semicarbazide)hexanes and 1,6-bis(1,2,4-triazol-5-one)hexanes and their antiproliferative and antimicrobial activity
Authors: Pitucha M. , Rzymowska J. , Olender A. , Grzybowska-Szatkowska L.
Published: November 2011

A series of 1,6-bis(3-substituted-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-on-4-
yl)hexanes (3a-g) were synthesized by the cyclization reaction of 1,6-bis(1-
substituted-semicarbazide-4-yl)hexanes (2a-g) in alkaline medium. New
derivatives (3a-c) were screened in vitro for their antiproliferative and
anticancer activity in human tumor cell lines derived from breast and lung
carcinoma cells. Compounds 3a (in concentration of 0.18 mM), 3b (in
concentrations of 0.12 mM and 0.02 mM) and 3c (in concentrations of 0.23 mM
and 0.11 mM) were found to be the most effective against lung cell line. The
compound (3a) had the most antiproliferative effect on breast carcinoma cell
line. Representative compounds were established and evaluated as
antimicrobial agents. All tested derivatives showed MIC in range 1.87-7.5
(?g/mL). The compound (3b) was the most effective against C. albicans (MIC
1.87 ?g/mL).
Microwave sinthesys and characterization of Pt and Pt-Rh-Sn electrocatalysts for ethanol oxidation
Authors: Stevanovic Sanja , Tripkovic Dusan , Poleti Dejan , Rogan Jelena , Tripkovic Amalija , Jovanovic Vladislava
Published: November 2011

Carbon supported Pt and Pt-Rh-Sn catalysts were synthesized by
microwave-polyol method in ethylene glycol solution and investigated for the
ethanol electro-oxidation reaction. The catalysts were characterized in terms
of structure, morphology and composition by employing XRD, STM and EDX
techniques. STM analysis indicated rather uniform particles and particle size
of below 2 nm for both catalysts. XRD analysis of the Pt/C catalyst revealed
two phases, one with the main characteristic peaks of face centered cubic
crystal structure (fcc) of platinum and another related to graphite like
structure of carbon support Vulcan XC-72R. However, in XRD pattern of the
Pt-Rh-Sn/C catalyst diffraction peaks for Pt, Rh or Sn cannot be resolved,
indicating an extremely low crystallinity. The small particle sizes and
homogeneous size distributions of both catalysts should be attributed to the
advantages of microwave assisted modified polyol process in ethylene glycol
solution. Pt-Rh- Sn/C catalyst is highly active for the ethanol oxidation
with the onset potential shifted for more than 150 mV to negative values and
with currents nearly 5 times higher in comparison to Pt/C catalyst. The
stability tests of the catalysts, as studied by the chronoamperometric
experiments, reveal that the Pt-Rh-Sn/C catalyst is evidently less poisoned
then Pt/C catalyst. The increased activity of Pt-Rh-Sn/C in comparison to
Pt/C catalyst is most probably promoted by bifunctional mechanism and the
electronic effect of alloyed metals.
Role of surgical resection in treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Milosevic Pavle , Djolaji Matilda , Milosevic Djordje , Ikonic Nada , Popovic Ana , Veljkovic Radovan
Published: November 2011

Introduction. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the fifth leading cause of death
from malignant diseases. The total five-year rate is bellow 5%, but in
patients who underwent pancreatic resection, the fiveyear rate may be up to
20%. Surgical resection is still the only therapeutic option that offers the
possibility of cure. In recent decades, the perioperative mortality rate has
been significantly reduced in the institutions performing a number of these
operations per year and has become less than 5%. Postoperative morbidity
remains high. Material and Methods. The results of surgical resection in the
treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma have been analyzed. A retrospective
study included the patients operated at the Department for Abdominal,
Endocrine and Transplantation surgery, Clinical Center of Vojvodina. Results.
In the period from February 1st 1998 to February 1st 2007 a total of 67
patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma underwent resection. The average age
of patients was 58.81?1.42 years. There were 44 (65.7%) male and 23 (34.3%)
female patients. The most common locations of cancer were the head, then the
body and the tail of the pancreas and they were found in 57 (85.1%) cases, 7
(10,4%) cases and 3 (4,47%) cases, respectively. The postoperative mortality
appeared in 3 (4.47%) cases and postoperative morbidity in 21 (31.3%) cases.
The average survival was 22.89? 3.87 months, the median being 9.0?2.18
months. The five-year survival rate was 13.5%. Conclusion. For patients with
pancreatic cancer, surgical resection still remains the only chance of cure.
These procedures are performed with acceptable postoperative mortality and
morbidity rate. The percentage of cured patients is still unsatisfactorily
low.
Classical and molecular methods for diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis infections
Authors: Tomanovic Snezana , Djukic Slobodanka
Published: November 2011

Introduction. Genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the leading cause of
bacterial sexually transmitted diseases in industrial countries, particularly
among young people. The consequences of chlamydial infections may involve
pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and tubal factor infertility.
Methods. Available tests for detection of chlamydia in men and women include
culture in tissue culture cells, direct immunofluorescence test, enzyme
immune assay, nucelic acid probe hibridization and polymerase chain reaction.
Nucleic acid amplification tests use different ribonucleic and
deoxyribonucleic acid regions as target molecules for amplifying Chlamydia
trachomatis ribonucleic/deoxyribonucleic acid in clinical samples. Nucleic
acid amplification tests are more sensitive than non-nucleic acid
amplification tests. Conclusion. Although screening programmes exist in a
number of countries, the continuously increasing prevalence of chlamydial
infections demonstrates the necessity for defining the best method for the
diagnosis and the population for screening.
Role of the chosen general practitioner in educating women on the importance of regular gynecological examinations
Authors: Markov Zlatka , Bosic-Zivanovic Dragana
Published: November 2011

Introduction. Since regular screening is the best way of preventing the
development of cervical cancer, the objective has been set to assess the
motivation of women to have regular gynecological examinations and to
estimate the role of the chosen general practitioner. Material and Methods.
The survey was performed on the basis of the prospective study done at the
Health Centre ?Novi Sad? in 2009 during the systematic regular examinations
carried out by general practitioners. Results. It was found that 60.8% of the
examined women had regular checkups; 21.5% visited their doctor once in the
period of two to five years and 4.9% had undergone the examination in a
period > 10 years, whereas 1.9 women had never had an examination. Other
examinees had occasional check-ups with various time laps between them.
Discussion. The reasons for not visiting a gynecologist were fear of the
examination, absence of discomforts and lack of time. However, 87.2% of the
examinees visited a gynecologist after they had been advised to do so by
their general practitioner. Gynecological finding was good in 87.6% of the
women, 3.4% were found to have carcinoma and 8.9% had some other abnormal
finding. Conclusion. According to the obtained results, it has been concluded
that the chosen general practitioner has a very important role in motivating
women to have regular gynecological examinations and in educating them on the
risk factors for developing malignant diseases and on the possible
prevention.
Contemporary methods and mobile denture cleansers and theirs significance for older population
Authors: Strajnic Ljiljana , Djokic Miodrag , Vucinic Predrag
Published: November 2011

Introduction. A dramatic increase in the number of people living in their
seventies, eighties and nineties is associated with a loss of teeth and the
use of mobile dentures. The aim of this paper was to highlight the
consequences of poor denture hygiene on oral and general health in vulnerable
elderly people, in long-term hospitalized elderly patients and in long-term
institutionalized elderly in nursing homes. Denture deposits and consequences
of poor denture hygiene. The number of bacteria living in the mouth is
getting larger after putting denture on. Namely, a small ?space? develops
between jaw and denture, creating perfect conditions for bacterial growth.
Denture becomes a ?reservoir? of micro-organisms. Denture deposits such as
bacterial plaque, fungi, tartar and remnants could be responsible for:
stomatitis prothetica, cheilitis angularis, inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia,
halitosis (bad breath), dental caries in mobile denture carriers, mucositis
and periimplantitis in mobile implant over-dentures carriers, accelerated
destruction of denture materials for underlying, such as denture base soft
liners, respiratory airways diseases, bacterial endocarditis and
gastrointestinal infections. Removal of denture deposits. It is recommendable
to combine mechanical and chemical denture cleaning. Denture submersion into
a commercial cleansing solution for less than one hour is an effective
cleaning method. Commercial cleansers specifically intended for dentures with
metal parts should be used for those dentures. Commercial cleansers with a
new component of silicon polymer, whose thin layer surrounds all denture
surfaces and disables oral bacteria to agglomerate, are effective and useful.
Preventive hygienic treatments are very important in hospitals and homes for
the aged, bearing in mind that old and ill persons reside here. Those
institutions are recommended to get equipped with ultrasound denture
cleaners. Importance of written brochure on proper denture hygiene. Patients
should be verbally instructed and showed about cleaning techniques, but also
written instructions in form of brochure should be distributed in order to
achieve better effects.
Prediction of renal dysfunction in patients with obstructive icterus
Authors: Raicevic-Sibinovic Suzana , Nagorni Aleksandar , Brzacki Vesna , Radisavljevic Mirjana
Published: November 2011

Introduction. Renal dysfunction is one of complications in patients with
obstructive icterus. It is important to recognize it early and take adequate
measure to prevent its occurrence. One third of the patients with obstructive
icterus have deterioration of renal function before surgical intervention.
The aim of the research was to assess the renal dysfunction markers in
patients with obstructive icterus. The following factors were examined:
diuresis, urinary sodium concentration, sodium excretory fraction, urine
osmolality, osmotic concentration index, creatinine concentration index and
renal index of lesion. Material and methods. The study included 85 patients
with obstructive icterus (50 patients before surgical intervention and 35
after surgical intervention) and 30 patients without icterus as a control
group. The patients with normal renal function before the development of the
disease were included. Results. Malignant etiology was present in 39 patients
and benign in 46 patients of the examined group. The evaluation parameters of
renal function were examined in all of the patients. Creatinine concentration
index led to the greatest change in the coefficient value of an internal
consistency, showing that it was the best renal function marker in the
examined group of patients with icterus. The next one was the urinary
osmolality, since its exclusion would lead to a decrease in the value of
Cronbach ? coefficient to 0.06. Icterus and surgical intervention show
statistically significant effects to change in the value of the markers of
laboratory differentiation of renal function, observed as an entire set.
Discussion and conclusion. The examination showed that the concentration
clearances of creatinine and urine osmolality are the parameters which point
to the probability of renal dysfunction occurrence in obstructive icterus.
Home Heaters: A Holistic View of the Financial Statements
Authors: Claiborne M. Cathy , Wilcox Kirkland A.
Published: November 2011

In this case, two start-up companies in the same industry have identical economic transactions. Although both companies follow generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), each manager makes different choices and estimates when applying GAAP. By preparing the financial statements, calculating ratios, and comparing and contrasting the two companies, students see how choices and estimates made by management affect the financial statements. They also see the challenge faced by users of financial information when trying to interpret the financial statements and compare companies. Students really experience an “aha!” moment while analyzing this case. The case refutes their commonly held assumptions that accounting always has a right answer and that financial statements represent the truth.
Does Using Clickers in the Classroom Matter to Student Performance and Satisfaction When Taking the Introductory Financial Accounting Course?
Authors: Premuroso Ronald F. , Tong Lei , Beed Teresa K.
Published: November 2011

Teaching and student success in the classroom involve incorporating various sound pedagogy and technologies that improve and enhance student learning and understanding. Before entering their major field of study, business and accounting majors generally must take a rigorous introductory course in financial accounting. Technological innovations utilized in the classroom to teach this course include Audience Response Systems (ARS), whereby the instructor poses questions related to the course material to students who each respond by using a clicker and receiving immediate feedback. In a highly controlled experimental situation, we find significant improvements in the overall student examination performance when teaching this course using clickers as compared to traditional classroom teaching techniques. Finally, using a survey at the end of the introductory financial accounting course taught with the use of clickers, we add to the growing literature supporting student satisfaction with use of this type of technology in the classroom. As universities look for ways to restrain operating costs without compromising the pedagogy of core requirement classes such as the introductory financial accounting course, our results should be of interest to educators, administrators, and student retention offices, as well as to the developers and manufacturers of these classroom support technologies.

Data Availability: Contact the first author for the data used in this study.
Clinical signs and histologic findings in dogs with odontogenic cysts: 41 cases (1995–2010)
Authors: Verstraete Frank J. M. , Zin Bliss P. , Kass Philip H. , Cox Darren P. , Jordan Richard C.
Published: November 2011

Objective—To characterize clinical signs and histologic findings in dogs with odontogenic cysts and determine whether histologic findings were associated with clinical features.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—41 dogs.

Procedures—Medical records were reviewed to obtain clinical data, including breed, age, sex, and lesion location. Microscopic sections and results of diagnostic imaging were reviewed.

Results—Odontogenic cysts were identified in 41 dogs between 1995 and 2010. There were 29 dogs with dentigerous cysts, 1 with a radicular cyst, 1 with a lateral periodontal cyst, and 1 with a gingival inclusion cyst. In addition, 9 dogs with odontogenic cysts that had clinical and histologic features suggestive of, but not diagnostic for, odontogenic keratocysts seen in people were identified. In all 9 dogs, these cysts were located in the maxilla and surrounded the roots of normally erupted teeth. Of the 29 dogs with dentigerous cysts, 23 had a single cyst, 5 had 2 cysts, and 1 had 3 cysts. Six cysts were associated with an unerupted canine tooth, and 30 were associated with an unerupted first premolar tooth (1 cyst was associated both with an unerupted canine tooth and with an unerupted first premolar tooth). Dentigerous cysts were identified in a variety of breeds, but several brachycephalic breeds were overrepresented, compared with the hospital population during the study period.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that a variety of odontogenic cysts can occur in dogs. In addition, cysts that resembled odontogenic keratocysts reported in people were identified. We propose the term canine odontogenic parakeratinized cyst for this condition.
Spatially-dependent and nonlinear fluid transport: coupling framework
Authors: Geiser Jürgen
Published: November 2011

We introduce a solver method for spatially dependent and nonlinear fluid transport. The motivation is from transport processes in porous media (e.g., waste disposal and chemical deposition processes). We analyze the coupled transport-reaction equation with mobile and immobile areas.

The main idea is to apply transformation methods to spatial and nonlinear terms to obtain linear or nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Such differential equations can be simply solved with Laplace transformation methods or nonlinear solver methods. The nonlinear methods are based on characteristic methods and can be generalized numerically to higher-order TVD methods [Harten A., High resolution schemes for hyperbolic conservation laws, J. Comput. Phys., 1983, 49(3), 357–393].

In this article we will focus on the derivation of some analytical solutions for spatially dependent and nonlinear problems which can be embedded into finite volume methods. The main contribution is to embed one-dimensional analytical solutions into multi-dimensional finite volume methods with the construction idea of mass transport [Geiser J., Mobile and immobile fluid transport: coupling framework, Internat. J. Numer. Methods Fluids, 2010, 65(8), 877–922]. At the end of the article we present some results of numerical experiments for different benchmark problems.
Physics Holographic Recording Device Based on LCoS Spatial Light Modulator
Authors: Bulanovs A. , Tamanis E. , Mihailova I.
Published: November 2011

Physics Holographic Recording Device Based on LCoS Spatial Light Modulator

A PC-controlled holographic recording device has been developed in which a LC-R-2500 Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) based on reflective Liquid Crystal on Silicone (LCoS) display was used. The device allows the amplitude and phase modu-lation of coherent light wave fronts. In the optical scheme, a DPSS (Diode Pumped Solid State) laser with nanosecond pulse duration and wavelength 532 nm was applied. The holographic recording was made and tested in the amplitude and phase wave front modulation modes on a chalcogenide semiconductor photoresist As40S15S45. The experimental results are presented.
Direct Effects of Assets and Savings on the College Progress of Black Young Adults
Authors: Elliott William , Nam Ilsung
Published: November 2011

Descriptive data indicate that 62% of White young adults between the ages of 17 and 23 years were on course (i.e., either in college or have graduated from college) in 2007, compared with only 37% of Black young adults. Given this, finding novel and promising ways to promote college progress among Black young adults, in particular, is a growing concern for policy makers. Controlling for a number of factors, the authors find that young adults who have school savings as adolescents are more likely to be on course than young adults who did not have school savings regardless of race. The authors conclude that policies that help parents and adolescents accumulate savings may be a simple and effective strategy for helping keep young adults “on course” in their college education, while taking on less debt.
Subjective Measure of Car Dependence
Authors: Zhao Jinhua
Published: November 2011

A subjective measure of car dependence was developed on the basis of people's own assessment of their reliance on car use. The measure supplements the commonly used objective measure on the basis of actual car use. Structural equation models (SEMs) were estimated to quantify the subjective dependence and to examine its determinants: demographics, socioeconomics, and land use and transit access. The comparison between subjective dependence and actual car use disclosed significant differences between the measures, despite their statistical linkage. The measures also differed significantly in terms of how they were influenced by the determinants. Segmenting the population by both measures revealed 20% of the sample with contrasting subjective and objective measures. After controlling for the determinants, the SEMs examined relations between subjective car dependence (attitude), actual car use (behavior), and the intent to reduce car use (intention). Given the cross-sectional nature of the data, causality could not be proven. Two plausible structural relationships were tested: that actual car use determined subjective car dependence and that no direction of causality was assumed. Subjective car dependence mediates the impact of car use on the intent to reduce it: the direct effect of car use on the intent to reduce it is 0.2; the indirect effect through stated car dependence is —0.6; the total effect is —0.4. Actual car use explains approximately 50% of the variation in subjective car dependence, which, together with actual car use, explains approximately 60% of the variation in people's intent to reduce car use.
Vertical distribution of phytoplankton in a hypertrophic jheel, Mirpur, Dhaka
Authors: Khondker Moniruzzaman , Islam Md Shafiqul , Afroze Humayra
Published: November 2011

Four species of phytoplankton namely, Arthrospira platensis, Phacus ranula, Oscillatoria chalybea, and Euglena variabilis showed vertical depth distribution in different seasons. A. platensis and O. chalybea were found to co?exist and showed almost identical seasonal depth distribution pattern. P. ranula preferred to grow in the illuminated upper zone of the water body while E. variabilis showed moderate growth also at the bottom where the concentration of soluble reactive phosphorus was very high (506 ? 1554 μg/l). A. platensis and O. chalybea grew luxuriantly in summer and monsoon seasons while P. ranula and E. variabilis were abundant in winter.Key words: Vertical distribution; Phytoplankton; Hypertrophic JheelDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v20i1.8832Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 20(1): 7-13, 2011 (January)
Physiological characters of psychrotolerant bacteria in a eutrophic bottom environment
Authors: Karim Md Abdul , Fukami Kimio
Published: November 2011

An investigation for the isolation and identification of psychrotolerant bacteria from eutrophic bottom environment showed average temperature during winter and summer was 8 and 26°C, respectively. Six bacterial isolates were characterized in details and identified as Deleya halophila, Chromohalobacter marismortui, Erythrobacter longus, Pseudomonas perfectomarina, Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus, Alteromonas undina. All isolates grew well at wide range of temperature between 5 and 30ºC and considered as psychrotolerant.Key words: Psychrotolerant bacteria; Eutrophic environmentDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v20i1.8837Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 20(1): 49-56, 2011 (January)
Characterization and classification of some intensively cultivated soils from the Ganges river floodplain of Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain MM , Khan ZH , Hussain MS , Mazumder AR
Published: November 2011

Most of the soil samples from four pedons representing some extensive soil series from the Ganges river floodplain of Bangladesh found to be heavy textured with clay content averaging from 43 to 55 per cent up to a depth of one meter. The soils had neutral to alkaline reaction with high percentage of base saturation. Because of seasonal flooding ranging from two - three months the soils have developed redoximorphic features including redox concentration in the middle zone and a redox depletion in the lower zone of the profiles. The seasonal submergence and drying are the most active factors in developing the morphogenetic features in these soils. Smectite was the dominant clay mineral followed by mica and kaolinite with small quantities of vermiculites and interstratified minerals. The minerals in the clay fraction of the soils appear to be inherited from alluvial parent materials with very little in situ mineral transformation. The soils were characterized at the family categoric level of USDA soil taxonomy.Key words: Ganges river floodplain; Characterization; Classification; Cultivated soilsDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v20i1.8870Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 20(1): 71-80, 2011 (January)
Analgesic activity of Adiantum flabellulatum
Authors: Shahriar Mohammad , Kabir Shaila
Published: November 2011

Key words: Adiantum flabellulatum; Adiantaceae; Analgesic activityDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v20i1.8877Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 20(1): 91-93, 2011 (January)
Zoonotic Poxviruses Associated with Companion Animals
Authors: Tack Danielle M. , Reynolds Mary G.
Published: November 2011

Understanding the zoonotic risk posed by poxviruses in companion animals is important for protecting both human and animal health. The outbreak of monkeypox in the United States, as well as current reports of cowpox in Europe, point to the fact that companion animals are increasingly serving as sources of poxvirus transmission to people. In addition, the trend among hobbyists to keep livestock (such as goats) in urban and semi-urban areas has contributed to increased parapoxvirus exposures among people not traditionally considered at high risk. Despite the historic notoriety of poxviruses and the diseases they cause, poxvirus infections are often missed. Delays in diagnosing poxvirus-associated infections in companion animals can lead to inadvertent human exposures. Delays in confirming human infections can result in inappropriate treatment or prolonged recovery. Early recognition of poxvirus-associated infections and application of appropriate preventive measures can reduce the spread of virus between companion animals and their owners. This review will discuss the epidemiology and clinical features associated with the zoonotic poxvirus infections most commonly associated with companion animals.
Expression Patterns of Glutathione Transferase Gene (GstI) in Maize Seedlings Under Juglone-Induced Oxidative Stress
Authors: Sytykiewicz Hubert
Published: November 2011

Juglone (5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) has been identified in organs of many plant species within Juglandaceae family. This secondary metabolite is considered as a highly bioactive substance that functions as direct oxidant stimulating the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in acceptor plants. Glutathione transferases (GSTs, E.C.2.5.1.18) represent an important group of cytoprotective enzymes participating in detoxification of xenobiotics and limiting oxidative damages of cellular macromolecules. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of tested allelochemical on growth and development of maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings. Furthermore, the effect of juglone-induced oxidative stress on glutathione transferase (GstI) gene expression patterns in maize seedlings was recorded. It was revealed that 4-day juglone treatment significantly stimulated the transcriptional activity of GstI in maize seedlings compared to control plants. By contrast, at the 6th and 8th day of experiments the expression gene responses were slightly lower as compared with non-stressed seedlings. Additionally, the specific gene expression profiles, as well as the inhibition of primary roots and coleoptile elongation were proportional to juglone concentrations. In conclusion, the results provide strong molecular evidence that allelopathic influence of juglone on growth and development of maize seedlings may be relevant with an induction of oxidative stress in acceptor plants.