bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selection and Economic Gains in the Great Migration of African Americans: New Evidence from Linked Census Data
Authors: Collins William J. , Wanamaker Marianne H.
Published: December 2013

The onset of World War I spurred the “Great Migration” of African Americans from the US South, arguably the most important internal migration in US history. We create a new panel dataset of more than 5,000 men matched from the 1910 to 1930 census manuscripts to address three interconnected questions: To what extent was there selection into migration? How large were the migrants’ gains? Did migration narrow the racial gap in economic status? We find evidence of positive selection, but the migrants’ gains were large. A substantial amount of black-white convergence in this period is attributable to migration. (JEL J15, J61, N32, N92, R23)
Influenza Vaccination Campaigns: Is an Ounce of Prevention Worth a Pound of Cure?
Authors: Ward Courtney J.
Published: December 2013

This paper estimates the overall impact and externality effects of an influenza vaccination program expanding coverage outside the typical target group. Using a triple-difference design, which exploits the introduction of a broad based vaccination program in Ontario and the quality of the vaccine from year to year, I link higher vaccination to health improvements. Results indicate coverage expansion leads to large excess gains for program-regions; benefits exhibit decreasing returns corresponding to a standard model of disease dynamics; and substantial external benefits accrue to older adults. (JEL H75, I12, I18)
Pediatric Within-Day Biological Variation and Quality Specifications for 38 Biochemical Markers in the CALIPER Cohort
Authors: Bailey Dana , Bevilacqua Victoria , Colantonio David A , Pasic Maria D , Perumal Nandita , Chan Man Khun , Adeli Khosrow
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUND

Studies of biological variation provide insight into the physiological changes that occur within and between study participants. Values obtained from such investigations are important for patient monitoring and for establishing quality specifications. In this study we evaluated the short-term biological variation of 38 chemistry, lipid, enzyme, and protein analytes in a pediatric population, assessed the effect of age partitions on interindividual variation, and compared the findings to adult values.

METHODS

Four plasma samples each were obtained within 8 h from 29 healthy children (45% males), age 4–18 years. Samples were stored at −80 °C and analyzed in 3 batches, with samples from 9–10 study participants per batch. Within-person and between-person biological variation values were established using nested ANOVA after exclusion of outliers by use of the Tukey outlier test. Analytical quality specifications were established with the Fraser method.

RESULTS

Biological variation coefficients and analytical goals were established for 38 analytes. Age partitioning was required for 6 analytes. Biological variation characteristics of 14 assays (37%) were distinct from adult values found in the Westgard database on biological variation. Biological variation characteristics were established for 2 previously unreported analytes, unconjugated bilirubin and soluble transferrin receptor.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to examine biological variation and to establish analytical quality specifications on the basis of biological variation for common assays in a pediatric population. These results provide insight into pediatric physiology, are of use for reference change value calculations, clarify the appropriateness of reference interval use, and aid in the development of quality management strategies specific to pediatric laboratories.
Control of Pan-tilt Mechanism Angle using Position Matrix Method
Authors: Saputra Hendri Maja , Santoso Arif , Mirdanies Midriem , Windarwati Vikita , Nayanti Riastus , Maulana Lukni
Published: December 2013

Control of a Pan-Tilt Mechanism (PTM) angle for the bomb disposal robot Morolipi-V2 using inertial sensor measurement unit, x-IMU, has been done. The PTM has to be able to be actively controlled both manually and automatically in order to correct the orientation of the moving Morolipi-V2 platform. The x-IMU detects the platform orientation and sends the result in order to automatically control the PTM. The orientation is calculated using the quaternion combined with Madwick and Mahony f ilter methods. The orientation data that consists of angles of roll ( α ), pitch ( β ), and yaw ( γ ) from the x-IMU are then being sent to the camera for controlling the PTM motion (pan 8 tilt angles) after calculating the reverse angle using position matrix method. Experiment results using Madwick and Mahony methods show that the x-IMU can be used to find the robot platform orientation. Acceleration data from accelerometer and flux from magneto meter produce noise with standard deviation of 0.015 g and 0.006 G, respectively. Maximum ab solute errors caused by Madgwick and Mahony method with respect to X- axis are 48.45º and 33.91º, respectively. The x-IMU im plementation as inertia sensor to control the Pan-Tilt Mechanism shows a good result, which the probability of pan angle tends to be the same with yaw and tilt angle equal to the pitch angle, except a very small angle shift due to the influence of roll angle.
MPPT Based on Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) for Photovoltaic (PV) System in Solar Car
Authors: Aji Seno , Ajiatmo Dwi , Robandi Imam , Suryoatmojo Heri
Published: December 2013

This paper presents a control called Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) for photovoltaic (PV) system in a solar car. The main purpose of this system is to extracts PV power maximally while keeping small losses using a simple design of converter. Working principle of MPPT based fuzzy logic controller (MPPT-FLC) is to get desirable values of reference current and voltage. MPPT-FLC compares them with the values of the PV's actual current and voltage to control duty cycle value. Then the duty cycle value is used to adjust the angle of ignition switch (MOSFET gate) on the Boost converter. The proposed method was shown through simulation performed using PSIM and MATLAB software. Simulation results show that the system is able to improve the PV power extraction efficiency significantly by approximately 98% of PV’s power.
Design and Development of a Control System for Nanofiber Electrospinning
Authors: Kurniawan Dayat , Adhi Purwoko , Nasir Muhammad
Published: December 2013

This paper describes the development of a control hardware and software for a nano-fiber electro-spinning system. The hardware consists of motor driver boards, a high DC voltage board, and a main control board. The user interface software on PC is developed using Visual Studio C # 2010 express edition. The motor driver boards are controlled by an ATmega8 microcontroller IC, while the main board is controlled by an ATmega 128 microcontroller IC. Communication between the main board and the motor driver boards uses the inter integrated circuit (I2C), while communication between PC and the main board uses a serial communication at a baud rate of 9,600 bps. The high DC voltage generator is designed to have an output of 0-25 kV. High DC voltage output is configurable by giving a combination of low logic and high impedance into a six bit input. The result show that maximum output of high DC voltage is 25.025 kV with formula of curve is y = 1x – 0.0244 with R2 = 0.9998 and PC software interface can work very well. Polymer flow rate can be configured from PC interface software via I2C connected to the main board. The flow rate y follows the RPM setting x, according to the formula y = 0.954x – 0.0099 with R2 = 1. The results of scanning electron microscope (SEM) for morphology analysis of PVDF copolymer composite nano-fiber shows that the average diameter of the resulted fiber is 136.43 nm, when output high DC voltage is set to 15 kV and speed of syringe pump is set to 5 RPM.
The Performance of EEG-P300 Classification using Backpropagation Neural Networks
Authors: Turnip Arjon , Soetraprawata Demi
Published: December 2013

Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings signal provide an important function of brain-computer communication, but the accuracy of their classification is very limited in unforeseeable signal variations relating to artifacts. In this paper, we propose a classification method entailing time-series EEG-P300 signals using backpropagation neural networks to predict the qualitative properties of a subject’s mental tasks by extracting useful information from the highly multivariate non-invasive recordings of brain activity. To test the improvement in the EEG-P300 classification performance (i.e., classification accuracy and transfer rate) with the proposed method, comparative experiments were conducted using Bayesian Linear Discriminant Analysis (BLDA). Finally, the result of the experiment showed that the average of the classification accuracy was 97% and the maximum improvement of the average transfer rate is 42.4%, indicating the considerable potential of the using of EEG-P300 for the continuous classification of mental tasks.
Economic Analysis of Cikaso Mini Hydro Power Plant as a CDM Project for Increasing IRR
Authors: Febijanto Irhan
Published: December 2013

Renewable energy fueled power generations are few developed by private sector in Indonesia. High-cost investment and low electricity selling price to PT PLN as a single buyer is main barriers for private sector to involve in the development of renewable energy fueled power generations. In this project, the economic feasibility of Mini Hydro Power Plant of Cikaso with capacity of 5.3 MW, located at Sukabumi Regency, West Java province was assessed. This project utilized revenue generated from carbon market to increase the economic feasibility. Procedure to register the project to United Nation for Climate Change Convention (UNFCCC) as a Clean Development Mechanism project was explained in detail. Approved Consolidation Methodology (ACM) 0002 Version 12.3.0 was used to calculate grid emission factor in Jawa-Bali-Madura the grid electricity system. It was calculated that the grid emission factor is 0.833 (t-CO2/MWh), and the carbon emission reduction generated for this project is 21,982 ton/year. From the analysis result, it can be proven that the additional revenue from carbon credit could increase the project IRR from 10.28% to 13.52%.
Long-term prognosis after medical treatment of Graves' disease in a northern Swedish population 2000–2010
Authors: Mohlin Eric , Filipsson Nyström Helena , Eliasson Mats
Published: December 2013

Objective

To investigate the long-term prognosis of patients with Graves' disease (GD) after antithyroid drug (ATD) treatment and follow-up outside of highly specialised care.

Design and methods

Medical records of all patients diagnosed with first-time GD in 2000–2010 with at least 6 months ATD treatment at a central hospital and follow-up in primary health care in the county of Norrbotten in northern Sweden were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were followed for relapse until 31st December 2012. We included 219 patients (mean age 46 years, 82.5% women) with follow-up of maximum 10 years and 829 observed patient years. Data were analysed using Kaplan–Meier estimates and log-rank test.

Results

During the observation period, 43.5% of the patients had relapsed into active GD. The cumulative relapse rates were 22.6, 30.2, 36.9 and 41.5% after 6 months, 1, 3 and 5 years respectively. The presence of goitre (P=0.014) predicted relapse. Previous smoking was protective against relapse (P=0.003). The levels of free thyroxine or free tri-iodothyronine, age, gender, current smoking and ophthalmopathy did not predict relapse. Agranulocytosis was found in 1.7% (95% CI 0.7–4.0%).

Conclusion

A long-term remission of 56.5%, in an iodine-sufficient area where ATD is offered to most patients in the real world of central and district hospitals, is higher than in most studies. Relapse was most common during the first year, and prognosis was excellent after 4 years without relapse. The protective effect of previous smoking merits further research.
Genetic Architecture of Contemporary Adaptation to Biotic Invasions: Quantitative Trait Locus Mapping of Beak Reduction in Soapberry Bugs
Authors: Yu Y , Andrés Jose A
Published: December 2013

Biological invasions can result in new selection pressures driven by the establishment of new biotic interactions. The response of exotic and native species to selection depends critically on the genetic architecture of ecologically relevant traits. In the Florida peninsula, the soapberry bug (Jadera haematoloma) has colonized the recently introduced Chinese flametree, Koelreuteria elegans, as a host plant. Driven by feeding efficiency, the populations associated with this new host have differentiated into a new bug ecomorph characterized by short beaks more appropriate for feeding on the flattened pods of the Chinese flametree. In this study, we have generated a three-generation pedigree from crossing the long-beaked and short-beaked ecomorphs to construct a de novo linkage map and to locate putative quantitative trait locus (QTL) controlling beak length and body size in J. haematoloma. Using amplified fragment-length polymorphism markers and a two-way pseudo-testcross design, we have produced two parental maps in six linkage groups, covering the known number of chromosomes. QTL analysis revealed one significant QTL for beak length on a maternal linkage group and the corresponding paternal linkage group. Three QTL were found for body size. Through single marker regression analysis, nine single markers that could not be placed on the map were also found to be significantly associated with one or both of the two traits. Interestingly, the most significant body size QTL co-localized with the beak length QTL, suggesting linkage disequilibrium or pleiotropic effects of related traits. Our results suggest an oligogenic control of beak length.
Homogeneous Nuclear Background for Mitochondrial Cline in Northern Range ofNotochthamalus scabrosus
Authors: Zakas Christina , Jones Ken , Wares John P
Published: December 2013

A mitochondrial cline along the Chilean coast in the barnacle Notochthamalus scabrosus suggests a species history of transient allopatry and secondary contact. However, previous studies of nuclear sequence divergence suggested population genetic homogeneity across northern and central Chile. Here, we collect single-nucleotide polymorphism data from pooled population samples sequenced with restriction site−associated DNA sequencing procedures, confirm these data with the use of a GoldenGate array, and identify a discordance between population genetic patterns in the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. This discordance was noted in previous work on this species, but here it is confirmed that the nuclear genome exhibits only slight phylogeographic variation across 3000 km of coastline, in the presence of a strong and statistically significant mitochondrial cline. There are nevertheless markers (approximately 5% of nuclear single-nucleotide polymorphisms) exhibiting cytonuclear disequilibrium relative to mitotype. Although these data confirm our previous explorations of this species, it is likely that some of the nuclear genomic diversity of this species has yet to be explored, as comparison with other barnacle phylogeography studies suggest that a divergence of similar magnitude should be found in the nuclear genome somewhere else in the species range.
An Occurrence of Sepsis During Inpatient Fecal Disimpaction
Authors: Darrow Cory J. , Devito Justin F.
Published: December 2013

Functional constipation is a common pediatric problem that is often treated through well-established algorithms. Fecal disimpaction is the initial therapeutic step, and severe cases require hospitalization for intensive therapies. We describe a significant unexpected complication of this common clinical situation. An 8-year-old boy with suspected chronic functional constipation was hospitalized for disimpaction by continuous nasogastric administration of polyethylene glycol electrolyte (PEG-E) solution. On the sixth day of disimpaction, the patient abruptly developed fever, tachycardia, and tachypnea. Evaluation included blood culture, which grew Escherichia coli, and treatment with a course of appropriate antibiotics was provided. The safety of PEG-E solutions has been shown in studies of children with constipation, which made this patient’s illness surprising. Several potential etiologies of his infection were considered, including bacterial translocation (BT). BT is defined as the passage of live microbes and microbial products from the gastrointestinal tract to extraintestinal sites, such as the bloodstream. It has been shown to occur in a variety of clinical conditions but is of unclear clinical significance. In this case, physical damage to the intestinal mucosa was thought to contribute to the potential occurrence of BT, and prolonged disimpaction was considered as a risk factor. E coli sepsis in a child undergoing inpatient nasogastric fecal disimpaction with PEG-E represents a clinical problem never before reported in the literature and should increase clinicians’ indices of suspicion for uncommon complications of common procedures.
Translating Latin American/Us Latina Frameworks and Methods in Gender and Health Equity: Linking Women's Health Education and Participatory Social Change
Authors: Shapiro Ester R.
Published: December 2013

This article applies transdisciplinary approaches to critical health education for gender equity by analyzing textual and political strategies translating/culturally adapting the U.S. feminist health text, Our Bodies Ourselves (OBOS), for Latin American/Caribbean and U.S. Latina women. The resulting text, Nuestros Cuerpos, Nuestras Vidas ( NCNV), was revised at multiple levels to reflect different cultural/sociopolitical assumptions connecting individual knowledge, community-based and transnational activist organizations, and strategic social change. Translation/cultural adaptation decisions were designed to ensure that gender-equitable health promotion education crossed cultural borders, conveying personal knowledge and motivating individual actions while also inspiring participation in partnerships for change. Transdisciplinary approaches integrating critical ecosystemic frameworks and participatory methods can help design health promotion education mobilizing engaged, gender-equitable health citizenship supporting both personal and societal change.
Nutritional Attitudes of Homosexual People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Chongqing, Southwest China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhou Wenjie , Ma Rui , Sharma Manoj , Zhao Yong
Published: December 2013

This article aimed at understanding nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of homosexual persons living with HIV/AIDS in Chongqing, China. A cross sectional design using a valid and reliable survey was used. The survey was completed in Chongqing, Southwest China ( n = 172). Knowledge of nutrition was deficient regarding sources of nutrients such as calcium and iron, relationships between diet/nutrients and disease, and only 36.1% of participants knew about the Balanced Diet Pagoda for Chinese. Eating habits did not meet the nutritional requirements, and a majority (59.3%) did not eat breakfast every day. The average score on the knowledge quiz was 51.8%. This study showed that homosexual persons with HIV/AIDS in China longed for nutrition knowledge, and this was supported by objective data. Efforts and targeted education programs aiming to improve their nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors need to be emphasized.
Designing and Evaluating a Health Belief Model-Based Intervention to Increase Intent of HPV Vaccination among College Males
Authors: Mehta Purvi , Sharma Manoj , Lee Rebecca C.
Published: December 2013

Since 2009, HPV vaccine has been approved by the FDA for use in boys and young men, but less than 1% of eligible males in the United States have taken this vaccine. This study developed and evaluated a Health Belief Model (HBM)-based intervention to increase vaccination rates in college men. In a randomized controlled trial, HBM-based intervention was compared with a traditional knowledge-based intervention in 90 U.S. college-aged men ages 18–25 years. Repeated measures of ANOVA indicated significant positive changes in the intervention group for knowledge and HBM constructs. Results from the pretest/posttest regression analysis indicated self-efficacy for taking the vaccine ( p = 0.000), perceived barriers ( p = 0.007), and perceived severity ( p = 0.004) were significant positive predictors of vaccine acceptability. The model had an adjusted R2 of 0.351. Overall, the intervention proved to be effective in creating positive change toward HPV vaccine acceptability.
Factors Associated with Perceived Feasibility and Willingness of Non-Psychiatric Doctors in Japan to Treat Depressed Patients
Authors: Inagaki Masatoshi , Ohtsuki Tsuyuka , Ishikura Fuminobu , Kodaka Manami , Watanabe Yoichiro , Yamada Mitsuhiko
Published: December 2013

Objectives:

We previously reported that many non-psychiatric doctors in Japan believe that treating depression was not part of their duties. Educational interventions must address motivation of physicians to play a role in depression care. In this study, we explored factors associated with perceived feasibility and willingness of non-psychiatric doctors in Japan to treat depression.

Methods:

The study population included non-psychiatric doctors of the General Physician-Psychiatrist (G-P)Network group in Japan. We explored perceived feasibility and willingness to treat depressed patients, and examined preliminary associations with attitudes toward depression (the Depression Attitude Questionnaire: DAQ) and current depression treatment in routine medical practice.

Results:

Responses were obtained from 56 non-psychiatric doctors (response rate: 35.4%). The doctors who scored high on the “Professional” and “Pessimism” subscale of the DAQ believed that treating depressed patients was not feasible (χ2 = 13.6, p < 0.01; χ2 = 7.3, p < 0.05, respectively) and were not willing to treat depressed patients (χ2 =9.4, p < 0.01; χ2 = 6.6, p < 0.05, respectively) as part of their routine medical practice. The doctors who scored high on the “Professional” subscale referred fewer depressed patients to psychiatrists ( r = −0.33, p < 0.05), and those who scored high on the “Pessimism” subscale recognized fewer depressed patients ( r = −0.39, p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

The present study showed that attitudes toward depression were associated with perceived feasibility and willingness to treat depressed patients and with under-diagnosis of depression. Educational interventions optimized for these attitudes should be developed to improve recognition and treatment of depression in Japan.
Is There Any Relationship between ADHD Symptoms and Choosing Sports Education at the University?
Authors: Gökçen Cem , Abakay Ugur , Ünal Ahmet , Bayar Hasan , Alpak Gökay , Bülbül Feridun , Çöpoglu Ümit Sertan
Published: December 2013

Objective:

The goal of our study was to compare the incidence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) observed in students at the School of Physical Education and Sports (SPES), which is a school that provides higher education in athletics, with that observed in students studying in other departments of the university. Our hypothesis was that people with ADHD most commonly turn to sports.

Method:

The study enrolled 318 (75.7% of 420) students who were studying in the SPES of Gaziantep University; 277 students from the medical, nursing, administration, and engineering faculties were enrolled to serve as a control group. All students enrolled in the study were informed about the study before the lesson, and the students who agreed to participate provided written consent. Scales used in this study were: a sociodemographic information form which was prepared by the investigators, the Wender-Utah Rating Scale (WURS), and the Adult ADD/ADHD DSM-IV Based Diagnostic Screening and Rating Scale (ADD/ADHD).

Results:

WURS scores were significantly higher (25.07 ± 15.15 versus 21.37 ± 14.28; p = 0.002) in the SPES group than the control group. In addition, the percentage of subjects with a WURS score above the cut-off of 36 was higher in the SPES group than the control group (22.4% versus 15.2%; p: 0.028). The two groups were not significantly different in terms of the subscales of the ADD/ADHD scale. A correlation was found between the educational achievement of the students in the SPES group and the ADD/ADHD-inattention subscale ( r = .111, p = 0.015) and WURS scale ( r = .113, p = 0.011).

Conclusions:

More systematic studies with larger samples in this domain will be useful in obtaining a clearer picture regarding professional attraction of people with ADHD to sports.
The Incidence of and Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression at an Urban Maternity Clinic in Turkey
Authors: Poçan Ahmet Gürhan , Aki Özlem Erden , Parlakgümüs Ayse Huriye , Gereklioglu Çiğdem , Dolgun Anil Barak
Published: December 2013

Objective:

Postpartum depression (PPD) is an important health issue that affects not only mothers, but also entire families. Postpartum follow-up should address emotional and psychological issues, as well as physical issues, especially in those at risk. This study aimed to determine the incidence of PPD and the associated risk factors in a group of new mothers undergoing routine follow-up at an urban maternity clinic.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional study investigating the relationship between PPD and various factors. A total of 187 women that presented to a university hospital for routine postpartum follow-up 4–6 weeks post delivery were recruited consecutively. The mothers were administered a sociodemographic form that included questions about the known risk factors (sociodemographic and sociocultural factors, and mother-related, pregnancy-related, and child-related factors) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).

Results:

The incidence of PPD based on EPDS scores was 28.9% (scores > 12 were defined as PPD). Unplanned/unintended pregnancy, bottle-feeding only, mother's lack of satisfaction with the baby's sleep pattern, lack of family support for baby care, lack of satisfaction with the marital relationship, and family violence were significantly correlated with PPD ( P < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression showed that bottle-feeding, lack of family support, lack of satisfaction with the marital relationship, and family violence were the primary factors that significantly increased the risk of PPD.

Conclusions:

The findings show that the PPD occurs in almost one-third of women and that, among the risk factors, sociocultural factors were the most strongly associated with PPD.
Gender Differences in Serum Testosterone and Cortisol in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder Compared with Controls
Authors: Matsuzaka Hisashi , Maeshima Hitoshi , Kida Sayaka , Kurita Hirofumi , Shimano Takahisa , Nakano Yoshiyuki , Baba Hajime , Suzuki Toshihito , Arai Heii
Published: December 2013

Objective:

Testosterone may have a role distinct from cortisol in the pathophysiology of depression. The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis affects the functions of sex steroid hormones through interaction with corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). The objective of this study was to investigate differences in serum levels of testosterone and cortisol in male and female patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods:

Participants included 87 inpatients with MDD at Juntendo University Koshigaya Hospital. Serum levels of testosterone and cortisol were assessed at admission. Matched controls included 128 healthy individuals. Data from MDD patients and controls were compared separately for men and women. Correlations between serum hormone levels and scores on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) of patients were assessed by sex. Effects of various factors on testosterone and cortisol were analyzed using multiple regression analysis.

Results:

In male patients with MDD, a significant negative correlation was seen between testosterone levels and the “retardation” score of HAM-D. However, serum testosterone levels were not significantly different in either male or female MDD patients compared with controls. Serum testosterone was negatively associated with the number of depressive episodes in male patients with MDD. Serum cortisol levels in female patients were significantly increased compared with female controls with no significant correlations between cortisol levels and HAM-D scores.

Conclusions:

The negative correlation between the sub-score of the HAM-D and testosterone may be associated with the biological pathophysiology of male depression. Findings of serum cortisol levels in women may suggest distinct characteristics of these hormones in men and women with MDD.
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection: Rare but challenging
Authors: Putnikovic Biljana , Ilic Ivan , Panic Milos , Aleksic Aleksandar , Vidakovic Radosav , Neskovic Aleksandar
Published: December 2013

Introduction. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause
of the acute coronary syndrome. It occurs mostly in patients without
atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, carrying fairly high early mortality
rate. The treatment of choice (interventional, surgical, or medical) for this
serious condition is not well-defined. Case report. A 41-year old woman was
admitted to our hospital after the initial, unsuccessful thrombolytic
treatment for anterior myocardial infarction administered in a local hospital
without cardiac catheterization laboratory. Immediate coronary angiography
showed spontaneous coronary dissection of the left main and left anterior
descending coronary artery. Follow-up coronary angiography performed 5 days
after, showed extension of the dissection into the circumflex artery. Because
of preserved coronary blood flow (thrombolysis in myocardial infarction -
TIMI II-III), and the absence of angina and heart failure symptoms, the
patient was treated medicaly with dual antiplatelet therapy, a low molecular
weight heparin, a beta-blocker, an angiotensinconverting enzyme (ACE)
inhibitor and a statin. The patient was discharged after 12 days. On
follow-up visits after 6 months and 2 years, the patient was asymptomatic,
and coronary angiography showed the persistence of dissection with preserved
coronary blood flow. Conclusion. Immediate coronary angiography is necessary
to assess the coronary anatomy and extent of SCAD. In patients free of angina
or heart failure symptoms, with preserved coronary artery blood flow, medical
therapy is a viable option. Further evidence is needed to clarify optimal
treatment strategy for this rare cause of acute coronary syndrome.
Giant esophageal fibrovascular polyp with clinical behaviour of inflammatory pseudotumor: A case report and the literature review
Authors: Cuk Vladimir , Knezevic-Usaj Slavica , Ignjatovic Mile , Kostic Zoran , Tarabar Dino , Kovacevic Bojan , Scepanovic Milena , Slavkovic Damjan
Published: December 2013

Introduction. Esophageal fibrovascular polyps are rare, benign, intraluminal,
submucosal tumor-like lesions, characterized by pedunculated masses which can
demonstrate enormous growth. The most frequent symptoms are dysphagia,
vomiting and weight loss. Fibrovascular polyps with long stalks can
regurgitate into the airways and cause asphyxia. Esophageal inflammatory
pseudotumor is extremely rare lesion accompanied with various systemic
manifestations as fever, anemia and thrombocytosis. Case report. We presented
a 29-year-old man complaining of a long-lasting fever and dysphagia. He was
found to have huge pedunculated submucosal tumor of esophagus, surgically
completely resected. Histopathological examination showed that this giant
tumor, 24 x 9 x 6 cm, was a fibrovascular polyp. The postoperative course was
uneventful. The preoperative fever, anemia and thrombocytosis disappeared and
did not recur in the postoperative course. Conclusion. We reported a patient
with giant esophageal pedunculated tumor with clinical manifestations of
inflammatory pseudotumor and histopathological picture of fibrovascular
polyp, that we have not found described in the literature before.
Transluminal Nd:YAG laser embolysis: A reasonable method to reperfuse occluded branch retinal arteries
Authors: Stanca Horia , Petrovic Zarko , Munteanu Mihnea
Published: December 2013

Introduction. Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) and branch retinal
artery occlusion (BRAO) result in partial or complete retinal ischemia and
sudden loss of vision; at this moment, there is no effective therapy for CRAO
and BRAO. Transluminal Nd:YAG laser embolysis (TYE) represents a therapeutic
approach used for retinal vascular occlusive diseases. The main indication is
branch retinal artery occlusion with visible embolus; for central retinal
artery occlusion this tehnique is hardly applicable. The principle of this
method consists of intravascular embolus breakage using the 1064 nm Nd:YAG
laser, focused on the embolus surface. Case report. We presented 5 cases with
BRAO, 3 with infero-temporal and 2 with supero-temporal BRAO, all of them
treated with TYE, with variable results. All the patients had a visible
embolus within the BRA, the laser applications being delivered directly to
the embolus. Conclusion. Despite our short-term experience regarding this
therapeutical approach, we can resume that the moment of emboli distruction,
as close as possible to the onset of the occlusion, is decisive for regaining
vision and that applying the procedure correctly is superior to observation
in most cases. Worldwide experience with TYE is still limited, but the
technique seems feasible also when treating CRAO caused by visible emboli on
the optic disc surface. This most certainly calls for random trials for
identifying precisely the role of TYE in treatment of retinal occlusion
pathology, though the relatively small number of properly diagnosed cases
affects this objective. In all cases, the risks of TYE must be weighed
against the possibility of severe and permanent loss of vision secondary to
retinal artery occlusions.
Simultaneous integrated boost by intensity modulated radiation therapy in carcinoma left breast after breast conservation surgery -A preliminary experience
Authors: Agrawal Rashi , Singh Dinesh
Published: December 2013

Aim of study-Breast conservation surgery followed by radiotherapy has become the standard of care for early breast cancer. Total treatment time extends from6½ to 7 weeks. In radiotherapy such a long treatment duration is always worrisome. Simultaneous treatment of cavity and breast can reduce treatment time but we should consider acute and late toxicities. Materials and methods- In this study we are presenting data of 14consecutive patients of carcinoma left breast which were treated between March 2010 and June 2012.Dose prescribed to clinical target volume breast was 50 Gy in 25 fractions and CTV boost was 60 Gy in 25 fractions. Results-Clinical target volume for cavity ranged from 34.81cc to 369.8cc. Two patients (14.2%) had acute grade 2 skin toxicity and all other (85.7%) grade 1. Higher dose in boost region did not produce differential fibrosis or edema of breast. Median follow up is 26 months. None of our patients has experienced cardiac or pulmonary toxicity till date and all are in regular follow up. Conclusion-With simultaneous integrated boost in carcinoma breast patients, overall treatment time can be reduced without increasing early and late toxicities. Accrual of more patients is continuing. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v1i4.8794   Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 1(4): 197-201
Bumpy Application of Utility Code for Genomic Inventions: With Special Reference to Express Sequence Tags
Authors: Murthy M R Sreenivasa , Syamala K , Yadav Harshavardhan
Published: December 2013

Genomics, a new bough of biotechnology responsible for gene mapping has acquired a rapid significance in the field of patents. Brisk growth of patent filing in genomic subject matter is raising serious concerns about their utility from the perspective of societal benefit.  Though the genomic related patent application qualifies the criterion of invention and non-obviousness in major instances, the inventors are unable to satisfy the utility criterion. Some instances such as patent application for ESTs have no utility at all.  The patent regulators constructed various tests to deal with the situation such as specificity, substantiality (real world) credibility tests etc. Hoverer, it is noteworthy that an attempt to uniform the standard of utility test for genomic inventions especially in the field of ESTs, cloning and creation of chimeras, has been made by America and Europe through specific regulations. Thus, the objective of this paper is firstly, to explain the importance of biotechnology and genomic inventions for mankind and significance of ESTs for future research. Secondly, to analyze the application of Utility code prior to the emergence of Utility code in America and Europe. Thirdly to scrutinize the Utility code in both countries and their implication on aftermath cases, and. fourthly and finally, to critically evaluate the both countries utility pathways in the light of societal benefit.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v1i4.8959 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 1(4): 189-196
Effect of elevation and latitude on spring phenology of Rhododendron at Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, East Nepal
Authors: Ranjitkar Sailesh
Published: December 2013

Mountainous terrain in East corner of Nepal is good location for phenological studies. Spring phenology in Rhododendron arboreum Sm. was monitored around Ghunsa river valley in Kanchenjunga Conservation Area of Nepal. Observations were carried our following the crown density method; flowering events of the selected species were recorded in 15-days interval. Flowering activity including duration of flowering and synchrony were determined. In addition, expected difference in flower onset time in two consecutive monitoring plots was determined. Elevation, latitude and longitude were regressed against flower onset to determine effect of each variable on flower onset. Delay in flower onset with rise in elevation, North latitude and West longitude was found in the results of the regression. Full bloom phase was found highly synchronized throughout the elevation gradient with contraction of flowering duration. High synchrony also indicates that the reproductive timing might plastic enough to cope with short-term change in environment. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v1i4.9154 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 1(4): 253-257
Occurrence of Metals in Nepal: A Brief Review
Authors: G.C. Rajendra Bahadur
Published: December 2013

In Nepal, fairly good amounts of different types of minerals have been reported. More than 85 minerals and their varieties have been known in large concentration in Nepal. The minerals which occur in Nepal is sizeable amounts have not been fully exploited. It is believed that there are areas in Nepal which contain plenty of tentalum, niobium, molybdenum, and rare earth metal ores. Nepal may become a major supplier of these metals if their proper execution is made. Alluvian plains of Nepal are known to have placer gold while the middle region contains copper, iron, zinc, nickel, cobalt etc. A few deposits of lead, zinc and iron have been reported in the snow-capped areas. Economic deposits of iron ore are noticed in phulchoki, near Kathmandu valley. This article gives the summary for the occurrence of most important metals in Nepal. Some important applications of these metals are also included here. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v1i4.9175   Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 1(4): 176-179
Study of Inhibitory Effect of Honey on Various Pathogenic and Non-Pathogenic Microorganisms
Authors: Mistry Richa , Shah Gaurav
Published: December 2013

Honey is a sweet food made by bees using nectar from flowers. The variety produced by honey bees (the genus Apis). The purpose of the present study was to determine in vitro antibacterial activities of different honey against various pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms. Antibacterial activity of honey was determine by using well diffusion method in which different concentrations (20, 40, 60, 80, & 100 % v/v) of honey were used against various test pathogen. These organisms also tested against artificial honey for study of effect of sugar on its antibacterial activity. The results of these study was shown that wide range of variation in Zone of Inhibition (mm) of each type of honey and only very few organism inhibited due to effect of sugar. That shows there are also other components other than the sugar present in honey which ultimately responsible for antimicrobial activity. Due to obtaining maximum level of antibacterial activity of each honey it allow further investigation for treatment various infection and in curing of disease.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v1i4.9179 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 1(4): 279-281
Archetypal-Imaging and Mirror-Gazing
Authors: Caputo Giovanni
Published: December 2013

Mirrors have been studied by cognitive psychology in order to understand self-recognition, self-identity, and self-consciousness. Moreover, the relevance of mirrors in spirituality, magic and arts may also suggest that mirrors can be symbols of unconscious contents. Carl G. Jung investigated mirrors in relation to the unconscious, particularly in Psychology and Alchemy. However, the relationship between the conscious behavior in front of a mirror and the unconscious meaning of mirrors has not been clarified. Recently, empirical research found that gazing at one’s own face in the mirror for a few minutes, at a low illumination level, produces the perception of bodily dysmorphic illusions of strange-faces. Healthy observers usually describe huge distortions of their own faces, monstrous beings, prototypical faces, faces of relatives and deceased, and faces of animals. In the psychiatric population, some schizophrenics show a dramatic increase of strange-face illusions. They can also describe the perception of multiple-others that fill the mirror surface surrounding their strange-face. Schizophrenics are usually convinced that strange-face illusions are truly real and identify themselves with strange-face illusions, diversely from healthy individuals who never identify with them. On the contrary, most patients with major depression do not perceive strange-face illusions, or they perceive very faint changes of their immobile faces in the mirror, like death statues. Strange-face illusions may be the psychodynamic projection of the subject’s unconscious archetypal contents into the mirror image. Therefore, strange-face illusions might provide both an ecological setting and an experimental technique for “imaging of the unconscious”. Future researches have been proposed.
Entropy and Equilibria in Competitive Systems
Authors: Klimenko A.
Published: December 2013

This paper investigates the applicability of thermodynamic concepts and principles to competitive systems. We show that Tsallis entropies are suitable for the characterisation of systems with transitive competition when mutations deviate from Gibbs mutations. Different types of equilibria in competitive systems are considered and analysed. As competition rules become more and more intransitive, thermodynamic analogies are eroded, and the behaviour of the system can become complex. This work analyses the phenomenon of punctuated evolution in the context of the competitive risk/benefit dilemma.
Variation in the Distribution of Four Cacti Species Due to Climate Change in Chihuahua, Mexico
Authors: Cortes Leonor , Domínguez Irma , Lebgue Toutcha , Viramontes Oscar , Melgoza Alicia , Pinedo Carmelo , Camarillo Javier
Published: December 2013

This study is about four cacti species in the state of Chihuahua, (Coryphantha macromeris, Mammillaria lasiacantha, Echinocereus dasyacanthus and Ferocactus wislizenii). Geographic distribution was inferred with MaxEnt. Projection was estimated under three scenarios simulated from IPCC (A2, B1 and A1B) and four periods (2000, 2020, 2050 and 2080) with 19 climatic variables. MaxEnt projects a species decrease in 2020 under scenario A2, increasing in the following years. In 2080 all species, except E. dasyacanthus, will occupy a larger area than their current one. Scenario B1 projected for 2050 a decrease for all species, and in 2080 all species except E. dasyacanthus will increase their area. With A1B, C. macromeris decreases 27% from 2020 to 2050. E. dasyacanthus increases from 2020 to 2050 and decreases 73% from 2020 to 2080. M. lasiacantha decreases 13% from 2020 to 2080 and F. wislizenii will increase 13% from 2020 to 2080. Some species will remain stable on their areas despite climate changes, and other species may be affected under the conditions of the A1B scenario. It is important to continue with studies which give a broader perspective about the consequences of climate change, thus enabling decision-making about resource management.
Investigating Diet as the Source of Tetrodotoxin in Pleurobranchaea maculata
Authors: Khor Serena , Wood Susanna , Salvitti Lauren , Taylor David , Adamson Janet , McNabb Paul , Cary Stephen
Published: December 2013

The origin of tetrodotoxin (TTX) is highly debated; researchers have postulated either an endogenous or exogenous source with the host accumulating TTX symbiotically or via food chain transmission. The aim of this study was to determine whether the grey side-gilled sea slug (Pleurobranchaea maculata) could obtain TTX from a dietary source, and to attempt to identify this source through environmental surveys. Eighteen non-toxic P. maculata were maintained in aquariums and twelve were fed a TTX-containing diet. Three P. maculata were harvested after 1 h, 24 h, 17 days and 39 days and TTX concentrations in their stomach, gonad, mantle and remaining tissue/fluids determined using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Tetrodotoxin was detected in all organs/tissue after 1 h with an average uptake of 32%. This decreased throughout the experiment (21%, 15% and 9%, respectively). Benthic surveys at sites with dense populations of toxic P. maculata detected very low or no TTX in other organisms. This study demonstrates that P. maculata can accumulate TTX through their diet. However, based on the absence of an identifiable TTX source in the environment, in concert with the extremely high TTX concentrations and short life spans of P. maculata, it is unlikely to be the sole TTX source for this species.
Solomonsterol A, a Marine Pregnane-X-Receptor Agonist, Attenuates Inflammation and Immune Dysfunction in a Mouse Model of Arthritis
Authors: Mencarelli Andrea , D'Amore Claudio , Renga Barbara , Cipriani Sabrina , Carino Adriana , Sepe Valentina , Perissutti Elisa , D'Auria Maria , Zampella Angela , Distrutti Eleonora , Fiorucci Stefano
Published: December 2013

In the present study we provide evidence that solomonsterol A, a selective pregnane X receptor (PXR) agonist isolated from the marine sponge Theonella swinhoei, exerts anti-inflammatory activity and attenuates systemic inflammation and immune dysfunction in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis. Solomonsterol A was effective in protecting against the development of arthritis induced by injecting transgenic mice harboring a humanized PXR, with anti-collagen antibodies (CAIA) with beneficial effects on joint histopathology and local inflammatory response reducing the expression of inflammatory markers (TNFα, IFNγ and IL-17 and chemokines MIP1α and RANTES) in draining lymph nodes. Solomonsterol A rescued mice from systemic inflammation were assessed by measuring arthritis score, CRP and cytokines in the blood. In summary, the present study provides a molecular basis for the regulation of systemic local and systemic immunity by PXR agonists.