bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decreased astrocytic GFAP expression in streptozotocin-induced diabetes after gliotoxic lesion in the rat brainstem
Authors: Bondan Eduardo Fernandes , Martins Maria de Fátima Monteiro , Viani Flávio Cesar
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of diabetic hyperglycemia on astrocyte function, estimated by means of glial fibrillary acidic protein - GFAP - immunohistochemical expression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult male rats received a single intravenous injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) and were submitted 10 days later to a single injection of 10 microlitres 0.1% EB solution or 0.9% saline solution into the cisterna pontis. Ten microliters of 0.1% EB or 0.9% saline solution were also injected in non-diabetic rats. Animals were anesthetized and perfused through the heart 15 and 31 days after EB or saline injection, and brainstem sections were collected for ultrastructural analysis and GFAP immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: The GFAP brown-stained areas were evaluated by colorimetry using a computerized image analysis system and the results have shown that diabetes hindered the increase of GFAP astrocyte expression in the EB-injected group compared to non-diabetic animals. However, diabetes did not affect GFAP response in the saline-injected group or in control animals. CONCLUSION: Streptozotocin-induced diabetic condition reduced astrocytic GFAP expression following gliotoxic injury.
Fantasias freudianas: aspectos centrais e possível aproximação com o conceito de esquemas de Aaron Beck
Authors: Lourenço Lara Cristina D'Avila , Padovani Ricardo da Costa
Published: September 2013

Este artigo aborda pontos sobre o conceito de fantasia, de Sigmund Freud, e propõe um diálogo entre eles e o conceito de esquemas, proposto pela teoria da terapia cognitiva de Aaron Beck. Essa sugestão não indica ecletismo teórico ou prático, abordando esses conceitos considerando as diferenças dos seus pressupostos. De acordo com a teoria freudiana, as fantasias representam uma forma de leitura subjetiva, organizada a partir dos desejos e dos mecanismos de defesa, da realidade dos fatos. Trata-se do que Freud denomina realidade psíquica, a qual tem suas bases na infância e nas fantasias filogenéticas. A teoria de Beck não faz referências à noção de fantasia, contudo considera o papel das impressões e das interpretações subjetivas dos eventos, especialmente aqueles vividos na infância. Assim desenvolve a tese de que os esquemas organizam processos cognitivos, afetivos e comportamentais. O diálogo entre tais teorias tem sido corroborado por estudos das ciências cognitivas.
Tallado y demarcación: composiciones transpuestas entre el rock de Brasil y de Argentina
Authors: Fanjul Adrián Pablo
Published: September 2013

Abordamos, de modo comparativo entre discursividades brasileñas y argentinas, configuraciones para la representación de diversos tipos de entidades personales en la enunciación. Los casos analizados son composiciones poético-musicales, encuadradas en el campo del rock, transpuestas de un país al otro. Trabajamos a partir de un referencial teórico y metodológico ubicado en el análisis discursivo-enunciativo. Observamos las transformaciones que se producen, en el paso de las composiciones de una discursividad y una lengua a la otra, en lo referente al contorno de las figuras y de las voces representadas en la enunciación. Encontramos, en las producciones argentinas, una tendencia al refuerzo de esos contornos y en las producciones brasileñas una mayor permeabilidad con el entorno representado.
A contrajunção e o corpo: o indigno e o anormal
Authors: Cattelan João Carlos
Published: September 2013

Este estudo se dedica à observação do discurso ordinário (um tipo de discurso que se pauta na ordem discursiva, na reiteração das suas práticas, na trivialidade, na efemeridade e na injunção à manutenção do jogo), fazendo-o a partir de um ponto de vista específico: o foco de análise incide sobre enunciados construídos com conectivos contrajuntivos, em especial com o mas adversativo, buscando elucidar o que eles revelam, por meio da transversalidade discursiva, sobre o interdiscurso que realizam com o imaginário estabelecido; resgatar o dito anterior, produzido antes, em outro lugar e independentemente, que atravessa perpendicularmente o discurso produzido no eixo dêitico do aqui e agora e ter acesso a sustentáculos que comandam as articulações efetuadas entre as partes de um enunciado. Neste trabalho, em especial, buscar-se-á observar como enunciados contrajuntivos opõem partes de enunciado, quando a temática se refere à corporalidade física do homem.
Apexificação com hidróxido de cálcio ou agregado trióxido mineral: revisão sistemática
Authors: Moro Evandro de Paula , Kozlowski Junior Vitoldo Antonio , Alves Fabiana Bucholdz Teixeira
Published: September 2013

OBJETIVO: O propósito deste trabalho foi realizar uma revisão sistemática de estudos clínicos, que avaliaram a eficácia de hidróxido de cálcio [Ca(OH)2] e agregado trióxido mineral (MTA) na terapia de dentes despolpados com rizogênese incompleta. METODOLOGIA: Foram utilizadas as seguintes bases de dados: PUBMED, WEB OF SCIENCE, SCOPUS com a palavra-chave "apexification" e BIREME com as palavras-chave "apexification", "apexificação" e "apicificação", no período de junho de 1992 a julho de 2012, com publicações em inglês e português. A revisão considerou como critério de inclusão estudos clínicos que avaliavam comparativamente o uso de Ca(OH)2 e MTA na terapia de dentes permanentes humanos com rizogênese incompleta. RESULTADO: Por palavras-chave pesquisadas, foi encontrado um total de 2.322 estudos. Contudo, apenas três estudos satisfizeram os critérios de inclusão, ou seja, estudos clínicos controlados que avaliaram comparativamente o uso de Ca(OH)2 e MTA na terapia de apexificação em dentes permanentes aplicados em seres humanos. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados demonstraram que igualmente MTA ou hidróxido de cálcio são indicados para a técnica de apexificação em dentes permanentes imaturos. Não obstante, o número reduzido de ensaios clínicos controlados é um obstáculo na busca da evidência científica e sinaliza para a necessidade de novos estudos clínicos longitudinais com ambos os materiais.
O ethos da confiança na pesquisa cartográfica: experiência compartilhada e aumento da potência de agir
Authors: Sade Christian , Ferraz Gustavo Cruz , Rocha Jerusa Machado
Published: September 2013

Este texto discute as implicações metodológicas da confiança como um ethos na pesquisa cartográfica. A partir de autores como William James, Daniel Stern, Suely Rolnik e Vinciane Despret, definimos a confiança no entrelaçamento das noções de engajamento e indeterminação. A confiança nos dispõe a agir com base em um plano da experiência anterior à determinação de si e do mundo, o que contribui para a criação coletiva e participativa de conhecimento. A questão da constituição e do manejo dos vínculos no processo de pesquisa é pensada como um regime de contratação. Uma vez que na cartografia a produção de conhecimento é indissociável da construção de novas condições de existência, a aposta é de que a confiança na experiência implica a promoção de uma experiência compartilhada que amplia a potência de agir.
O lugar do quantitativo na pesquisa cartográfica
Authors: César Janaína Mariano , Silva Fabio Hebert da , Bicalho Pedro Paulo Gastalho de
Published: September 2013

Este texto se propõe discutir as noções de qualitativo e quantitativo no âmbito da pesquisa cartográfica, com ênfase neste último. Estas estão articuladas na direção ético-política de um plano de inseparabilidade entre formas e forças, não restritas à perspectiva dicotômica entre "quali" e "quanti". A partir de dois casos de pesquisa, em suas específicas estratégias, um teste psicológico e um questionário de medição de transtornos mentais leves busca problematizar os efeitos da operação do quantitativo como uma das pistas possíveis ao método da cartografia: a noção de quantitativo como quantum de forças e do qualitativo como diferencial entre quanta de forças, imiscuídas na produção do real.
Impact of Maxillary Advancement on Speech and Velopharyngeal Function in Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Smedberg Erica , Neovius Erik , Lohmander Anette
Published: September 2013

Objective

Patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) and maxillary retrognathia are usually treated with maxillary advancement (Le Fort I osteotomy). The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of maxillary advancement on the velopharyngeal function (VPF) and symptoms of velopharyngeal incompetence in patients with CLP.

Design

Retrospective group study before and after treatment.

Participants

All patients who had undergone Le Fort I osteotomy due to maxillary retrognathia from 2007 to 2010 at Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden (n = 13). Pre- and postoperatively standardized examinations were used. Blinded audio recordings were independently assessed by three experienced speech pathologists. Acoustical data (nasometry) and information on VPF (videoradiography and nasoendoscopy) were collected from the medical records. Two patients with additional malformations were considered outliers, and group data were based on a sample size of n = 11.

Main Outcome Measures

Perceptual and acoustic symptoms of velopharyngeal incompetence and overall assessment of VPF.

Results

No assessment method showed a significant deterioration of the VPF postoperatively. Individual data revealed that 6 of the 13 patients had no or only one symptom pre- and/or postoperatively. The two patients with additional malformations had most symptoms pre- and postoperatively and did not change. Three patients had an increased number of symptoms postoperatively by at least two symptoms. No associations between the outcome and possible prognostic factors were found.

Conclusions

Maxillary advancement did not have a significant impact on the VPF at the group level, but three individuals had a somewhat deteriorated VPF postoperatively.
Influence of Citrus Plants Infected withXylella fastidiosaon Stylet Penetration Activities ofBucephalogonia xanthophis(Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)
Authors: Miranda M P De , Villada E S , Lopes S A , Fereres A , Lopes JRS
Published: September 2013

Xylem colonization by Xylello fastidiosa promotes physiological, biochemical, and morphological alterations in citrus plants causing citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC) disease, which might influence the feeding behavior of vectors of this bacterial pathogen and its spread in citrus groves. By using the electrical penetration graph technique, we compared the numbers and durations of stylet penetration activities by adults of the sharpshooter vector Bucephalogonia xanthophis (Berg) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) on healthy and X. fastidiosa-infected sweet orange seedlings (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck, cv. Pera). Infected plants were either symptomatic, exhibiting the typical CVC, symptoms or totally asymptomatic. The mean time needed to contact xylem and start xylem sap ingestion after the onset of the first probe was similar among treatments. However, the average time elapsed between the onset of the first probe and the beginning of sustained xylem ingestion (>5 min) was longer on plants with CVC symptoms than on infected asymptomatic or healthy plants. In addition, the length of time spent in ingestion activities was much shorter on symptomatic plants. Our results showed that CVC symptomatic citrus plants were a less acceptable host than uninfected or asymptomatic X. fastidiosa-infected plants. Furthermore, our results support the hypothesis that symptomless infected citrus trees may be more important as sources for CVC spread than severely diseased ones.
The Song, Morphology, Habitat, and Distribution of the Elusive North American Cicada Okanagana viridis (Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadidae)
Authors: Hill Kathy B R , Marshall David C
Published: September 2013

The North American cicada Okanagana viridis Davis has been little reported in the literature for nearly 80 yr. We provide the first notes on the song and ecology of this elusive species, and we update its known range. O. viridis is unusual in a large genus of 60 otherwise arid- or cold-adapted, mostly western U.S. species, in that it is found in the temperate deciduous southern forests of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas. It is the only almost solid bright green Okanagana Distant, and it calls from high in trees during daylight hours and occasionally at dusk, during the summer months. The song is a thin, dull, steady whine ≈30 s in duration; it is composed of irregular doublet or triplet pulses given at a mean rate of 127/s, with a mean peak sound frequency of 9.27 kHz. O. viridis is uncommon in collections, and it appears restricted to remaining small forest patches near lowland river deltas.
Soil Engineering Facilitates Downy Brome (Bromus tectorum) Growth — A Case Study
Authors: Blank Robert R. , Morgan Tye
Published: September 2013

Soil engineering by downy brome may be a facet of its competitiveness. Using rhizotrons in the greenhouse, we compared the growth and plant–soil relationships of downy brome grown in two field soil types: soil invaded for 12 yr by downy brome and a similar soil not yet invaded. For each soil type, downy brome was grown for two growth cycles. At harvest, root mass and soils were sampled at depths of 10, 40, and 80 cm (4, 16, and 32 in); aboveground biomass was also sampled. After the first growth cycle, downy brome grown in invaded soil had 250% greater aboveground biomass and nearly double the root mass per soil volume at 10 cm relative to downy brome grown in noninvaded soil; root mass per volume was similar at depths of 40 and 80 cm. For the second growth cycle, aboveground biomass declined, but was twice greater for downy brome grown in invaded soil; however, root mass per volume was similar between soil types for each depth. Soil attributes that positively related to aboveground biomass included bicarbonate-extractable P, DTPA (diethylentriamene pentaacetate)-extractable Mn, and solution-phase(80-cm depth). We conclude that the data support our hypothesis that downy brome has engineered the soil to increase its growth potential, but proof will require a more robust experimental design. Plant competition is affected by myriad interactions; however, a plant that can increase the availability of soil nutrients for itself and its growth potential, relative to competing plants, would appear to be at an advantage. The mechanistic underpinnings involved are inconclusive, but may involve increased availability of soil N, P, and Mn.
Produced-Water-Chemistry History Matching Using a 1D Reactive Injector/Producer Reservoir Model
Authors: Vazquez O.. , McCartney R.. , Mackay E..
Published: September 2013

Understanding connectivity between injection and production wells is valuable information for reservoir management. Typically, connectivity might be evaluated by use of downhole-pressure information or by injecting tracers into the reservoir. A less-established but inexpensive technique is to history match produced-water compositions. For example, previous studies with this method have identified barriers to flow in reservoirs. Information on connectivity is also beneficial to scale management, particularly that in which sulfate (SO4) -rich seawater is injected into reservoirs containing formation water rich in divalent cations [i.e., barium (Ba), strontium (Sr), calcium (Ca)], because, in these cases, the sulfate mineral-scaling conditions in production wells are a function of the physical properties of the flow paths connecting the injection and production wells (Wright et al. 2008).

In this study, we have considered this latter relationship from a reverse perspective and explored the potential of history matching produced-water compositions to understand the physical properties of flow paths connecting injection and production wells for reservoirs under seawater flood. We have performed this history matching with a 1D reactive transport model connecting an injector and a producer through a number of noncommunicating layers characterized by permeability, porosity, and height (completion interval) (Vazquez et al. 2009). The model simulates the injection of seawater, the mixing of the seawater with reservoir-formation brine, and the subsequent deposition of sulfate scales (barium and calcium sulfate among others) in the reservoir under equilibrium and kinetic conditions. The results of interest are the predicted produced-water compositions over time from the model, similar to the approach presented by McCartney et al. (2012); Tjomsland et al. (2010); and Wright et al. (2008).

The model has been used to demonstrate the way in which produced-water compositions vary as the physical properties of the layers between the wells are modified, and, particularly, the way in which they vary in the presence of thief zones. Finally, a stochastic method was applied—in particular a particle-swarm-optimization (PSO) algorithm—for the automatic history matching of actual produced-water compositions from individual wells in fields under seawater flooding. The results are promising and show that this technique can provide valuable information about the nature of interwell connectivity.
Towards sustainable management of Mediterranean river basins: policy recommendations on management aspects of temporary streams
Authors: Nikolaidis Nikolaos P. , Demetropoulou Leeda , Froebrich Jochen , Jacobs Claire , Gallart Francesc , Prat Narcis , Porto Antonio Lo , Campana Claudia , Papadoulakis Vassilis , Skoulikidis Nikolaos , Davy Thierry , Bidoglio Giovanni , Bouraoui Fayçal , Kirkby Mike , Tournoud Marie-George , Polesello Stefano , Barberá Gonzalo G. , Cooper David , Gomez Rosa , Sánchez-Montoya María del Mar , Latron Jérôme , De Girolamo Anna Maria , Perrin Jean-Louis
Published: September 2013

In 2011, the European Council stressed the significance of water quality for sustainable development in Europe and emphasized the need for better integration of the water policy objectives into the Common Agriculture Policy reform in rural areas. Since 2000, the Water Framework Directive (WFD) has required the EU Member States to target good ecological status for their water bodies. However, the implementation of the Directive for the numerous Mediterranean temporary streams has been delayed indicating the need for elaboration of the tools and methods that address the special characteristics of such water bodies. This requirement has been addressed by the recently completed MIRAGE project. In the context of the recent publication of the European Commission's Blueprint to Safeguard Europe's Waters, the MIRAGE-proposed framework for the characterization of the eco-hydrological dynamics and the systematic description of the measured impact for temporary rivers could bring considerable added value to the EU revision of all relevant water policies. The project recommends additions to WFD articles including an explicit definition of temporary rivers, adaptation of environmental objectives to their peculiarities and establishment of a proper method to determine the initial status and specific actions in River Basin Management Plans.
Agricultural water poverty in Marvdasht County, Southern Iran
Authors: Forouzani Masoumeh , Karami Ezatollah , Zamani Gh. Hossein
Published: September 2013

The paper discusses the application of the Agricultural Water Poverty Index (AWPI) as an assessment tool for agricultural water in rural areas of Marvdasht County, Fars Province, Iran. Along with the global concern, water has become an increasing concern during the recent years in Iran. This paper provides an overview of the AWPI and the methodology to measure AWP by addressing the four key issues, namely practical components and indicators, sources of data, choice of formula, and choice of base period. In order to assess water scarcity at the local level, a survey was conducted using stratified random sampling to select 293 farmers working in different climates. Distinct differences were found between farmers living in different climates with regard to the AWPI score. The study revealed that all farmers were labeled as ‘agricultural water poor’. Farmers with a high score on the AWPI were characterized by having more water resources, more access to water resources, better use of available water, better abilities to manage water use and low environmental factors affecting the AWP than other farmers. Finally the study identified the hot spots, most needy places, and the reasons behind the agricultural water poverty by drawing the AWP map using a Geographic Information System (GIS).
Low-dose computed tomography screening for lung cancer: results of the first screening round
Authors: Horeweg Nanda , Nackaerts Kristiaan , Oudkerk Matthijs , de Koning Harry J
Published: September 2013

Evaluation of: National Lung Screening Trial Research Team, Church TR, Black WC, Aberle DR
et al.
Results of initial low-dose computed tomographic screening for lung cancer.
N. Engl. J. Med.
368, 1980–1991 (2013).

In 2011, the US NLST trial demonstrated that mortality from lung cancer can be reduced by using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening rather than chest x-ray (CXR) screening. This paper from the US NLST research team focuses on the results of the initial round of LDCT for lung cancer. A total of 53,439 participants were included and randomly assigned to LDCT screening (n = 26,715) or CXR screening (n = 26,724). In total, 27.3% of the participants in the LDCT group and 9.2% in the CXR group had a positive screening result. As a result, 3.8% (LDCT group) and 5.7% (CXR group) of these subjects were diagnosed with lung cancer. The sensitivity (93.8%) and specificity (73.4%) for lung cancer were higher for LDCT compared with CXR screening; 73.5 and 91.3%, respectively.
Engaging older adults in their transitional care: what more needs to be done?
Authors: Naylor Mary D , Hirschman Karen B , O‘Connor Melissa , Barg Ronald , Pauly Mark V
Published: September 2013

Multiple studies reveal that the healthcare needs of chronically ill older adults are poorly managed and often have devastating consequences. This paper examines available evidence related to improving care management and outcomes in this vulnerable patient group. Findings reinforce the need for enhanced patient engagement and suggest comparative effectiveness research as an important and immediate path to optimize patient–clinician partnerships. An ongoing study in care management is described as an example of such comparative effectiveness research. An overview of the barriers to implementation of evidence-based strategies related to health literacy, shared decision-making and accountability for self-management is provided, followed by a set of recommendations designed to facilitate comparative effectiveness research that advances engagement of high-risk older adults and their family caregivers.
Weaving a Bridge of Sense: Students' Narrative Constructions as a Lens for Understanding Students' Coping with the Gap between Expectancies and Experiences When Entering Higher Education
Authors: Ulriksen Lars , Holmegaard Henriette Tolstrup , Madsen Lene Møller
Published: September 2013

This article shows how the application of narrative methodology brings new insights into understanding students' choices and their experiences upon entering a higher education programme. The point of departure is a study of a cohort of 38 students followed over a three-year period from when they were about to finish upper-secondary school in 2009 and into higher education. Firstly, the use of a narrative methodology gives access to understanding the students' choice of study as a continuous process of meaning making that involves both changes in perspectives concerning future plans and in interpretation of past experiences. This process continues when the students' expectations of their new programme interact with their first-year experiences, and they continuously work on their identities in order to feel they belong to their higher education programme. Secondly, by using this methodology, the authors gain access to how this meaning-making process through a three-year period of time reflects the students' negotiations of belonging to their higher education study programme. Finally, the methodology highlights the complexity of the students' choices, as well as the factors and contexts influencing these choices.
Qualitative Life-Grids: A Proposed Method for Comparative European Educational Research
Authors: Abbas Andrea , Ashwin Paul , McLean Monica
Published: September 2013

Drawing upon their large three-year mixed-method study comparing four English university sociology departments, the authors demonstrate the benefits to be gained from concisely recording biographical stories on life-grids. They argue that life-grids have key benefits which are important for comparative European educational research. Some of these advantages are common to all biographical methods; for example, they facilitate: nuanced understandings of the impact of education policies in different national contexts; more complex depictions of cross-national and withincountry variation and similarity; theoretical and conceptual developments based upon commonality and difference across national boundaries; and insight into the relationship between the macro, meso and micro levels for case-based approaches. Life-grids also have the advantage of being less resourceintensive than recorded and transcribed biographical interviews. They are an easier method for researchers to use and comparative checks for quality are simple and can be ongoing. The data generated is more conducive to comparison and designing the life-grid ensures that cross-cultural understanding and dialogue between researchers is inbuilt. The physical act of co-producing life-grids with participants builds relationships and knowledge of participants' lives in ways that can be useful to other aspects of data collection.
Ordinary and Extraordinary Stories from Aotearoa New Zealand: A Teacher Educator's Autoethnographic Account of the Struggle to Be Bicultural
Authors: Legge Maureen
Published: September 2013

This article explores the use of autoethnography to investigate and exemplify work as a Pākehā (read European) teacher educator working with undergraduate physical education students in the context of the indigenous Māori culture in Aotearoa New Zealand. To show the author's world and understanding of it, she brings the reader into contact with familiar or unfamiliar events via excerpts from ‘snapshot’ stories, written using writing as a method of inquiry — ‘snapshots' because each story captures a few images and informs from the standpoint of a close-up photograph. Moving back and forth from the character of researcher to the character of participant, the author's intent is to disclose how her participation in the coursework activities she designed for an undergraduate physical education degree, have challenged her cultural identity and ways of knowing. While some might take issue with the topics or dismiss them as subjective, the research shows how autoethnographic dialogue, with and through the author, can highlight cultural, educational and sociological agendas that may have remained hidden from view.
CEFTA as a Proven Path to Accession to the European Union
Authors: Dziuba Radosław
Published: September 2013

At the beginning of the 1990s Poland, like the majority of the Central and East European countries (CEECs) undergoing transformations, overcame its initial distrust and began to recognize that the only path to regional stability and national economic growth was economic integration. The Central and Eastern European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA), signed by the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia on 21 December 1992 in Cracow, provided for the elimination of a number of trade barriers and the growth in commercial exchanges between the signatory nations, aimed at facilitating their integration with the European Union at a later stage. This article constitutes an attempt to assess the main effects of the implementation of CEFTA on the functioning of its member states as well as their further integration as Member States of the EU. It also presents the main provisions of the modernized CEFTA 2006, and the current problems related to implementation of the agreement. It also discusses the opportunities and prospects for Croatia, as a former CEFTA member state, upon its scheduled accession to the EU in July 2013. This article is intended as an introduction to further and deeper analysis in this area.
Effect of Testosterone Propionate on Erythropoiesis after Experimental Orchiectomy
Authors: Delev Delyan P. , Davcheva Delyana P. , Kostadinov Ilia D. , Kostadinova Ivanka I.
Published: September 2013

INTRODUCTION: Androgen deficiency anemia occurs most frequently in pharmacogenic suppression of androgen synthesis or with advancing age in men. Bilateral orchiectomy is a surgical modality used in the treatment of metastatic prostate carcinoma. It is accompanied by marked decrease in circulating serum levels of androgens. AIM: The aim of the experimental study was to determine the effect of substitution therapy with testosterone propionate (TP) on some haematological parameters of erythropoiesis in male rats after orchiectomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty Wistar male rats with mean weight of 252.3 g were used in the study. The animals were allocated into 2 control orchidectomized groups, 2 shamoperated groups and 4 experimental orchidectomized groups. Testosterone propionate was administered intramuscularly, once a week at a dose of 4 mg and 8 mg per kilogram of body weight for 15 days and for 15 weeks. Erythrocyte count was performed and hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were measured.

RESULTS: In the chronic experiment there was a significant decrease in red blood cells and hemoglobin, and a tendency of decrease in hematocrit after orchiectomy. The effect of TP on erythropoiesis in orchiectomised rats is dose-dependent.

CONCLUSION: TP replacement therapy in doses of 4 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg has a stimulating effect on erythropoiesis only in chronic administration.
Epidemiological Study of Laterognathia, Mandibular Deviation and Posterior Crossbite in Children Aged 7-17 Years from Plovdiv
Authors: Krasteva Silvya A.
Published: September 2013

AIM: To conduct an epidemiological study and find the prevalence of some transverse anomalies of occlusion in children aged 7-17 years from the region of Plovdiv; to determine the most appropriate time for early orthodontic treatment based on the results of the study.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 883 children from Plovdiv (7-17 years old). The children were studied by means of extraoral examination, a clinical examination of dental arches and occlusion and by doing a clinical test to assess mandibular displacement. RESULTS: The prevalences of mandibular deviation, laterognathia and posterior crossbite (unilateral or bilateral of single teeth or a group of teeth) were 30.4%, 1.02%, 10.53%, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Our results are consistent with the results reported by other authors which indicate that these malocclusions cannot self-regulate and for this reason they should be subject to strict prevention and early treatment.
CASMACAT: An Open Source Workbench for Advanced Computer Aided Translation
Authors: Alabau Vicent , Bonk Ragnar , Buck Christian , Carl Michael , Casacuberta Francisco , García-Martínez Mercedes , González Jesús , Koehn Philipp , Leiva Luis , Mesa-Lao Bartolomé , Ortiz Daniel , Saint-Amand Herve , Sanchis Germán , Tsoukala Chara
Published: September 2013

We describe an open source workbench that offers advanced computer aided translation (CAT) functionality: post-editing machine translation (MT), interactive translation prediction (ITP), visualization of word alignment, extensive logging with replay mode, integration with eye trackers and e-pen.
Determination of mercury species using thermal desorption analysis in AAS
Authors: Coufalík Pavel , Zvěřina Ondřej , Komárek Josef
Published: September 2013

Analytical aspects of the determination of inorganic mercury (Hg) species by thermal desorption followed by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) detection were investigated in this work. Characteristic Hg release curves of the following species were observed: Hg0, HgCl2, HgO, HgSO4, HgS, and the Hg bound to humic acids. Particular attention was dedicated to the thermal stability and change of bond of Hg0 in the following matrices: sand, kaolinite, granite, peat, power plant ash, and soil. The bond of elemental Hg in environmental materials was described on basis of this experiment. Contaminated soil samples from two locations in the Czech Republic were investigated by thermal desorption analysis. Afterwards, the contents of volatile and plant-available Hg in the studied samples were determined. The determination of Hg0 using the thermal method was related to the results of liquid sequential extraction. The development of Hg speciation and the stability of Hg were assessed on basis of the data obtained. Thus, the analytical procedure used is a suitable tool for the study of inorganic Hg species in contaminated soils.
ASIC and FPGA based DPWM architectures for single-phase and single-output DC-DC converter: a review
Authors: Chander Subhash , Agarwal Pramod , Gupta Indra
Published: September 2013

Pulse width modulation (PWM) has been widely used in power converter control. This paper presents a review of architectures of the Digital Pulse Width Modulators (DPWM) targeting digital control of switching DC-DC converters. An attempt is made to review the reported architectures with emphasis on the ASIC and FPGA implementations in single phase and single-output DC-DC converters. Recent architectures using FPGA’s advanced resources for achieving the resolution higher than classical methods have also been discussed. The merits and demerits of different architectures, and their relative comparative performance, are also presented. The Authors intention is to uncover the groundwork and the related references through this review for the benefit of readers and researchers targeting different DPWM architectures for the DC-DC converters.
Tourist function in rural areas of Poland.
Spacial diversity and changing trends
Authors: Durydiwka Małgorzata
Published: September 2013

This paper presents the findings of research carried out by the author, concerning the development of tourist function in the period 1995-2005. Tourist function was defined by means of two features: the number of tourists using lodging facilities and the number of companies registered in the REGON system, section H. In order to quantify the tourist function, a synthetic measure (Ft) was employed according to the procedure of Z. Zioło (1973). Based on this measure, five levels of tourist function development were specified. Next, an analysis was carried out on what changes (quantitative and spatial) occurred in the development of tourist function in rural areas. Special attention was paid to the so-called tourist communes (gmina), i.e. those where the tourist function is developed to at least an intermediate level. For these communes, nine functional types were identified, based on two features – the average length of visitors’ stay and the percentage of all-year lodging). Moreover, changes taking place in the studied period were specified.
Teaching Bible in Public High Schools
Authors: Feinberg Walter , Layton Richard A.
Published: September 2013

This article reports on the movement to teach Bible courses in the public schools and proposes a set of principles that would enable teachers to do so in educationally legitimate ways. In the first part, we argue the need for standards of educational legitimacy to complement the norms of Constitutional permissibility. We argue that the guidance offered by the courts’ interpretations of the first amendment, while helpful for deciding legal issues, is often too blunt to guide teachers and administrators. The second part of this article articulates three principles that should constitute key elements of educational legitimacy and uses our own field work in Bible classes from different regions of the country to illustrate their utility. Our conception of educational legitimacy is bounded. It provides minimal standards. Legitimacy as we conceive it should not be confused with developing higher-order interpretive and analytic skills, skills associated with best practices. Rather legitimacy stands to these skills as the skills required to pass a driving test stand to the skills used in winning the Indianapolis 500. The former, while necessary for the latter, should not be equated with them. Our job here is to establish a floor that can be used as a guide to help teachers as a collective reflect on the professionalism of their own practices. It is not to propose a ceiling.
Formation mechanism of manganese vanadate microtubes and their electrochemical sensing properties
Authors: Pei L. Z. , Pei Y. Q. , Xie Y. K. , Fan C. G. , Zhang Q. F.
Published: September 2013

Manganese vanadate microtubes have been synthesized via a simple hydrothermal process using polyvinyl pyrrolidone as the surfactant. Scanning electron microscopy observation shows that polyvinyl pyrrolidone plays an essential role in the formation and phase transformation of the manganese vanadate microtubes. A polyvinyl pyrrolidone-assisted “Ostwald ripening” growth mechanism has been proposed to explain the formation process of the manganese vanadate microtubes. The electrochemical behavior of L-cysteine at the manganese vanadate microtube modified glassy carbon electrode has been analyzed. The manganese vanadate microtube modified glassy carbon electrode exhibits the performance for the electrochemical determination of L-cysteine with a detection limit of 9.2 μM and linear range of 0.01 – 2 mM.
Ionic Liquid Immobilized Organocatalysts for Asymmetric Reactions in Aqueous Media
Authors: Qiao Yupu , Headley Allan
Published: September 2013

Ionic liquids are organic salts with melting points typically below ambient or reaction temperature. The unique combination of physical properties of ionic liquids, such as lack of measurable vapor pressure, high thermal and chemical stability, make them ideal to be used as reusable homogenous support for catalysts. In addition, the solubility of ionic liquids in various reaction media can be controlled and easily fine-tuned by modification of the structures of their cations and anions. As a result, ionic liquid immobilized organocatalysts are very effective in aqueous media and can be separated easily from organic solvents, as well as aqueous phases by simply adjusting the polarity of the media. Ionic liquid immobilized organocatalysts are not only very versatile compounds that are effective catalysts for a wide spectrum of reactions, but are also environmentally friendly and recyclable organocatalysts. Herein, we provide a summary of the past decade in the area of asymmetric catalysis in aqueous media for a wide variety of reactions in which ionic liquid and related ammonium salt immobilized organocatalysts are used.
Combination Synchronization of Three Identical or Different Nonlinear Complex Hyperchaotic Systems
Authors: Zhou Xiaobing , Jiang Murong , Huang Yaqun
Published: September 2013

In this paper, we investigate the combination synchronization of three nonlinear complex hyperchaotic systems: the complex hyperchaotic Lorenz system, the complex hyperchaotic Chen system and the complex hyperchaotic L¨u system. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory, corresponding controllers to achieve combination synchronization among three identical or different nonlinear complex hyperchaotic systems are derived, respectively. Numerical simulations are presented to demonstrate the validity and feasibility of the theoretical analysis.
Microbial Conversion of Waste Glycerol from Biodiesel Production into Value-Added Products
Authors: Li Cheng , Lesnik Keaton , Liu Hong
Published: September 2013

Biodiesel has gained a significant amount of attention over the past decade as an environmentally friendly fuel that is capable of being utilized by a conventional diesel engine. However, the biodiesel production process generates glycerol-containing waste streams which have become a disposal issue for biodiesel plants and generated a surplus of glycerol. A value-added opportunity is needed in order to compensate for disposal-associated costs. Microbial conversions from glycerol to valuable chemicals performed by various bacteria, yeast, fungi, and microalgae are discussed in this review paper, as well as the possibility of extending these conversions to microbial electrochemical technologies.
A Review of Vaccine Approaches for West Nile Virus
Authors: Iyer Arun , Kousoulas Konstantin
Published: September 2013

The West Nile virus (WNC) first appeared in North America in 1999. The North American lineages of WNV were characterized by the presence of neuroinvasive and neurovirulent strains causing disease and death in humans, birds and horses. The 2012 WNV season in the United States saw a massive spike in the number of neuroinvasive cases and deaths similar to what was seen in the 2002–2003 season, according to the West Nile virus disease cases and deaths reported to the CDC by year and clinical presentation, 1999–2012, by ArboNET (Arboviral Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). In addition, the establishment and recent spread of lineage II WNV virus strains into Western Europe and the presence of neurovirulent and neuroinvasive strains among them is a cause of major concern. This review discusses the advances in the development of vaccines and biologicals to combat human and veterinary West Nile disease.
A Suite of Tools for ROC Analysis of Spatial Models
Authors: Mas Jean-François , Soares Filho Britaldo , Pontius Robert , Farfán Gutiérrez Michelle , Rodrigues Hermann
Published: September 2013

The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) is widely used for assessing the performance of classification algorithms. In GIScience, ROC has been applied to assess models aimed at predicting events, such as land use/cover change (LUCC), species distribution and disease risk. However, GIS software packages offer few statistical tests and guidance tools for ROC analysis and interpretation. This paper presents a suite of GIS tools designed to facilitate ROC curve analysis for GIS users by applying proper statistical tests and analysis procedures. The tools are freely available as models and submodels of Dinamica EGO freeware. The tools give the ROC curve, the area under the curve (AUC), partial AUC, lower and upper AUCs, the confidence interval of AUC, the density of event in probability bins and tests to evaluate the difference between the AUCs of two models. We present first the procedures and statistical tests implemented in Dinamica EGO, then the application of the tools to assess LUCC and species distribution models. Finally, we interpret and discuss the ROC-related statistics resulting from various case studies.
Human Diseases Associated with Form and Function of the Golgi Complex
Authors: Bexiga Mariana , Simpson Jeremy
Published: September 2013

The Golgi complex lies at the heart of the secretory pathway and is responsible for modifying proteins and lipids, as well as sorting newly synthesized molecules to their correct destination. As a consequence of these important roles, any changes in its proteome can negatively affect its function and in turn lead to disease. Recently, a number of proteins have been identified, which when either depleted or mutated, result in diseases that affect various organ systems. Here we describe how these proteins have been linked to the Golgi complex, and specifically how they affect either the morphology, membrane traffic or glycosylation ability of this organelle.
Berry Phenolics of Grapevine under Challenging Environments
Authors: Teixeira António , Eiras-Dias José , Castellarin Simone , Gerós Hernâni
Published: September 2013

Plant phenolics have been for many years a theme of major scientific and applied interest. Grape berry phenolics contribute to organoleptic properties, color and protection against environmental challenges. Climate change has already caused significant warming in most grape-growing areas of the world, and the climatic conditions determine, to a large degree, the grape varieties that can be cultivated as well as wine quality. In particular, heat, drought and light/UV intensity severely affect phenolic metabolism and, thus, grape composition and development. In the variety Chardonnay, water stress increases the content of flavonols and decreases the expression of genes involved in biosynthesis of stilbene precursors. Also, polyphenolic profile is greatly dependent on genotype and environmental interactions. This review deals with the diversity and biosynthesis of phenolic compounds in the grape berry, from a general overview to a more detailed level, where the influence of environmental challenges on key phenolic metabolism pathways is approached. The full understanding of how and when specific phenolic compounds accumulate in the berry, and how the varietal grape berry metabolism responds to the environment is of utmost importance to adjust agricultural practices and thus, modify wine profile.
Observations of Ball-Lightning-Like Plasmoids Ejected from Silicon by Localized Microwaves
Authors: Meir Yehuda , Jerby Eli , Barkay Zahava , Ashkenazi Dana , Mitchell James , Narayanan Theyencheri , Eliaz Noam , LeGarrec Jean-Luc , Sztucki Michael , Meshcheryakov Oleg
Published: September 2013

This paper presents experimental characterization of plasmoids (fireballs) obtained by directing localized microwave power (<1 kW at 2.45 GHz) onto a silicon-based substrate in a microwave cavity. The plasmoid emerges up from the hotspot created in the solid substrate into the air within the microwave cavity. The experimental diagnostics employed for the fireball characterization in this study include measurements of microwave scattering, optical spectroscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Various characteristics of these plasmoids as dusty plasma are drawn by a theoretical analysis of the experimental observations. Aggregations of dust particles within the plasmoid are detected at nanometer and micrometer scales by both in-situ SAXS and ex-situ SEM measurements. The resemblance of these plasmoids to the natural ball-lightning (BL) phenomenon is discussed with regard to silicon nano-particle clustering and formation of slowly-oxidized silicon micro-spheres within the BL. Potential applications and practical derivatives of this study (e.g., direct conversion of solids to powders, material identification by breakdown spectroscopy (MIBS), thermite ignition, and combustion) are discussed.
Iodine-Catalyzed Prins Cyclization of Homoallylic Alcohols and Aldehydes
Authors: Reddy Kachi , Rosa Iara , Doriguetto Antônio , Bastos Erick , Silva Luiz
Published: September 2013

The iodine-catalyzed Prins cyclization of homoallylic alcohols and aldehydes was investigated under metal-free conditions and without additives. Anhydrous conditions and inert atmosphere are not required. The reaction of 2-(3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1-yl)propan-1-ol and 21 aldehydes (aliphatic and aromatic) in CH2Cl2 in the presence of 5 mol % of iodine gave 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-benzo[f]isochromenes in 54%–86% yield. Under similar conditions, the Prins cyclization of six alcohols containing an endocyclic double bond (primary, secondary, or tertiary) led to dihydropyrans in 52%–91% yield. The acyclic homoallylic alcohols gave 4-iodo-tetrahydropyran in 29%–41% yield in the presence of 50 mol % of iodine. This type of substrate is the main limitation of the methodology. The relative configuration of the products was assigned by NMR and X-ray analysis. The mechanism and the ratio of the products are discussed, based on DFT calculations.