bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colonization and extinction in dynamic habitats: an occupancy approach for a Great Plains stream fish assemblage
Authors: Falke Jeffrey A. , Bailey Larissa L. , Fausch Kurt D. , Bestgen Kevin R.
Published: November 2011

Despite the importance of habitat in determining species distribution and persistence, habitat dynamics are rarely modeled in studies of metapopulations. We used an integrated habitat–occupancy model to simultaneously quantify habitat change, site fidelity, and local colonization and extinction rates for larvae of a suite of Great Plains stream fishes in the Arikaree River, eastern Colorado, USA, across three years. Sites were located along a gradient of flow intermittency and groundwater connectivity. Hydrology varied across years: the first and third being relatively wet and the second dry. Despite hydrologic variation, our results indicated that site suitability was random from one year to the next. Occupancy probabilities were also independent of previous habitat and occupancy state for most species, indicating little site fidelity. Climate and groundwater connectivity were important drivers of local extinction and colonization, but the importance of groundwater differed between periods. Across species, site extinction probabilities were highest during the transition from wet to dry conditions (range: 0.52–0.98), and the effect of groundwater was apparent with higher extinction probabilities for sites not fed by groundwater. Colonization probabilities during this period were relatively low for both previously dry sites (range: 0.02–0.38) and previously wet sites (range: 0.02–0.43). In contrast, no sites dried or remained dry during the transition from dry to wet conditions, yielding lower but still substantial extinction probabilities (range: 0.16–0.63) and higher colonization probabilities (range: 0.06–0.86), with little difference among sites with and without groundwater. This approach of jointly modeling both habitat change and species occupancy will likely be useful to incorporate effects of dynamic habitat on metapopulation processes and to better inform appropriate conservation actions.
Double‐Masked Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating the Effect of a Triclosan/Copolymer Dentifrice on Periodontal Healing After One‐Stage Full‐Mouth Debridement
Authors: Pera Claudia , Ueda Paulo , Viana Casarin Renato Corrêa , Ribeiro Fernanda Vieira , Pimentel Suzana Peres , Casati Márcio Zaffalon , Cirano Fabiano Ribeiro
Published: November 2011

Background: This study evaluates the effect of triclosan/copolymer dentifrice on the 6‐month clinical response of patients with generalized severe chronic periodontitis (GSCP) treated with one‐stage, full‐mouth ultrasonic debridement (FMUD).

Methods: Thirty patients diagnosed with GSCP (≥8 teeth presenting probing depth [PD] ≥5 mm and bleeding on probing [BOP]) were selected and randomly allocated to a control group (n = 15) subjected to FMUD and daily use of a placebo dentifrice or to a test group (n = 15) subjected to FMUD and daily use of a triclosan/copolymer dentifrice. Patients were analyzed for the following parameters: full‐mouth plaque index (FMPI), full‐mouth BOP score (FMBS), gingival recession, PD, and clinical attachment level (CAL). Patients were evaluated at 3 and 6 months by a calibrated and masked examiner.

Results: Initially, the groups presented similar periodontal conditions, with no significant differences in any of the parameters evaluated (P >0.05). In both groups, improvements in all periodontal parameters (P <0.05) were seen at the completion of the experimental period. Additionally, the test group showed lower FMPI (3 months) and FMBS (3 and 6 months) than the control group (P <0.05). Moreover, the CAL gain was significantly greater in the test group, especially at initially deep pockets (PD ≤7 mm). Whereas in the control group the CAL gain in deep pockets was 2.7 ± 0.6 mm, in the test group the CAL gain was 3.6 ± 1.4 mm (P <0.05).

Conclusion: Within the limits of the present study, the use of triclosan/copolymer dentifrice promoted additional clinical benefits in the treatment of GSCP treated by one‐stage FMUD.
Clinical and Microbiologic Effects of Commercially Available Dentifrice Containing Aloe Vera: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Pradeep A.R. , Agarwal Esha , Naik Savitha B.
Published: November 2011

Background: Certain plants used in folk medicine serve as a source of therapeutic agents that have antimicrobial and other multipotential effects. This prospective, randomized, placebo, and positively controlled clinical trial was designed to evaluate the clinical and microbiologic effects of a commercially available dentifrice containing aloe vera on the reduction of plaque and gingival inflammation in patients with gingivitis.

Methods: Ninety patients diagnosed with chronic generalized gingivitis were selected and randomly divided into three groups: group 1, placebo toothpaste; group 2, toothpaste containing aloe vera; and group 3, toothpaste with polymer and fluoride containing triclosan. Clinical evaluation was undertaken using a gingival index, plaque was assessed using a modification of the Quigley‐Hein index, and microbiologic counts were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. A subjective evaluation was also undertaken by questionnaire.

Results: Toothpaste containing aloe vera showed significant improvement in gingival and plaque index scores as well as microbiologic counts compared with placebo dentifrice. These improvements were comparable to those achieved with toothpaste containing triclosan.

Conclusion: Toothpaste containing aloe vera may be a useful herbal formulation for chemical plaque control agents and improvement in plaque and gingival status.
A Novel Intraoral Diabetes Screening Approach in Periodontal Patients: Results of a Pilot Study
Authors: Strauss Shiela M. , Tuthill Janet , Singh Geetika , Rindskopf David , Maggiore Jack A. , Schoor Robert , Brodsky Anya , Einhorn Adi , Hochstein Amanda , Russell Stefanie , Rosedale Mary
Published: November 2011

Background: This pilot study examines whether a novel diabetes screening approach using gingival crevicular blood (GCB) could be used to test for hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) during periodontal visits.

Methods: Finger‐stick blood (FSB) samples from 120 patients and GCB samples from those patients with adequate bleeding on probing (BOP) were collected on special blood collection cards and analyzed for HbA1c levels in a laboratory. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to measure correlation between FSB and GCB HbA1c values for 75 paired FSB and GCB samples. A receiver–operator characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was performed to determine an optimal GCB HbA1c criterion value for a positive diabetes screen.

Results: For the 75 paired samples, the Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.842. The ROC analysis identified a criterion value of 6.3% for the GCB HbA1c test with high sensitivity (0.933) and high specificity (0.900), corresponding to FSB HbA1c values ≥6.5% (in the diabetes range). Using this GCB HbA1c criterion value for 27 additional paired samples, in which there was an unidentified component observed to coelute within the elution window of GCB HbA1c in the laboratory, there was agreement between FSB and GCB values for 24 of the pairs according to whether both were within or outside of the diabetes range.

Conclusion: Using a criterion value of 6.3%, GCB samples are acceptable for HbA1c testing to screen for diabetes in most persons with BOP at the GCB collection site.
Fluid Viscosity-Residual Entropy Correlation
Authors: Novak Lawrence T.
Published: November 2011

Chemical reaction engineering, process engineering, and product engineering models are used for design and analysis. Often, transport coefficient models are needed in equipment and in-situ models to account for the importance of momentum, heat, and mass transfer. Previous work+ demonstrated a novel component-based reference equation of state approach for correlating self-diffusion coefficient and viscosity over the entire fluid region (liquid, gas, and critical fluid). In this paper, a segment-based approach is used to extend the previous work+ from a limited number of individual component correlations to a predictive fluid viscosity correlation for a class of components consisting of n-alkanes, up to 1300 molecular weight, covering a wide range of components, temperatures, and pressures.

A scaled segment viscosity-segment residual entropy correlation (V-S model) was introduced and evaluated here. PC-SAFT segment parameters and residual entropy were used in a correlation model linking viscosity to the PC-SAFT equation of state. Experimental evaluation of this V-S model used 3122 data points for eighteen n-alkanes, ranging from methane up to 2390 molecular weight linear polyethylene. Temperatures ranged from 96 °K to 650 °K, and pressures ranged from 10-4 atmospheres to 4990 atmospheres. The conditions studied are relevant to oil and gas reservoir engineering and other in-situ processes.

Based on this work, covering the entire fluid region, the V-S model was found to result in a group correlation squared (R2) of -0.998 and group average absolute deviation (AAD) of 3.9%. Individual viscosity segment correlation parameters (Bseg and Aseg) were fitted to molecular weight and used in the predictive mode. In the predictive mode, a group AAD of 6.7% was obtained for n-alkanes from methane up to 1300 molecular weight linear polyethylene, over the entire fluid region.

The scaled segment viscosity-segment residual entropy model introduced here has potential for a much broader range of applications. In addition, this model would be easy to embed in existing in-house and commercial simulators to provide predictive properties and rate-based modeling capability. + Novak, http://www.bepress.com/ijcre/vol9/A63
A Novel Biodiesel and Glycerol Carbonate Production Plant
Authors: Nguyen Nghi T. , Demirel Yaşar
Published: November 2011

Crude glycerol is the byproduct of biodiesel production plant and the economic value of glycerol may affect the profitability of the biodiesel production plant. As the production rate of bioglycerol increases, its market values drop considerably. Therefore, conversion of bioglycerol into value-added products can reduce the overall cost, hence, leading to a more economical biodiesel production plant. In a direct carboxylation reaction, CO2 reacts with glycerol to produce glycerol carbonate and water. This study presents a direct comparison of the economic analysis of the conventional biodiesel production plant and the possible next generation biodiesel-glycerol carbonate production plant. At the end of 15-year project, the net present value of the biodiesel-glycerol carbonate production plant is $13.21 million higher than the conventional biodiesel plant. The stochastic model has predicted that the biodiesel-glycerol carbonate and conventional biodiesel production plants has about 30% and 63% chance of getting negative net present value, respectively. Heterogeneous catalyst, Ca3La1, is used for transesterification reaction to reduce separation steps in the biodiesel production process.
Leaching of chromium from chromium contaminated soil: Speciation study and geochemical modeling
Authors: Andjelkovic Darko , Andjelkovic Tatjana , Nikolic Ruzica , Purenovic Milovan , Blagojevic Srdjan , Bojic Aleksandar , Ristic Milica
Published: November 2011

Distribution of chromium between soil and leachate was monitored. A natural
process of percolating rainwater through the soil was simulated in the
laboratory conditions and studied with column leaching extraction. Migration
of chromium in the soil is conditioned by the level of chromium soil
contamination, the soil organic matter content, and rainwater acidity.
Chromium (III) and chromium(VI) were determined by spectrophotometric method
with diphenilcarbazide in acidic media. Comparing the results of chromium
speciation in leachate obtained by experimental model systems and geochemical
modelling calculations using Visual MINTEQ model, a correlation was observed
regarding the influence of the tested parameters. Leachate solutions showed
that the concentration of Cr depended on the organic matter content. The
influence of pH and soil organic matter content is in compliance after its
definition through experimental and theoretical way. The computer model -
Stockholm Humic Model used to evaluate the leaching results corresponded
rather well with the measured values.
Central composite design for the optimization of removal of the azo dye, methyl orange, from waste water using fenton reaction
Authors: Azami Mahsa , Bahram Morteza , Nouri Sirous , Naseri Abdolhosein
Published: November 2011

In this study the degradation of Methyl Orange, using Fenton reaction was
studied and optimized using central composite design as a response surface
methodology. The effects of various experimental parameters in this reaction
were investigated using central composite design. 28 experiments, with 4
factors and 5 levels for each factor were designed. These factors (or
variables) were: initial concentration of Fe (II), initial concentration of
H2O2, initial concentration of oxalate and the reaction time. A
full-quadratic polynomial equation between the percentage of dye degradation
(as a response) and the studied parameters was established. After removing
the non-significant variables from the model, response surface method was
used to obtain the optimum conditions. The optimum ranges of variables were:
0.25 - 0.35 mM for initial concentration of Fe (II), 5-17 mM for initial
concentration of H2O2, 4-9 mM for initial concentration of oxalate, and 50-80
min for the reaction time. Also the results of extra experiments showed that
these optimized values can be used for real samples and yield to a high value
for the response.
Spectroscopic properties and antimicrobial activity of dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes with heterocyclic S,S’-ligands
Authors: Sovilj Sofija , Mitic Dragana , Drakulic Branko , Milenkovic Marina
Published: November 2011

Five new dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes of the general formula[MoO2(Rdtc)2],
1-5, where Rdtc-refer to piperidine- (Pipdtc), 4-morpholine-(Morphdtc),
4-thiomorpholine-(Timdtc), piperazine- (Pzdtc) or Nmethylpiperazine-
(N-Mepzdtc) dithiocarbamates, respectively, have been prepared. Elemental
analysis, conductometric measurements, electronic, IR and NMR spectroscopy
have been employed to characterize them. Complexes 1-5 contain a cis-MoO2
group and are of an octahedral geometry. Two dithiocarbamato ions join as
bidentates with both the sulphur atoms to the molybdenum atom. The presence
of different heteroatom in the piperidin? moiety influences the v(C----N) and
v(C----S) vibrations, which decrease in the order of the complexes with:
Pipdtc > N-Mepipdtc > Morphdtc > Pzdtc > Timdtc ligands. On the basis of
spectral data, molecular structures of complexes 1-5 were optimized on
semiempirical molecular-orbital level, and the geometries, as obtained from
calculations, described. Antimicrobial activity was tested against nine
different laboratory control strains of bacteria and two strains of yeast
Candida albicans. All tested strains were sensitive. Complexes bearing
heteroatom in position 4 of piperidine moiety are significantly more potent
against bacteria tested comparing to corresponding ligands.
The influence of shaped TiO2 nanofillers on thermal properties of polyvinyl alcohol
Authors: Radoicic Marija , Saponjic Zoran , Marinovic-Cincovic Milena , Ahrenkiel Scott , Bibic Natasa , Nedeljkovic Jovan
Published: November 2011

PVA-based nanocomposites consisting of shaped TiO2 nanocrystals
(nanoparticles, nanotubes or nanorods) were synthesized by direct blending of
polymer and titania nanocrystals solution or powder. In order to elucidate
the influence of shape of titania nanocrystals on thermal stability of
polymer matrix and particles interaction with PVA chain, structural and
thermal characterizations of PVA/TiO2 nanocomposites were performed. Faceted
nanoparticles increased the thermal stability of PVA matrix. Titania
nanotubes and nanorods did not show any stabilizing effect on polymer matrix
in argon atmosphere. The thermo-oxidative degradation temperature of PVA
increased with addition of faceted TiO2 nanoparticles. The thermo-oxidative
stability of the PVA matrix was affected more by the presence of titania
nanotubes and nanorods in comparison with its thermal stability in inert
atmosphere. The crystallinity degree (Xc=32 %) of PVA matrix slightly
decreased in the presence of faceted TiO2 nanoparticles in nanocomposite
sample.
The study of antibacterial activity and stability of dyed cotton fabrics modified with different forms of silver
Authors: Lazic Vesna , Saponjic Zoran , Vodnik Vesna , Dimitrijevic Suzana , Jovancic Petar , Nedeljkovic Jovan , Radetic Maja
Published: November 2011

This study compares the effect of colloidal silver nanoparticles and
commercial RUCO-BAC AGP agent with silver chloride as an active component on
antibacterial activity of dyed cotton fabrics. Cotton fabrics were dyed with
vat dyes Bezanthren olive T and Bezanthren grey FFB. Antibacterial activity
of silver loaded dyed cotton fabrics was tested against Gram-positive
bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli.
Unlike RUCO-BAC AGP synthesized silver nanoparticles deposited onto dyed
cotton fabrics provided maximum bacteria reduction independently of applied
dye. The stability of modified cotton fabrics was analyzed in artificial
sweat at pH 5.5 and 8.0. Approximately the same amount of silver was released
from differently modified cotton fabrics in artificial sweat. Larger amount
of silver was released in the sweat at pH 8.0.
Contemporary treatment neuropathic pain
Authors: Cvijanovic Milan , Simic Svetlana , Banic-Horvat Sofija , Jovin Zita , Slankamenac Petar , Ilin Miroslav
Published: November 2011

Introduction. Neuropathic pain, or pain associated with disease or injury to
the peripheral or central nervous system, is a common symptom of a
heterogeneous group of conditions, including diabetic neuropathy, trigeminal
neuralgia, postherpetic neuralgia and spinal cord injury. Chronic neuropathic
pain should not be thought of as a symptom. It should truly be thought of as
a disease with a very complicated pathophysiology. Pathophysiology. The
mechanisms involved in neuropathic pain are complex and involve both
peripheral and central pathophysiologic phenomenon. The underlying
dysfunction may involve deafferentation within the peripheral nervous system
(e.g. neuropathy), deafferentation within the central nervous system (e.g.
post-thalamic stroke) or an imbalance between the two (e.g. phantom limb
pain). Clinical characteristics. Neuropathic pain is non-nociceptive, in
contrast to acute nociceptive pain, and it can be described as ?burning?,
?electric?, ?tingling?, and ?shooting? in nature. Treatment. Rational
polypharmacy is often necessary and actually it is almost always the rule. It
would be an exception if a patient was completely satisfied with his
treatment. Treatment goals should include understanding that our patients may
need to be titrated and managed with more than one agent and one type of
treatment. There should be the balance of safety, efficacy, and tolerability.
Conclusion. There are many new agents and new applications of the existing
agents being currently studied which will most certainly lead to even more
improved ways of managing this very complicated set of disorders.
Assessment of health-related quality of life in patients after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Rancic Natasa , Petrovic Branislav , Apostolovic Svetlana , Mandic Milan , Antic Ivan
Published: November 2011

Introduction. Acute myocardial infarction has negative influence on patient?s
quality of life. The objective of the paper was to assess the healthrelated
quality of life in the patients one month and twelve months after acute
myocardial infarction and to compare it with the healthy controls. Material
and Methods. A prospective cohort study involved 160 patients aged from 30 to
79 and 240 healthy controls. The health-related quality of life was assessed
with the Serbian version of these questionnaires: Euro- Quol-5-Dimension and
EuroQuolVAS. Angina pectoris was ranked according to the classification of
Canadian Cardiovascular Society. Multivariate logistic regression analysis
was used. Results. The healthy controls had significantly higher average
scores in EuroQuolVAS compared with the patients one month after acute
myocardial infarction (74.35?9.42 vs 60.50?12.03, p<0.001), as well as twelve
months after acute myocardial infarction (74.35?9.42 vs 69.83?12.06,
p<0.001). Significantly lower average ranges in EuroQuol-5-Dimension
questionnaire and higher quality of life were found twelve months after acute
myocardial infarction than one month after acute myocardial infarction
(1.41?0.26 vs 1.53?0.26, p<0.001). The average ranges of angina pectoris were
significantly lower in all the patients twelve months after acute myocardial
infarction compared with the first month (0.78?0.51 vs 0.91?0.44, p<0.001).
The multivariate regression analysis confirmed thrombolytic therapy,
percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and age to be important factors
influencing health-related quality of life. Conclusion. The patients assessed
their health condition to be significantly higher twelve months after acute
myocardial infarction than one month after it. The health-related quality of
life was significantly higher in patients who had undergone the percutaneous
intervention than in those who had been treated with the thrombolytic
therapy.
A Field Experiment Examining the Effects of Accounting Equation Emphasis and Transaction Scope on Students Learning to Journalize
Authors: Phillips Fred , Heiser Lindsay
Published: November 2011

Financial accounting textbooks introduce the journalizing process in varying ways. Some texts emphasize the accounting equation, others do not. Some begin with a restricted set of transactions affecting only balance sheet accounts, whereas others begin with an expanded set of transactions affecting both balance sheet and income statement accounts. Based on Scaffolding Theory, we examine the potential effects of these variations on student learning. We conducted a field experiment that randomly assigned students to one of six learning conditions that varied the requirement to document accounting equation effects (before or after each journal entry, or not at all) and the scope of transactions (restricted versus expanded). Analyses indicated that students were initially more successful in journalizing transactions if they explicitly considered accounting equation effects, but these benefits faded over a one-week period. Also, students initially introduced to a restricted scope of transactions were more successful in journalizing transactions that involved balance sheet accounts. These immediate benefits assisted students later when journalizing more complex transactions involving balance sheet and income statement accounts; improved initial instruction compensated for less practice with more complex material.
Does the Use of Intelligent Learning and Assessment Software Enhance the Acquisition of Financial Accounting Knowledge?
Authors: Baxter Ryan J. , Thibodeau Jay C.
Published: November 2011

This paper presents the findings of a study designed to examine the effectiveness of intelligent online learning and assessment software in the introduction to accounting course. The software was used in the course to help students master the fundamentals of financial accounting. Our findings reveal that students who used the software performed significantly better than those who had not on the exams that tested the underlying financial accounting material. Furthermore, implementation of the software resulted in better course management for the professor, who noted that students in the experimental group took far less office hour time for tutoring of financial accounting material. Importantly, we believe that the program provides a unique mechanism for educators teaching the introduction to accounting course to address functional competencies of financial accounting in both an efficient and effective manner.

Data Availability: Data used in this study are available from the authors upon request.
User-Oriented IFRS Education in Introductory Accounting at U.S. Academic Institutions: Current Status and Influencing Factors
Authors: Zhu Hong , Rich Kevin T. , Michenzi Alfred R. , Cherubini Jason
Published: November 2011

We document the current state of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) education in introductory accounting courses, and model the decision by introductory accounting educators to integrate IFRS into their courses. Using a survey of educators conducted during Fall 2009, we find that although a majority of respondents believe IFRS material is important for non-accounting business majors, 56 percent spent less than 30 minutes per term covering IFRS. Our results suggest that educators are more likely to extensively cover IFRS topics when they perceive U.S. GAAP/IFRS convergence to be more certain and when they have colleagues engaged in teaching IFRS, and less likely when they assess IFRS teaching materials to be inadequate. Overall, we provide evidence regarding the role of business schools' curricula in educating future investors on the basics of IFRS. This is of interest to the SEC in evaluating whether to mandate IFRS for U.S. issuers, as well as the faculty members, departments, or programs looking to better understand the conditions that facilitate user-oriented IFRS coverage in the classroom.
Monoclonal immunoglobulin protein production in two dogs with secretory B-cell lymphoma with Mott cell differentiation
Authors: Seelig Davis M. , Perry James A. , Zaks Karen , Avery Anne C. , Avery Paul R.
Published: November 2011

Case Description—A 9-year-old castrated male mixed-breed dog and a 7-year-old spayed female Boston Terrier, with clinical histories of a liver mass (dog 1) and bloody vomitus, diarrhea, and weight loss (dog 2), respectively, were referred for further evaluation.

Clinical Findings—At the time of referral, each dog had differing laboratory abnormalities; however, the serum total protein and globulin concentrations were within reference range in both dogs. Cytologic examination of fine-needle aspirates obtained from affected organs (a liver mass [dog 1] and enlarged submandibular lymph node [dog 2]) revealed 2 main nucleated cell types: atypical lymphoid cells and lesser numbers of Mott cells. With the use of serum immunofixation electrophoresis and serum immunoglobulin quantification, a monoclonal immunoglobulin protein was identified in both dogs and a final diagnosis of secretory B-cell lymphoma with Mott cell differentiation (MCL) was made.

Treatment and Outcome—Both dogs received chemotherapy for their disease. The first dog was euthanized 8.5 months after diagnosis because of acute respiratory distress of unknown etiology, and the second was euthanized 7 days after diagnosis for worsening clinical disease and quality of life.

Clinical Relevance—To our knowledge, this report is the first of a secretory form of MCL in dogs. Findings indicate that in dogs with suspect MCL, even in patients that lack characteristic hyperproteinemia or hyperglobulinemia, serum protein content should be fully evaluated for the presence of a monoclonal immunoglobulin protein. Such an evaluation that uses immunofixation electrophoresis and immunoglobulin quantification will aid in the diagnosis of MCL in dogs.
Brain asymmetry, immunity, handedness
Authors: Stoyanov Zlatislav , Decheva Lyoubka , Pashalieva Irina , Nikolova Piareta
Published: November 2011

The principle of symmetry-asymmetry is widely presented in the structural and functional organization of the nonliving and living nature. One of the most complex manifestations of this principle is the left-right asymmetry of the human brain. The present review summarizes previous and contemporary literary data regarding the role of brain asymmetry in neuroimmunomodulation. Some handedness-related peculiarities are outlined additionally. Brain asymmetry is considered to be imprinted in the formation and regulation of the individual’s responses and relationships at an immunological level with the external and internal environment. The assumptions that the hemispheres modulate immune response in an asymmetric manner have been confirmed in experiments on animals. Some authors assume that the right hemisphere plays an indirect role in neuroimmunomodulation, controlling and suppressing the left hemispheric inductive signals.
Lateral intra-extraspinal cervical schwannomas: Partial versus total resection
Authors: Stefanović Ivan , Bošnjaković Petar , Kostić Aleksandar , Stefanovic Stefan , Stojanov Dragan , Dimov Desanka , Radisavljević Miša , Jelenković B.
Published: November 2011

The study involved 27 lateral cervical schwannomas surgically treated in the last 40 years utilizing either partial or total resection. The study aims to compare the results of total and partial resection of spinal lateral schwannoma and to assess the values of partial resection of large lateral cervical schwannomas. We performed a retrospective analysis of 27 patients operated for lateral cervical schwannomas in the period 1971–2010, out of which 11 had partial resection. The average follow-up of the patients was 136.4 months, comparing pre- and postoperative clinical picture, time to relapse, dynamics of yearly growth of schwannomas, and the need for re-resection. The average period of preoperative complaint in lateral cervical schwannomas was 19.6 months. Unilateral cervicobrachialgia as a manifestation of radiculopathy was observed in 85% of LCSs, and, was, as a rule the first symptom of the disease. Surgical treatment of 27 patients with LCSs resulted in recovery or improvement of complaints in 80% of cases. The treatment effect did not depend on the degree of resection. Reoperation was done, on average, 16.3 years after partial resection. The residues of lateral cervical schwannomas stopped growing 15 years after partial resection and underwent cystic degeneration. Partial resection of lateral cervical schwannomas is an excellent alternative to total resection, not only for the elderly or in cases of increased surgical risk, but also as a method of choice since it is more readily available to a larger number of surgeons and associated with low percentages of surgically relevant relapses and high percentages of improvement.
Potential of Photosynthesis as A Renewable Source of Energy and Materials
Authors: Abolins J. , Gravitis J.
Published: November 2011

Potential of Photosynthesis as A Renewable Source of Energy and Materials

Responding to recently published considerations concerning biomass as a renewable substitute for fossil fuels to provide at least part of the necessary total amount of primary energy annually consumed in an economy system the authors estimate capacity of photosynthesis in a case study of the Republic of Latvia (Eastern coast of the Baltic Sea). The calculations are made on the basis of recent inventory data on land use, distribution of forest land between the stands of the main dominating species, and the average level of forest productivity specific to species at felling age. Sustainable annual supply of dry biomass from the present forest area available for economic purposes is estimated being equal to 3.7 million metric tons the energy equivalent of species (aspen and grey alder) traditionally harvested for firewood including logging residues from timber wood comprising ~ 13 thousand GWh, which is equal to ~ 24% of the present annual consumption of primary energy.
Is History Another Word for Experience? Morton's Confessions
Authors: Morton Desmond
Published: November 2011

Abstract:

Near the end of his career as a military, political. and social  historian, Des Morton reflects on his trade and his definition of history as ‘another word for experience.’ Like most people, we can have a cheerful or a gloomy view of the past. Both approaches deliver messages about how we can seize more happiness or avoid repeating mistakes. Neither approach is fool-proof.
Dynamic Choice Set Generation Based on Global Positioning System Trajectories and Stated Preference Data
Authors: Pillat Juliane , Mandir Eileen , Friedrich Markus
Published: November 2011

A method that generated choice sets for commuters in the Munich, Germany, metropolitan area was explored. The method used Global Positioning System trajectories and interview data from 300 commuters over an 8-week survey to combine chosen, known, and generated routes into choice sets for route choice modeling. The method used revealed preference routes as well as stated preference routes to calculate accepted detour factors, which were then used as boundary conditions for choice set generation using path enumeration. On the basis of a spatial choice set, the method generated time-dependent choice sets by attributing all routes with actual travel times at the time traveled.
Travel Determinants and Multiscale Transferability of National Activity Patterns to Local Populations
Authors: Henson Kriste M. , Goulias Konstadinos G.
Published: November 2011

The ability to transfer national travel patterns to a local population is of interest for modeling either large areas that exceed the boundaries of a metropolitan planning organization or small regions with no available travel survey data. At the core of this research are questions about the connection between travel behavior and land use, urban form, and accessibility. To explore this relationship, the researchers selected a group of land use variables to define activity and travel patterns for individuals and households. The 2001 National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) participants were divided into categories consisting of a set of latent cluster models representing persons, travel, and land use. This set was compared with two sets of cluster models constructed for two local travel surveys. Mean statistical tests were compared to assess differences among socio-demographic groups residing in localities with similar land uses. The results showed that the NHTS and the local surveys shared mean population activity and travel characteristics. However, these similarities masked behavioral heterogeneity, which was seen when distributions of activity and travel behavior were examined. Therefore, data from a national household travel survey in combination with land use data cannot be used to model local population travel characteristics if the goal is to model the behavioral distributions and not just mean travel behavior characteristics.
Joint Analysis of Time Use and Consumer Expenditure Data
Authors: Konduri Karthik C. , Astroza Sebastián , Sana Bhargava , Pendyala Ram M. , Jara-Díaz Sergio R.
Published: November 2011

Estimating the value of time is of considerable interest to transportation professionals charged with evaluating infrastructure investments. Two approaches used to calculate the value of time are the microeconomic utility theory approach and the structural equations modeling method. In an effort to clarify the interpretation and the relationship between the values of time derived from these two approaches, both models were applied to a synthesized data set of one-person, one-worker households created by merging records from the 2008 American Time Use Survey data set with records from the 2008 Consumer Expenditure Survey data set of the United States. The microeconomic model results show that people in the sample data set work until the marginal utility of work is nearly zero. This finding implies that the value of leisure is nearly equal to the wage rate. Comparisons of model parameter estimates between the microeconomic model and the structural equations model suggest that the models offer vastly different measures of the value of leisure. Although the microeconomic model offers a utilitarian measure suitable for computing user benefits, the structural equations model provides a much smaller value of leisure, implying that it is a measure of the willingness to pay as represented by the average relationship between monetary expenditure and time allocation.
Empirical Analysis of the Activity-Planning Process
Authors: Auld Joshua , Mohammadian Abolfazl (Kouros) , Nelson Peter C.
Published: November 2011

The processes underlying activity planning were analyzed. The analysis focused on when activities and the attributes of those activities were planned in relation to each other and to the final activity schedule by using the concept of the activity plan horizon extended to the individual attributes. An Internet-based prompted-recall survey using Global Positioning System data was designed to elicit the planning horizons from the survey respondents. The retrospective reports of activity plan times were compared with prospective accounts of activity planning given by the same respondents in a separate survey. The understanding of the activity-planning process, especially how activities are preplanned and in what order the attributes of the activities are decided, can potentially result in more realistic and theoretically sound models of the activity-planning process.
Modeling the Impacts of Information and Communication Technologies and Virtual Activities on Activity and Travel Behavior
Authors: Mosa Ahmed
Published: November 2011

The boom in telecommunications is expected to have many impacts on peoples' activities and travel behavior. Recent advances in information and communication technologies (ICTs) make it possible to conduct activities virtually. Thus the need for physical travel for some types of activities is obviated. Accordingly, the use of ICT may contribute to reducing urban congestion and alleviating air quality problems. However, ICT may generate significant additional travel because of the increased connectivity and access to resources. Empirical insights on how the growing use of ICT affects travel patterns and vice versa have important application in planning, travel demand forecasting, and environmental analysis. The effects of ICT on household members' daily activity–travel patterns were studied in Cairo, Egypt, by using an activity and telecommunication diary survey. Structural equation models were developed to determine the relationship between ICT use, virtual participation in in-home activity, physical participation in in-home and out-of-home activity, and observed travel dimensions. The information analyzed included personal and household sociodemographics, ICT use, and effect of vehicle availability on activity patterns among household members. Virtual participation in in-home activity had both substitution and complementary impacts on out-of-home activity and travel patterns. The results have important implications for activity–travel demand estimation and forecasting, given the growing adoption of ICT among various segments of the population.
Propensity to Telecommute
Authors: Jin Xia , Wu Jingcheng
Published: November 2011

Telecommuting is the substitution for work at the workplace with work at home or other locations close to home. The interest in telecommuting stems from its potential benefits in trip reduction, congestion mitigation, cost saving for office spaces, increased productivity, and better home–work balance. The factors that influence people's telecommuting behavior were explored by using data from the 1995 Nationwide Personal Transportation Survey and 2001 and 2009 National Household Travel Survey. A comprehensive analysis was undertaken, and the trends over several years were examined. The analysis advances the understanding of the characteristics of workers who telecommute according to detailed categories of telecommuting frequency. The findings are essential as a first step toward estimating and incorporating telecommuting in the travel demand forecasting process.
Personal Network Maintenance, Face-to-Face Interaction, and Distance
Authors: Carrasco Juan-Antonio
Published: November 2011

Taking as a departing point the general agreement in the literature about the complementary role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in social activity travel, the paper focuses on the interplay between different media (face to face, telephone, Internet based) in personal network maintenance, with a special focus on the relevance of distance and socioeconomics. Through an explicit social-structure approach, social networks were conceived of as personal communication systems that people would use to stay socially connected. Using data gathered recently in Concepción, Chile, the study focused on two neighborhoods distinctive because of their income levels. The study examined the interplay between ICT availability and use, the frequency of face-to-face interaction, and the role of distance. Quantitative methods were used to study the specific contexts in which ICT complements face-to-face interaction by identifying the role of distance and key characteristics of egos and alters and the personal networks in which they are embedded. [The author defines “alter” as “social contact.” —Ed.] The results suggest that, after controlling for demographics, telephone and Internet have specialized functions, depending on the ego–alter relationship in aspects such as roles, distance, length of the relationship, and age and gender homophily. Therefore, the complementary effect of ICT in social activities is mediated by the social context in which these interactions occur and highlights the relevance of the particularities of the spatial, socioeconomic, and social structure in which social relations are embedded.
Forensic microsatellite TH01 and malaria predisposition
Authors: Alam Shafiul , Ferdous Ahmad , Ali Md Eunus , Ahmed Asma , Naved Apala Farhat , Akhteruzzaman Sharif
Published: November 2011

It is hypothesized that microsatellite locus TH01, which is located in close proximity to beta-globin gene and immune regulatory region in human, plays a role in malaria predisposition. In this study, authors verified the association of microsatelite allele (AATG repeat unit) at TH01 locus with malaria infection. The study provided significant evidence that allele-9 at this locus in P. falciparum infected individual illustrate the genetic predisposition towards the disease. Moreover, the predominance of allele-9 at TH01 in the individuals inhabiting malaria endemic area suggests that genetic predisposition towards malaria is an archaic phenomenon.Key words: Microsatellites; Allele; Genotype; Locus, MalariaDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v20i1.8831Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 20(1): 1-6, 2011 (January)
Prevalence and characterization of multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli from urine samples
Authors: Gomes Augustin Kakon , Akhter Humaira , Mahmud Belal , Khan Sirajul Islam , Begum Anowara
Published: November 2011

Isolation, identification and characterization of Escherichia coli were carried out in terms of biochemical, serological, antibiogram, plasmid profile and culture condition of urine samples. Out of 50 urine samples, 36 were positive for E. coli that were confirmed by biochemical (e.g. oxidase, kligler’s iron agar, indole, methyl red-voges proskauer and citrate utilization) tests and 4-methyl-umbelliferyl-β-D-glucoronide (MUG) test. Twenty seven strains gave positive result with different antisera whereas nine strains were untypable (UT), respectively. Thirty six strains were also tested by antibiogram against ten different antibiotics. Most E. coli strains were resistant to bacitracin, ampicillin, novobiocin, kanamycin and streptomycin. Eighty three per cent strains were sensitive to ciprofloxacin and gentamycin while 11 and 12% showed resistance to ciprofloxacin and gentamycin, respectively. By plasmid profile analysis of the 36 strains seven different plasmid patterns were observed. Comparison of the plasmid profiles with the antibiogram results indicated the presence of resistant (R) plasmid. Thirty four isolates of E. coli contained a common 25 kb plasmid that may possibly be responsible for drug resistance in this study. The results suggested that the prevalence of multi-drug resistant and new serotype of E. coli may be increasing rapidly which is alarming for treatment of urinary tract infection in Bangladesh.Key words: Prevalence; Characterization; E. coli; Multi-drug resistant; Serotype; Clinical sampleDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v20i1.8834Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 20(1): 23-30, 2011 (January)
Comparative efficacy of albendazole, mebendazole and neem leaf extract in helminth infections in rat models
Authors: Khanum Hamida , Pervin Shahanaj , Nessa Zaibun , Rahman ABM Mizanur
Published: November 2011

Comparative efficacy of Albendazole, Mebendazole and neem leaf extract (Azadirachta indica) against Vampirolepis nana, Hymenolepis diminuta and Syphacia muris infections in laboratory rat strain Long-Evans (Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout, 1769) was evaluated. After treating with the drugs, egg reduction rate and cure rate from the worm infection were observed. Mebendazole had greater efficacy in terms of cure rate against H. diminuta, but in terms of egg reduction rate in H. diminuta infection, Albendazole had greater efficacy. The relative efficacy of Albendazole and Mebendazole were similar in terms of cure rate for S. muris infection (33.33%). In case of H. diminuta, both Albendazole and Mebendazole had nearly similar efficacy in terms of cure rate (20% vs. 25%). Albendazole had greater efficacy in terms of cure rate and egg reduction rate against V. nana than Mebendazole (25% vs. 16.67% and 28.57% vs. 10%). In case of S. muris infection, Mebendazole showed the higher egg reduction rate than Albendazole (20.09% vs 14.52%). Neem leaf extract had better efficacy on egg reduction rate in case of S. muris infection than Albendazole and Mebendazole. The relative efficacy of the neem extract was higher than that of the administred chemotherapy.Key words: Long-Evans; Rattus norvegicus; Comparative; Efficacy; Albendazole; Mebendazole; Neem leaf extractDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v20i1.8836Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 20(1): 41-48, 2011 (January)
Nutrient uptake, harvest and addition by crops under different cropping sequences
Authors: Alam MD Monjurul , Ahmad Syed Alauddin , Khan AH , Hoque Sirajul
Published: November 2011

A field trial was conducted to determine the nutrient uptake, harvest and addition by different crops under jute included and jute excluded cropping sequences. The crops were potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), jute (Corchorus olitorius L.), broadcast aus rice and transplanted aman rice (Oryza sativa L.). The soil of the experimental site represents Melandha soil series under noncalcareous brown floodplain soil (General Soil Type) which belongs to Agro Ecological Zone No. 8 (Young Brahmaputra and Jumuna Floodplain). Experiment was conducted with potato as base crop in rabi season for three consecutive years in the same field. The treatments (cropping patterns) were Potato - Jute - T. aman, Potato - B. aus - T. aman, Potato - Fallow - T. aman, and Fallow - Jute - T. aman. Jute plant harvested the lowest amount of nutrients and added back the highest amount to the soil. Contributions to the additions of nutrients by crops followed the following sequence: for nitrogen jute > B. aus > T. aman > potato; for phosphorus jute > T. aman > B. aus > potato; for potassium jute > B. aus > T.aman > potato, and for sulphur jute > B. aus > T. aman > potato.Key words: Nutrient uptake; Harvest; Addition; Cropping sequenceDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v20i1.8874Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 20(1): 81-89, 2011 (January)
Biochemical composition of the fruits of water chestnut (Trapa bispinosa Roxb.)
Authors: Alfasane Md Almujaddade , Khondker Moniruzzaman , Rahman MA Mahbubar
Published: November 2011

Key words: Aquatic plant; Trapa bispinosa; Biochemical composition; Fruits.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v20i1.8879Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 20(1): 95-98, 2011 (January)