bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the usability of a nutritional epidemiology computerized system
Authors: Ruggeri Bruna Furer Ferri , Voci Silvia Maria , Borges Camila Aparecida , Slater Betzabeth
Published: March 2014

INTRODUCTION: Epidemiological research has been adhering to new technologies, such as computer systems, and using the Internet as a tool. Usability is a characteristic of a specific product concerning the facility to use it, its speed and the facility to learn how to use it. It should also not present errors, or these must be easy to solve, in case they occur, thus providing high satisfaction to users. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usability of the "System of health and nutrition monitoring - nutrition of school children" (NUTRISIM). METHODS: A sample of 17 Information Technology professionals evaluated the system and answered the "Questionnaire for System Usability", which determines the level of usability of systems by the Fuzzy Logic. The questionnaire contains 30 questions, which are divided into six metrics. The usability of the system determines six usability criteria in a large Fuzzy scale. RESULTS: With the exception of the metric "error control", all metrics were analyzed as "very good". The metrics "error control", "efficiency" and "satisfaction" presented medium amplitude, which is a better result in relation to the metrics "easy to learn", "easy to remember" and "effectiveness", which was assessed as "high". CONCLUSION: The study showed that the system is easy to be learned and used, but the answers are scattered. The instrument proved to be a useful tool to monitor and evaluate health and dietary intake in epidemiologic studies.
Analysis of television food advertising on children's programming on "free-to-air" broadcast stations in Brazil
Authors: Costa Suzane Mota Marques , Horta Paula Martins , Santos Luana Caroline dos
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the content of television food advertising on Brazilian 'free-to-air' broadcast stations during children's programming. METHODS: This is a descriptive study which evaluated the content of food advertising between 08:00 a.m. and 06:00 p.m. on three Brazilian 'free-to-air' broadcast stations (A, B and C). Data collection was performed during 10 week days and weekends. Food advertising was organized according to the food group classification from the Food Guide for the Brazilian Population. The annual exposure to food advertising was obtained considering the national children average exposure to television of five daily hours. The χ2 and Fisher's exact test were conducted in order to identify differences in the content of television advertising in the morning and in the afternoon and between broadcast stations. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty six hours of programming were recorded, totalizing 1,369 commercials - 13.8% of food. There was major participation of 'sugars and sweets' (48.1%) and 'oils and fats' (29.1%) among food advertising and much food publicity in the afternoon (15.7%; morning: 12.2%, p = 0.037). Moreover, the broadcast with more audience was the one that advertised more food (A: 63.5%; B: 12.2%; C: 24.3%), especially 'sugar and sweets' (A: 59.2%; B: 43.5%; C: 21.7%). Finally, an annual average exposure to 2,735.5 commercials was obtained for Brazilian children, totalizing 2,106.3 of food rich in sugar and fat publicity. CONCLUSION: Food advertising is focused on poor nutritionally food, emphasizing the need for specific intervention strategies.
Advice for salt, sugar and fat intake habits among adults: a national-based study
Authors: Silva Suele Manjourany , Facchini Luiz Augusto , Tomasi Elaine , Piccini Roberto , Thumé Elaine , Silveira Denise Silva da , Siqueira Fernando Vinholes , Dilélio Alitéia Santiago , Nunes Bruno Pereira , Saes Mirelle de Oliveira
Published: March 2014

INTRODUCTION : A healthy diet is recognized as an important strategy for promoting health as an essential part of non-pharmacological therapy of various health problems. OBJECTIVE : To analyze the reported advice for the intake of salt, sugar and fat for the Brazilian adults living in urban areas. METHODOLOGY : National-based cross-sectional study with 12,402 adults interviewed in 100 Brazilian cities. RESULTS : The most prevalent advice was to low fat intake (38%), followed by the advice to low salt and sugar intake (36%) and sugar (29%). The percentage of receiving different advice was similar and more common among women, older people, those with a partner, higher economic class, former smokers, active and in person with physician diagnoses of hypertension, diabetes and overweight. People with white skin color received more advice to eat healthy food, except for the orientation to low salt intake. CONCLUSION : The results show a low prevalence of advice, which configures a missed opportunity to prevent health problems. Although dietary counseling should not be understood only as the transmission of advice regarding some nutrients, it is important to develop actions in order to qualify services and health professionals, allowing the population to have access to qualified information about the benefits of having healthy lifestyles.
Dental caries and endemic dental fluorosis in rural communities, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Costa Simone de Melo , Abreu Mauro Henrique Nogueira Guimarães , Vargas Andréa Maria Duarte , Vasconcelos Mara , Ferreira e Ferreira Efigênia , Castilho Lia Silva de
Published: March 2014

It is observational, analytical and cross-sectional aimed to evaluate the association between severity and prevalence of fluorosis and dental caries in rural communities with endemic dental fluorosis in the north state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, with fluoride concentrations in water up to 4.8 mg/L. Data were collected by one examiner (intra-examiner kappa, 0.96 to 0,95 for caries and fluorosis) after toothbrushing. The study included 511 individuals aged 7 - 22 years, categorized according to age: 7 - 9 years (n = 227), 10 to 12 years (n = 153), 13 to 15 years (n = 92), 16 to 22 years (n = 39). For the diagnosis of dental caries used the criteria of the World Health Organization to measure indices DMFT. For fluorosis used the index Thylstrup and Fejerskov (TF), dichotomized according to prevalence (TF = 0 and TF > 0) and severity (TF < 4 and TF > 5). In the two younger groups, the DMFT and its decay component were higher in the group with more severe fluorosis (p < 0.001). This association was not found among adolescents and adults (p > 0.05). The association was found between the conditions more severe fluorosis and caries in individuals under 12 years.
Differentiation ofSpodoptera frugiperda(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Corn and Rice Strains from Central Colombia: A Wing Morphometric Approach
Authors: Cañas-Hoyos N , Márquez E J , Saldamando-Benjumea C I
Published: March 2014

Spodoptera frugiperda is an important pest throughout the Western Hemisphere, particularly in corn, cotton, rice, and sorghum, among other crops. This insect has evolved two strains named the corn and the rice strains, as they have been their most frequently used hosts. However, the corn strain can also be found in cotton and the rice strain in pasture grasses and corn. Both strains have been identified by using different molecular markers, including allozymes, polymerase chain reaction—restriction fragment-length polymorphism, amplified fragment-length polymorphism, and FR tandem repeat unit, among others. So far, all reports have claimed no morphological differences between the strains. However, none of these studies have used geometric morphometrics, as we performed in this work. We applied wing morphometrics to analyze wing size and shape in 159 individuals of the corn and the rice strains reared under laboratory conditions since 2009 and already genotyped. Our results demonstrated that wing morphometrics is a promising tool to differentiate both strains, as they were statistically significant in wing shape. We also found that this species presents sexual dimorphism in the rice strain in wing shape and that wing size differs between males of both strains. Further studies will require the use of this new tool in field populations, as their identification is relevant, given that they exhibit reproductive isolation and differences in susceptibility to chemical and biological controls, suggesting they are in the process of speciation via host plant association.
Characterization and Correlation of EPG Waveforms of Bactericera Cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae): Variability in Waveform Appearance in Relation to Applied Signal
Authors: Pearson Cole C , Backus Elaine A , Shugart Holly J , Munyaneza Joseph E
Published: March 2014

The tomato-potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae), was recently shown to be a vector of “Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum” (Lso), a phloem-limited bacterium that is the putative causal agent of “zebra chip” in potato and unnamed diseases in other solanaceous species. Despite its importance, very little is known about B. cockerelli stylet probing behaviors that control transmission of Lso to its host plants. Herein, we report the first study characterizing the electrical penetration graph waveforms representing stylet penetration behaviors of the B. cockerelli feeding on potato. Waveforms produced by adult B. cockerelli on potato were also correlated using light microscopy of salivary sheath termini in plant tissue after probes were artificially terminated during the identified waveforms. In addition, behavioral activities were inferred based on electrical origins of waveforms as well as similarities in waveform appearances with those of other psyllids, aphids, and whiteflies. Adult B. cockerelli produced six waveform families and four types, which represent the following proposed biological meanings: family A, initial penetration and sheath salivation; family B, penetration of epidermal cells; family C, secretion of most of the salivary sheath and stylet pathway in mesophyll and parenchyma, with two types, C1 and C2, of unknown meaning; family D, initial contact with phloem cells; family E, activities in phloem cells, with two types, El, putative phloem salivation, and E2, phloem sap ingestion; and family G, xylem ingestion. In addition, a previously unreported variant of waveform G was characterized and correlated with applied signal type. Variation in D and G waveform appearances was correlated with polarity, type, and magnitude of applied signal. Results suggest that active phloem sap ingestion during E2 may play a critical role in acquisition of Lso bacterial cells. E1 may be important in inoculation of the bacterium into phloem sieve elements because it may represent salivation into phloem sieve elements. Analysis of B. cockerelli waveforms could lead to faster development of resistant host plant varieties, strengthen integrated pest management strategies by incorporating alternative plant hosts, and maximize the efficiency of pesticides.
Radiocarbon dating of American pika fecal pellets provides insights into population extirpations and climate refugia
Authors: Millar Constance I. , Heckman Katherine , Swanston Christopher , Schmidt Karena , Westfall Robert D. , Delany Diane L.
Published: March 2014

The American pika (Ochotona princeps) has become a species of concern for its sensitivity to warm temperatures and potential vulnerability to global warming. We explored the value of radiocarbon dating of fecal pellets to address questions of population persistence and timing of site extirpation. Carbon was extracted from pellets collected at 43 locations in the western Great Basin, USA, including three known occupied sites and 40 sites of uncertain status at range margins or where previous studies indicated the species is vulnerable. We resolved calibrated dates with high precision (within several years), most of which fell in the period of the mid‐late 20th century bomb curve. The two‐sided nature of the bomb curve renders far‐ and near‐side dates of equal probability, which are separated by one to four decades. We document methods for narrowing resolution to one age range, including stratigraphic analysis of vegetation collected from pika haypiles. No evidence was found for biases in atmospheric 14C levels due to fossil‐derived or industrial CO2 contamination. Radiocarbon dating indicated that pellets can persist for >59 years; known occupied sites resolved contemporary dates. Using combined evidence from field observations and radiocarbon dating, and the Bodie Mountains as an example, we propose a historical biogeographic scenario for pikas in minor Great Basin mountain ranges adjacent to major cordillera, wherein historical climate variability led to cycles of extirpation and recolonization during alternating cool and warm centuries. Using this model to inform future dynamics for small ranges in biogeographic settings similar to the Bodie Mountains in California, extirpation of pikas appears highly likely under directional warming trends projected for the next century, even while populations in extensive cordillera (e.g., Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountains, Cascade Range) are likely to remain viable due to extensive, diverse habitat and high connectivity.
Resistance and resilience of a grassland ecosystem to climate extremes
Authors: Hoover David L. , Knapp Alan K. , Smith Melinda D.
Published: March 2014

Climate change forecasts of more frequent climate extremes suggest that such events will become increasingly important drivers of future ecosystem dynamics and function. Because the rarity and unpredictability of naturally occurring climate extremes limits assessment of their ecological impacts, we experimentally imposed extreme drought and a mid‐summer heat wave over two years in a central U.S. grassland. While the ecosystem was resistant to heat waves, it was not resistant to extreme drought, which reduced aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) below the lowest level measured in this grassland in almost 30 years. This extreme reduction in ecosystem function was a consequence of reduced productivity of both C4grasses and C3forbs. However, the dominant forb was negatively impacted by the drought more than the dominant grass, and this led to a reordering of species abundances within the plant community. Although this change in community composition persisted post‐drought, ANPP recovered completely the year after drought due to rapid demographic responses by the dominant grass, compensating for loss of the dominant forb. Overall, these results show that an extreme reduction in ecosystem function attributable to climate extremes (e.g., low resistance) does not preclude rapid ecosystem recovery. Given that dominance by a few species is characteristic of most ecosystems, knowledge of the traits of these species and their responses to climate extremes will be key for predicting future ecosystem dynamics and function.
A comparative review of the development of Serbian and Albanian folk epic poetry
Authors: Milosevic-Djordjevic Nada
Published: March 2014

The paper discusses the continuity of Serbian folk epic poetry since the
Early Middle Ages in relation to the discontinuity of Albanian folk epic
poetry, in both cases determined by the historical and cultural setting. The
research foregrounds the songs of Kosovo Albanians about the Battle of
Kosovo, and a cycle of songs about borderland warriors (krajisniks) as well.
In terms of motifs and ideological orientation, the former remained on the
crossroads between the Serbian-Christian and Moslem-Turkish conceptions,
whereas the latter conformed to the Moslem conception. The greatest
similarities to the Serbian ?non-historical? epic poetry were demonstrated by
the so-called Italo-Albanian songs, brought from Albania to Italy by the
Albanian refugees fleeing the Turks. The paper is also an attempt at using
scholarly arguments to refute the non-scholarly interpretations of epic
techniques, characters and motifs, constructed for the purposes of political
pretensions to the territory of the Serbian province as an exclusively
Albanian land.
The idea of „brava dubrovacka“ in the traditional epic poems
Authors: Petakovic Slavko
Published: March 2014

The idea of ?brava dubrovacka? has been formed crossing the levels of
history, legends and imagination in the traditional epic poems. It has been
established as a conventional motif in the folklore tradition. Later it was
transfered from the folklore tradition into so called ?artistc literature?.
The continuance of the idea of ?brava dubrovacka? in the literature
tradition gener?ally proves the importance of the old Dubrovnik to the
entire Serbian cultural tradition.
„Zemljopis“ Dusanovog Zakonika
Authors: Jankovic Zivorad
Published: March 2014

nema
Tri nova prepisa Kantakuzinove Molitve Bogorodici
Authors: Jovanovic Tomislav
Published: March 2014

nema
Dimitrije Daskal - srpski pisar i iluminator druge polovine XVI veka
Authors: Rakic Zoran
Published: March 2014

nema
Episkop Nikodim Milas izmedju Dalmacije i Srbije
Authors: Opsenica Dragoslav
Published: March 2014

nema
Prosvetno-dobrotvorno drustvo „Sveti Sava“ u Zagrebu
Authors: Panajotovic Artea
Published: March 2014

nema
Secanja Milana Jovanovica Stoimirovica na Branimira Cosica
Authors: Djordjevic Bojan
Published: March 2014

nema
Doprinos Milivoja A. Petkovica u proucavanju dubrovackih maskerata
Authors: Rakic Tanja
Published: March 2014

nema
The Media and Mispricing: The Role of the Business Press in the Pricing of Accounting Information
Authors: Drake Michael S. , Guest Nicholas M. , Twedt Brady J.
Published: March 2014

This study investigates the role of the business press in the pricing of accounting information. Using a comprehensive dataset of more than 111,000 earnings-related business press articles published from 2000 to 2010, we find that press coverage of the annual earnings announcement mitigates cash flow mispricing, but has a negligible effect on accrual mispricing. We provide evidence that this impact is driven primarily by the press disseminating the information more broadly, rather than by the creation of new content that helps investors understand the implications of accounting information. Our results suggest that the business press plays an important role in facilitating the market's ability to efficiently impound accounting information into stock prices and provide new insights into the role of the business press as an information intermediary in capital markets.
Efficiency of advanced oxidation processes in lowering bisphenol A toxicity and oestrogenic activity in aqueous samples
Authors: Plahuta Maja , Tišler Tatjana , Toman Mihael Jožef , Pintar Albin
Published: March 2014

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a well-known endocrine disruptor with adverse oestrogen-like effects eliciting adverse effects in humans and wildlife. For this reason it is necessary to set up an efficient removal of BPA from wastewaters, before they are discharged into surface waters. The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of BPA removal from aqueous samples with photolytic, photocatalytic, and UV/H2O2 oxidation. BPA solutions were illuminated with different bulbs (halogen; 17 W UV, 254 nm; and 150 W UV, 365 nm) with or without the TiO2 P-25 catalyst or H2O2 (to accelerate degradation). Acute toxicity and oestrogenic activity of treated samples were determined using luminescent bacteria (Vibrio fischeri), water fleas (Daphnia magna), zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio), and Yeast Estrogen Screen (YES) assay with genetically modified yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The results confirmed that BPA is toxic and oestrogenically active. Chemical analysis showed a reduction of BPA levels after photolytic treatment and 100 % conversion of BPA by photocatalytic and UV/H2O2 oxidation. The toxicity and oestrogenic activity of BPA were largely reduced in photolytically treated samples. Photocatalytic oxidation, however, either did not reduce BPA toxic and oestrogenic effects or even increased them in comparison with the baseline, untreated BPA solution. Our findings suggest that chemical analysis is not sufficient to determine the efficiency of advanced oxidation processes in removing pollutants from water and needs to be complemented with biological tests.
First evidence of the P-glycoprotein gene expression and multixenobiotic resistance modulation in earthworm
Authors: Bošnjak Ivana , Bielen Ana , Babić Sanja , Šver Lidija , Popović Natalija Topić , Strunjak-Perović Ivančica , Čož-Rakovac Rozelinda , Klobučar Roberta Sauerborn
Published: March 2014

Multixenobiotic resistance (MXR) is an important mechanism of cellular efflux mediated by ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters that bind and actively remove toxic substrates from the cell. This study was the first to identify ABC transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp/ABCB1) as a representative of the MXR phenotype in earthworm (Eisenia fetida). The identified partial cDNA sequence of ABCB1 overlapped with ABCB1 homologues of other organisms from 58.5 % to 72.5 %. We also studied the effect of five modulators (verapamil, cyclosporine A, MK571, probenecid, and orthovanadate) on the earthworm’s MXR activity by measuring the accumulation of model substrates rhodamine B and rhodamine 123 in whole body tissue of the adult earthworm. MK571, orthovanadate, and verapamil significantly inhibited MXR activity, and rhodamine 123 turned out to better reflect MXR activity in that species than rhodamine B. Our results show that E. fetida can serve well as a test organism for environmental pollutants that inhibit MXR activity.
Experimentally Assisted Modelling of the Behaviour of Steel Angle Brace
Authors: Barszcz A. M.
Published: March 2014

Steel frame wind bracing systems are usually made of hot rolled profiles connected to frame elements directly or through a gusset plate. The behaviour of angle bracing members is generally complex since controlled by tension or compression, bending and torsion. The common practice is to transform the problem of complex behaviour into the buckling strength of a truss member. This paper deals with an analytical formulation of the force-deformation characteristic of a single angle brace subjected to compression. A strut model takes into consideration the effect of brace end connections and softening effect of its force-deformation characteristic. Two different boundary conditions, typical for engineering practice, are dealt with. Experimental program of testing the behaviour of angle brace in portal sub-frame specimens is described. Results of experimental investigations are presented. They are used for the validation of developed model. Conclusions are formulated with reference to the application of validated brace model in the analysis of braced steel frameworks.
Synthesis of Geopolymer Based Class-F Fly Ash Aggregates and its Composite Properties in Concrete
Authors: Gomathi P. , Sivakumar A.
Published: March 2014

This study explores the influence of alkali activators on the initiation of polymerization reaction of alumino-silicate minerals present in class-F fly ash material. Different types of fly ash aggregates were produced with silicate rich binders (bentonite and metakaolin) and the effect of alkali activators on the strength gain properties were analyzed. A comprehensive examination on its physical and mechanical properties of the various artificial fly ash aggregates has been carried out systematically. A pelletizer machine was fabricated in this study to produce aggregate pellets from fly ash. The efficiency and strength of pellets was improved by mixing fly ash with different binder materials such as ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), metakaolin and bentonite. Further, the activation of fl y ash binders was done using sodium hydroxide for improving its binding properties. Concrete mixes were designed and prepared with the different fly ash based aggregates containing different ingredients. Hardened concrete specimens after sufficient curing was tested for assessing the mechanical properties of different types concrete mixes. Test results indicated that fly ash -GGBS aggregates (30S2-100) with alkali activator at 10M exhibited highest crushing strength containing of 22.81 MPa. Similarly, the concrete mix with 20% fly ash-GGBS based aggregate reported a highest compressive strength of 31.98 MPa. The fly ash based aggregates containing different binders was found to possess adequate engineering properties which can be suggested for moderate construction works.
Instruments of Probabilistic Optimisation of Load Bearing Capacity and Reliability of Statically Indeterminate Complex Structures
Authors: Kowal Z.
Published: March 2014

The paper presents the method of probabilistic optimisation of load bearing capacity and reliability of statically indeterminate bar structures, and of coupling of members in kinematically admissible failure mechanisms (KAFM), which contain minimal critical sets of elements (MCSE). The latter are characterised by the fact that if only a single element is operational, the whole set is operational too. A method of increasing load bearing capacity and reliability of KAFM built from bars dimensioned in accordance with the code is presented. The paper also shows estimation of load bearing capacity and reliability of KAFM of the optimised structures containing elastic-plastic bars with quasi-brittle connections with nodes. The necessity of increasing connection of load bearing capacity and reliability in relation to bar reliability in order to prevent bars from being excluded from MCSE due to connection fracture is estimated.
Primary yolk sac tumour of liver with unusual clinical presentation mimicking acute appendicitis
Authors: Hosala M , Laca L , Hosalova Matisova J , Janik J , Adamik M , Palkoci B , Kajo K
Published: March 2014

Primary hepatic yolk sac tumour (YST) is an extremely rare tumour of the liver. The exact etiology of primary
hepatic YST is still unclear. This tumour is very aggressive with ability to spread into distant sites, where it can
lead to the first clinical presentation. The authors present a case of a 20-year-old woman with fever and pain in
the epigastrium, which later on moved to the right hypogastrium clinically resembling acute appendicitis.
Ultrasound revealed tumorous mass in the liver and hypoechogenous tumorous mass in the area of right adnexes
and terminal ileum. Tumorous mass in the liver was confirmed on the CT scan. Markedly raised levels of serum
α-fetoprotein concentration were detected. Laparoscopic appendectomy was performed and there was bioptically
verified a diagnosis of YST. Afterwards, patient underwent right hemihepatectomy, right hemicolectomy and right
adnexectomy. There was found no evidence of the gonadal, mediastinal, retroperitoneal and central nervous system
origin of the YST. Histological findings from the liver proved primary yolk sac tumour of the liver with the
metastatic spread into the appendix, caecum and regional lymph nodes.
Diversity of soil mites (Acari: Mesostigmata: Gamasina) in various deciduous forest ecosystems of Muntenia region (southern Romania)
Authors: Manu Minodora
Published: March 2014

The main task of the research was to investigate the diversity of predatory soil mites (Gamasina) in 8 types of forest ecosystems: alder (Călugăreni, Clinceanca, Azuga Valley, Cumpătu), oak-hornbeam (Baloteşti, Băneasa), beech (Şotrile), and fir-beech (Lunca Mare) in Muntenia region. Taxonomical classification and statistical methods used in this study show similarities as well as differences between their predatory mite communities. In total, 467 mites of 57 gamasid species were identified, belonging to 28 genera and 12 families. Veigaia nemorensis, Prozercon fimbriatus, P. kochii, and P. traegardhi were most abundant. Geographical position, abiotic factors (soil type, slope angle, soil moisture content, pH) and biotic ones (vegetation structure: herbs, shrubs or trees) were related to differences in gamasid species composition between the investigated forest ecosystems.
Eriophyoid studies in Turkey: review and perspectives
Authors: Denizhan Evsel , Szydło Wiktoria , Skoracka Anna
Published: March 2014

Although the geographical location and botanical history of Turkey make the country a perfect place for a potentially rich diversity of eriophyoid mites, little is known about the Turkish eriophyoid fauna. The current paper is a brief review of the existing records of eriophyoid mites found so far in Turkey, with additional information on 6 grass-associated eriophyoid species recorded recently. The 134 eriophyoid species collected in Turkey come from only ca. 1.2% of all Turkish plant species. The role of collecting ecological and molecular data and studying economically significant eriophyoid mites species in this area is particularly stressed.
STEM CELLS NEWS UPDATE: A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Wong Shiu C.
Published: March 2014

This article is a follow-up to a previous Commentary published in 2011. It updates some of the events mentioned in that Commentary and continues with more interesting and exciting news on stem cell research and the emerging field of Regenerative Medicine. Some of the news includes: 1) the 2012 Nobel Prize for Medicine awarded to John B. Gurdon and Shinya Yamanaka; 2) the cloning of human embryonic stem cells; 3) the continued search for truly pluripotent adult stem cells via in vitro and in vivo protocols; 4) the breakthrough in organ replacements; 5) the global stem cell race; 6) the global stem cell cryo-preservation business; 7) the worldwide stem cell donor registries, and 8) the issue of government regulation on stem cell therapy
MOLECULAR CYTOGENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF AN inv(Y)(p11.2q11.221~q11.222) IN A SYRIAN FAMILY
Authors: Al-Achkar W. , Wafa A. , Al-Ablog A. , Moassass F. , Liehr T.
Published: March 2014

Constitutional chromosomal abnormalities are an important cause of miscarriage, infertility, congenital anomalies and mental retardation in humans. Pericentric inversions of the human Y-chromosome [inv(Y)] are rather common and show an estimated incidence of 0.6-1:1,000 in males in the general population. Most of the reported cases with inv(Y) are familial. For carriers of pericentric inversions the risk of mental retardation or multiple abortions is not apparently increased and there is no relation with abnormal phenotypic features. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis to detect microdeletions along the Y-chromosome as well as cytogenetic and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis were done to delineate the characteristics of an inv(Y) in a Syrian family. Thus, we present a detailed molecularcytogenetic characterization of a father and his two sons having an inv(Y)(p11. 2q11.221~q11.222) with varying mental retardation features but otherwise normal phenotype
INHERITANCE OF A CHROMOSOME 3 AND 21 TRANSLOCATION IN THE FETUSES, WITH ONE ALSO HAVING TRISOMY 21, IN THREE PREGNANCIES IN ONE FAMILY
Authors: Pazarbasi A. , Demirhan O. , Alptekin D. , Ozgunen Ft. , Ozpak L. , Yilmaz Mb. , Nazlican E. , Tanriverdi N. , Luleyap U. , Gümürdülü D.
Published: March 2014

The majority of chromosome rearrangements are balanced reciprocal and Robertsonian translocations. It is now known that such abnormalities cause no phenotypic effect on the carrier but lead to increased risk of producing unbalanced gametes. Here, we report the inheritance of a translocation between chromosomes 3 and 21 in a family with one of two fetuses with Down Syndrome carrying the same translocation and the other also carrying the same translocation without the additional chromosome 21. Chromosomal analysis from fetal amniotic fluid and peripheral blood lymphocytes from the family were performed at the Çukurova University Hospital at Adana, Turkey. We assessed a family in which the translocation between chromosomes 3 and 21 segregates: one of the three progenies carried the 47,XX,+21,t(3;21)(q21;q22) karyotype and presented with Down Syndrome; another of the three progenies carried the 46,XX,t(3;21) (q21;q22) karyotype and the third had the 46,XY karyotype. Their mother is phenotypically normal. Apparently this rearrangement occurred due to an unbalanced chromosome segregation of the mother [t(3;21)(q21;q22)mat]. This family will enable us to explain the behavior of segregation patterns and the mechanism for each type of translocation from carrier to carrier and their effects on reproduction and numerical aberrations. These findings can be used in clinical genetics and may be used as an effective tool for reproductive guidance and genetic counseling
Using the Concepts of Resilience, Vulnerability and Adaptability for the Assessment and Analysis of Agricultural Systems
Authors: Callo-Concha Daniel , Ewert Frank
Published: March 2014

Resilience, vulnerability and adaptability have emerged as dominant concepts in the study of disturbance and change of social-ecological systems. We analyze the conceptual, methodological and operational aspects in using these concepts for the assessment and analysis of agricultural systems and try to identify differences and possible overlaps between them. The analysis is performed considering a number of published studies on agricultural systems over a wide geographical range where these concepts have been applied. Our results show a clear conceptual overlap and often the exchangeable use of the concepts. Furthermore, the driving methodological and operational criteria for their application could not be separated unambiguously. It was, thus, difficult to identify guiding principles for the operational application of the individual concepts. We stress that the operationalization of these concepts requires consistency in the approaches and protocols to ensure their coherent use. We also argue that the conceptual and operational integration of resilience, vulnerability and adaptability would perhaps lead to a more complete portrayal of the behavior of agricultural systems in changing situations. But this requires more research including the development of operational protocols for which the premises of complexity, participation and functionality seem key.
Minimizing Total Completion Time For Preemptive Scheduling With Release Dates And Deadline Constraints
Authors: He Cheng , Lin Hao , Lin Yixun , Dou Junmei
Published: March 2014

It is known that the single machine preemptive scheduling problem of minimizing total completion time with release date and deadline constraints is NP- hard. Du and Leung solved some special cases by the generalized Baker's algorithm and the generalized Smith's algorithm in O(n2) time. In this paper we give an O(n2) algorithm for the special case where the processing times and deadlines are agreeable. Moreover, for the case where the processing times and deadlines are disagreeable, we present two properties which could enable us to reduce the range of the enumeration algorithm
The Study Of Properties Of The Word Of Mouth Marketing Using Cellular Automata
Authors: Kowalska-Styczeń Agnieszka
Published: March 2014

This article presents the possibility of using cellular automata, to study the properties of word of mouth (w-o-m) marketing. Cellular automata allow to analyze the dynamics of changes in views and attitudes in social groups based on local interactions between people in small groups of friends, family members etc. The proposed paper shows the possibility of modelling the dynamics of word of mouth mechanism, if the basic assumptions of this process are: different size groups where this phenomenon occurs, and varied access to information. On the competing firms market, the dependence of the w-o-m mechanism dynamics on the model parameters is shown
Ulipristal acetate – a review of the new therapeutic indications and future prospects
Authors: Delev Delian P.
Published: March 2014

Uterine leiomyomata (ULM) are benign smooth muscle neoplasms that are hormonedependent. Menorrhagia and anemia are the most common symptoms associated with this disorder. As many as 200000 cases of ULM per year are registered in the USA, and hysterectomy remains the major therapeutic option for treatment. Because gonadal hormones induce or maintain leiomyoma growth, selective progesterone receptor modulators have been evaluated as suitable therapeutic agents. Ulipristal acetate (UPA) is a therapeutic agent used as an emergency contraceptive agent. The therapeutic spectrum of the agent has been expanded by a new indication at the end of 2012. Based on two large-scale international randomized trials (PEARL I and PEARL II), UPA (Esmya tab. 5 mg) received European approval for preoperative treatment of ULM in the spring of 2012. The drug is indicated for treatment of moderate to severe symptoms of uterine fibroids. The duration of the treatment with UPA is limited to no more than 3 months when it is used to reduce the size of the tumor, to stop or reduce bleeding and to increase the red blood count prior to surgery. A disadvantage of the cited studies is that the course of treatment is limited to 3 months. Therefore, more data are needed regarding the benefits and risks of long-term treatment with UPA.

The use of UPA in some forms of hypermenorrhoea is discussed as a future therapeutic option but the data are not yet conclusive.
Effect of chronic treatment with angiotensin receptor ligands on water-salt balance in wistar and spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Pechlivanova Daniela M. , Stoynev Alexander G.
Published: March 2014

The renin-angiotensin system plays a crucial role in the regulation of cardiovascular function and maintenance of water-electrolyte balance. The two major receptor types of the system, AT1 and AT2, have different, often opposite effects on these functions.

AIM: To elucidate the impact of long term treatment with selective angiotensin receptor antagonists and an agonist on water-salt balance in normotensive Wistar and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: 12-week-old male Wistar rats and SHRs were individually housed in metabolic cages and 24-h food and water intake and urine and electrolyte excretion were measured. Urinary sodium (UNa), potassium (UK) and chlorine (UCl) were determined by a flame photometer. Losartan, a selective AT1 receptor antagonist, was administered in the Wistar rats and SHRs at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day subcutaneously (sc). Wistar rats were also given the AT2 receptor antagonist, PD123319, subcutaneously at a dose of 10 mg/kg/ day. CGP 42112A, an AT2 receptor agonist, was administered intracerebroventricularly in Wistar rats at a dose of 12 μg/rat/day. The drugs were infused continuously for 14 days through osmotic minipumps.

RESULTS: Losartan selectively increased sodium excretion in both rat strains and decreased weight gain in SHRs. PD123319 increased potassium excretion and decreased weight gain in Wistar rats. CGP 42112A increased food and water intake, urine output and UNa+ and UK+ excretion and decreased weight gain in normotensive Wistar rats.

CONCLUSIONS: Chronic treatment with selective angiotensin receptor ligands modifies water- salt balance in rats through changes both in renal excretory function and ingestive behaviors.
Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Rhodiola Rosea L. extract in rats
Authors: Doncheva Nina D. , Mihaylova Anita St. , Getova Damianka P.
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND: Rhodiola rosea (golden root) is a unique phytoadaptagen with immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the alcohol/water extract of Rhodiola rosea roots in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty male Wistar rats were used in the study. They were divided in 3 groups (n = 10), treated respectively with saline (controls), Rhodiola rosea extract 50 mg/kg bw and 100 mg/kg bw orally. The antinociceptive effect was evaluated using the hot-plate test, Randall-Sellito test and the formalin test. The hot-plate test evaluates the reaction time of rats which are dropped on a heated surface. The analgesy-meter test exerts a force increased at constant rate. In the formalin test we measured the total time spent in licking the injected paw during the early (0-10 min) and late phase (20-30 min) of test. To study anti-inflammatory effect the carrageenan-induced paw edema was used. The paw volume was measured plethysmometrically at 2, 3 and 4 hours.

RESULTS: In the hot-plate test Rhodiola rosea increased in both doses the latency reaction compared with that in the controls. In analgesy-meter test Rhodiola rosea in a dose of 50 mg/kg showed a significant increase of pressure reaction compared with the controls. In the formalin test Rhodiola rosea in a dose of 100 mg/kg significantly decreased the paw licking time during the first phase. In the plethysmometer test Rhodiola rosea extract significantly reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema when compared with the saline-induced edema.

CONCLUSION: The studied extract of Rhodiola rosea exhibited significant analgesic activity in all the pain models used - inhibition of thermal pain, mechanical hyperalgesia and formalin-induced pain behavior. Significant anti-inflammatory activity was observed from Rhodiola rosea extract in carrageenan induced paw edema in rats.
Aggressive juvenile mandibular fibromatosis
Authors: Ivanov Georgi P. , Atanasov Dimitar T. , Anavi Beniamin L.
Published: March 2014

Aggressive juvenile fibromatosis of the jawbones is a rare tumor presenting as infiltrative mass with unpredictable evolution. We report herein a 17-year-old student with a 6-month history of radiologically proven resorption of a part of the mandible, lingual displacement of tooth 34 and malocclusion. Alveolar ridge resorption and three dark-brown foci in the bone were seen after the tooth was extracted. Histological study showed the tumor tissue to have a bundle-like structure; immunohistochemically it was positive for vimentin, smooth muscle actin, β-catenin, Ki-67 (5%), and negative for desmin and cytokeratin 34bE12. The golden standard in the diagnostics of desmoid fibromatoses is the nuclear or membrane expression of β-catenin, which is found in 90% of the cases. Differential diagnosis include mandibular fibroma, well-differentiated fibrosarcoma, fibrosing histiocytoma, and infiltration from adjacent soft-tissue tumor. Aggressive juvenile fibromatosis should be managed by radical excision. Local recurrences are not rare, but metastases do not develop. In rare cases this type of fibromatosis has been known to regress spontaneously. Aggressive fibromatosis is a diagnostic challenge, since it remains in the grey zone between benign and malignant lesions of the oral cavity.
Mining and its role in the global economy
Authors: Ranosz Robert
Published: March 2014

Streszczenie

Niniejszy artykuł został poświęcony roli górnictwa w rozwoju gospodarczym poszczególnych regionów św iata (państw). Omaw iane zagadnienie ma istotne znaczenie dla przyszłości gospodarczej wielu krajów i może aanowić znaczący czynnik w aspekcie społecznego, jak i gospodarczego rozwoju, nie tylko regionów średnio i słabo rozwiniętych gospodarczo, ale również dla liderów w tym zakresie. Produkcja sur<xvców mineralnych niesie ze sobą potencjalne możliwości, niemniej jednak nie są one gw arancją szybkiego rozwoju gospodarczego. 2 punktu widzenia rozwijających się gospodarek, istotne jea to, aby nie stały się one centrami kosztów dla dużych podmiotów. Z dmgiej jednak strony całkowite niedopuszczenie kapitału zewnętrznego zdecydowanie spowolni rozwój ekonomiczny danej gospodarki Prezentowany artykuł składa się z pięciu części oraz spisu wyko- rzystanej literatury. We wprowadzeniu do niniejszego artykułu krótko omówiono przesłanki pod- jęcia niniejszego tematu. Drugi rozdział prezentuje kraje charakteryzujące się największą produkcją górniczą na świecie, uwzględniając samą produkcję, jak i wielkość eksportu. W rozdziale tym przedstawiono również udział produkcji surowców mineralny ch w danym kraju w aosunku doogólnęj wartości Produktu Krajowego Brutto (PKB). W rozdziale tym dane dotyczą roku 2010. W trzecim rozdziale omówiono kluczowa czynniki tworzące wartość produkcji w sektorze górnictwa, skupiając się w głównej mierze na takich jak: inwestycje zagraniczne, inwestycje krajowe, eksport, handel zagraniczny, dochody krajowe, PKB oraz poziom zatrudnienia i wynagrodzeń. Czwarty rozdział niniejszego artykułu został poświęcony krótkiemu omówieniu oraz prezentacji wy ników uzyskanych dzięki wskaźnikowi MCI - Wskaźnika Wkładu Górnictwa (A/011/itf Cmtributiun In Ja) - określonego wzorem. Ostatni rozdział 10 podsumowanie podjętych w artykule rozważań. Całość artykułu została zamknięta spisem literatury.
The issue of conflicting rights to parts of a rock mass, taking into account specificity of the sea
Authors: Kozieł Agnieszka
Published: March 2014

Streszczenie

Przedmiotem artykułu są zagadnienia kolizji przestrzennych i branżowych przy prowadzeniu działalności gospodarczej na obszarach morskich Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej, w tym wód teryto- rialnych i strefy ekonomicznej (szclfii), w ujęciu interdyscyplinarnym.

Autor proponuje metodę identyfikacji tych kolizji zc względu na charakter i przedmioty działal- ności na tc, któro wynikają z podejmowania działalności lub oddziaływania danej działalności w tych samych przestrzeniach obszaru morskiego oraz na tc, które stanowią kolizję branżową i są związane z konkurencją przedsiębiorców' prowadzących działalność wr zakresie poszukiwfania, rozpoznaw'ania i wydobywania kopalin oraz tych przedsiębiorców, którzy podejmują działalności w obszarze farm wiatrowych, rybołów'Stwra i hodow'li.

W artykule przedstawiono problemy prawne, utrudniające prowadzenie racjonalnej i konku- rencyjnej działalności w' zakresie geologii i górnictwa na tle rcgulacji obccnic obowiązujących. Autor analizuje i prezentuje kolizje i konkurencyjne działalności z punktu widzenia różnych dziedzin prawfa, w tym takich jak prawfo cywilne, prawfo zagospodarowania przestrzennego, prawfo geologiczne i górnicze, praw'o ochrony środowiska, praw'o morza. Na tle tych różnych obszarów działalności, jak i dziedzin praw-a autor wrskazujc na kolizyjność procedur oraz racjonalność, funkcjonalność stosowanych aktów administracyjno-prawnych i rozstrzygnięć podcjmow'anych w tym zakresie w konkurencyjnych postępow'aniach.

Na bazie przeprowadzonej occny i analizy autor przechodzi do sformułowania rekomendo- wfanych zmian legislacyjnych, mających na celu wprowadzenie do polskiego porządku prawnego narzędzi służących rozwiązy właniu tych kolizji i konfliktów'. Należy do nich między innymi postulat zmiany definicji nieruchomości, wprowadzenie instytucji katastru cztcrowymiarowcgo czy stoso- wnie odpowiednio przepisów' dotyczących roszczeń z praw'a rzeczowego do ochrony użytkownika górniczego. Zdaniem autora zmiany, w- tym ustaw'ow'c, są konieczne dla przyjęcia właściwych rozwiązań do wycliminow'ania problemów' i sporów' w' omawianych obszarach.