bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cenário do gerenciamento dos resíduos da construção e demolição (RCD) em Uberaba-MG
Authors: Silva Vinícius Arcanjo da , Fernandes André Luís Teixeira
Published: October 2012

Em alguns municípios, os resíduos da construção civil representam 60% do montante de lixo que é gerado nos centros urbanos. A cidade de Uberaba convive com significativos impactos ambientais provocados pela não gestão dos resíduos construtivos. No município, existem áreas altamente degradadas pela destinação inadequada dos Resíduos da Construção e Demolição (RCD) ou Resíduos da Construção Civil (RCC). A falta de gerenciamento desses resíduos afeta a cidade nos aspectos econômico, sociais e principalmente ambientais. Neste trabalho, foram levantados os principais impactos ambientais que ocorreram devido à falta de gestão dos RCD na cidade de Uberaba. Foram abordados alguns pontos como: a eficiência dos "ecopontos", degradação da área da Pedreira de Léa e riscos para a saúde pública da cidade. Ainda foram discutidos os motivos que levam à não gestão dos RCD e o que tem sido feito para que futuramente esta gestão venha ser implantada. Este trabalho foi composto por revisão bibliográfica associada a visitas in loco das áreas afetadas pela destinação inadequada dos RCD. Desta forma, este trabalho propôs soluções para redução dos impactos ambientais causados pelos RCD gerenciados de maneira inadequada em Uberaba, visando obter melhorias para a saúde pública e contribuindo para a sustentabilidade ambiental da cidade.
Adoption of a Pain Assessment Tool in Older Homebound Patients With Dementia in a Housecall Practice: A Dissemination Study
Authors: Provost Jean-Claude K.
Published: October 2012

This article describes the steps of a pilot dissemination study toward adopting a pain assessment tool for older homebound adults with dementia. The chosen practice site had not previously used adequate pain assessment tools for older adults with dementia. After the selection process by a pain assessment tool committee, providers (N = 20) were asked to choose between three tools: pain assessment in advanced dementia (PAINAD), the Abbey Pain Scale, and DOLOPLUS-2/ DOLOSHORT. Providers voted to use the PAINAD (54%) for the following 2 weeks. A preintervention audit showed that without the use of a pain assessment tool, 97.7% of the charts did not have any documentation of a pain diagnosis nor an intervention. Postintervention using PAINAD, 91.3% of the charts had both (χ2[1] = 18.645, p < .001). The feedback obtained from providers (n = 10) after 2 weeks of testing the tool was unanimously positive. Many providers reported increased confidence in identifying pain and some changed their practice by placing pain assessment in the forefront of their encounter with their older clients with dementia. PAINAD was adopted as the pain assessment tool for this practice.
Research Participation: A Moral Obligation?
Authors: Doyle-Lindrud Susan
Published: October 2012

We as a society have all benefited from past research. These benefits include immunizations, antibiotics, antihypertensive, diabetic medication, and many more. Clinical research is ongoing, looking for better treatments, improved technologies, and cures for diseases. Unfortunately, enrollment into these research studies is often low and can become the barrier to completing the study. Why do so few people participate in trials and yet expect researchers to find cures? Should the public benefit from the latest treatments without ever having to participate in the process? Do we have a moral obligation to participate in research or should it be left to the altruistic members of society alone? Differing views of this argument are explored.
Mary Johnson, DNP, ACNP-BC, Visits Norway as Fulbright Specialist in Simulation Pedagogy
Authors: Johnson Mary P. , Smith Jennifer A.
Published: October 2012

Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing at Columbia University School of Nursing (CUSON) Mary Johnson, DNP, ACNP-BC, was selected as a Fulbright Specialist in the host institution of Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences (HiOA). The main purpose of the project was to strengthen and enhance collaboration between HiOA and CUSON related to simulation pedagogy and acute care practice. Falling within the mission of Columbia’s WHO Collaborating Center for Advanced Practice Nursing, the two universities signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2009 and have collaborated in several areas: master’s students exchanges; faculty visits; presentations at academic conferences; and development of a multicountry network, IRIS, which focuses on opportunities for postbaccalaureate students and faculty between the United States and Europe. The specific goal for Dr. Johnson was to move beyond the level of “visits” to focus on areas of acute care nursing, simulation pedagogy, and development of common cases that can be used to compare student work and teaching methods in both institutions. This Fulbright program also provided Dr. Johnson with a better understanding of the Norwegian health care system, hospitals, and the role of the acute care practitioner—essential information for future advisement of visiting HiOA students to the United States.
Implications for Palliative Care Nursing Education
Authors: Kuebler Kim
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this project was to compare baccalaureate nursing students’ self-perceived knowledge with objective test knowledge in the management of chronic diseases and their associated symptoms. Methodology included two regional nursing programs that have participated in this project (Southeastern [SE] and the Northeastern [NE] United States). Senior baccalaureate nursing students in their last semester were targeted and represent the entry level into the professional nursing role. Participants completed a self-rated knowledge survey and then completed a 45-item multiple choice objective knowledge examination on disease pathophysiology and symptom management. The results showed a weak correlation in the SE cohort between self-perceived knowledge and objective-tested knowledge. The NE cohort had a negative correlation between self-perceived knowledge and the objective test measurement. There was no statistically significant difference in the objective testing between cohorts. Both cohorts scored a mean of less than 50% on the objective examination.
Using Digital Elevation Models as an Environmental Predictor for Soil Clay Contents
Authors: Greve Mogens H. , Kheir Rania Bou , Greve Mette B. , Bøcher Peder K.
Published: October 2012

The objective of this study was to evaluate the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) digital elevation model (DEM) as an environmental predictor for soil clay content (SCC). It was based on the applicability of different DEMs, i.e., SRTM with 90‐m resolution and airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) (in 24‐ and 90‐m resolution), using regression‐tree analysis. Ten terrain parameters were generated from these DEMs. These terrain parameters were used along other environmental variables to statistically explain SCC content in Denmark. Results indicated that the SRTM tree model (T1: 90‐m resolution) explained the variability of SCC measurements quasi‐similarly (variance V = 60%) to the LIDAR tree models with 24‐m (T2) or 90‐m (T3) resolution (V = 60% for T2 and 61.5% for T3). The prediction performances (in terms of RMSE) of the produced maps (using these trees) compared with independent field observations from the validation data set (9000 sites) were estimated as follows: Map T1, RMSE = 3.57%; Map T2, RMSE = 3.25%; and Map T3, RMSE = 3.15%. The relative improvement of T2 compared with T1 or T3 varied between 8.96 and 11.76%, respectively. Independent validation data also reflected higher correlations between measured SCC and SCC predicted from T2 (R2 = 0.60) compared with the other tree models (T1, R2 = 0.56; T3, R2 = 0.54). The modeling results indicate that the SRTM (including derivatives) has less predictive power than the LIDAR DEMs (with different resolutions) for mapping SCC in a low‐relief landscape in Denmark.
Simulation of vanadium-48 production using MCNPX code
Authors: Sadeghi Mahdi , Mahmodi Mahbobeh , Kakavand Tayeb , Tenreiro Claudio
Published: October 2012

Vanadium-48 was produced through the irradiation of the natural titanium
target via the natTi(p, xn)48V reaction. The titanium target was irradiated
at 1 mA current and by a 21 MeV proton beam for 4 hours. In this paper, the
activity of 48V, 43Sc, and 46Sc radionuclides and the efficacy of the 47Ti(p,
g), 48Ti(p, n), and 49Ti(p, 2n) channel reactions to form 48V radionuclide
were determined using MCNPX code. Furthermore, the experimental activity of
48V was compared with the estimated value for the thick target yield produced
in the irradiation time according to MCNPX code. Good agreement between
production yield of the 48V and the simulation yield was observed. In
conclusion, MCNPX code can be used for the estimation of the production
yield.
Absorbed dose assessment in particle-beam irradiated metal-oxide and metal-nonmetal memristors
Authors: Knezevic Ivan , Zdjelarevic Nevena , Obrenovic Marija , Vujisic Milos
Published: October 2012

Absorbed dose was estimated after Monte Carlo simulation of proton and ion
beam irradiation on metal-oxide and metal-nonmetal memristors. A memristive
device comprises two electrodes, each of a nanoscale width, and a
double-layer active region disposed between and in electrical contact with
electrodes. Following materials were considered for the active region:
titanium dioxide, zirconium dioxide, hafnium dioxide, strontium titanium
trioxide and galium nitride. Obtained results show that significant amount of
oxygen ion - oxygen and nonmetal ion - nonmetal vacancy pairs is to be
generated. The loss of such vacancies from the device is believed to
deteriorate the device performance over time. Estimated absorbed dose values
in the memristor for different constituting materials are of the same order
of magnitude because of the close values of treshold displacement energies
for the investigated materials.
Absorbed dose uncertainty estimation for proton therapy
Authors: Spasic-Jokic Vesna , Dobrosavljevic Aleksandar , Belicev Petar
Published: October 2012

Successful radiotherapy treatment depends on the absorbed dose evaluation and
the possibility to define metrological characteristics of the therapy beam.
Radiotherapy requires tumor dose delivery with expanded uncertainty less than
?5 %. It is particularly important to reduce uncertainty during therapy beam
calibration as well as to apply all necessary ionization chamber correction
factors. Absorbed dose to water was determined using ionometric method.
Calibration was performed in reference cobalt beam. Combined standard
uncertainty of the calculated absorbed dose to water in 65 MeV proton beam
was ?1.97% while the obtained expanded uncertainty of absorbed dose for the
same beam quality was ?5.02%. The uncertainty estimation method has been
developed within the project TESLA.
Urinary Cystatin C and Tubular Proteinuria Predict Progression of Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Kim Sang Soo , Song Sang Heon , Kim In Joo , Jeon Yun Kyung , Kim Bo Hyun , Kwak Ihm Soo , Lee Eun Kyung , Kim Yong Ki
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of urinary cystatin C, a tubular damage marker, with the progression of type 2 diabetic nephropathy.

RESERCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The baseline values of serum and urinary cystatin C were measured as primary parameters and those of urinary nonalbumin protein (NAP) were measured as secondary parameters. In this prospective observational study, a total of 237 type 2 diabetic patients were followed up for 29 months (13–44 months).

RESULTS

Both the urinary cystatin C-to-creatinine ratio (CCR) and NAP-to-creatinine ratio (NAPCR) were significantly different according to the degree of albuminuria. Both markers had strongly positive correlations at baseline. After adjusting for several clinical factors, both urinary CCR and NAPCR had significant associations with the decline of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (r = 0.160, P = 0.021; r = 0.412, P < 0.001, respectively). Urinary CCR had positive correlations with the decline of eGFR in the subpopulation of patients with eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2. In patients with eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and normoalbuminuria, only urinary NAPCR showed a significant association with the decline of eGFR; urinary CCR did not. In multivariate regression analysis, the number of patients who progressed to chronic kidney disease stage 3 or greater was higher in those in the upper tertiles of both the urinary levels of cystatin C and NAP than in those in the lower tertiles.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that urinary cystatin C and NAP may be predictors of the progression of type 2 diabetic nephropathy.
Notes on entropic characteristics of quantum channels
Authors: Rastegin Alexey
Published: October 2012

One of most important issues in quantum information theory concerns transmission of information through noisy quantum channels. We discuss a few channel characteristics expressed by means of generalized entropies. Such characteristics can often be treated in line with more usual treatment based on the von Neumann entropies. For any channel, we show that the q-average output entropy of degree q ≥ 1 is bounded from above by the q-entropy of the input density matrix. The concavity properties of the (q, s)-entropy exchange are considered. Fano type quantum bounds on the (q, s)-entropy exchange are derived. We also give upper bounds on the map (q, s)-entropies in terms of the output entropy, corresponding to the completely mixed input.
Above-threshold ionization of hydrogen and hydrogen-like ions by X-ray pulses
Authors: Bachau Henri , Budriga Olimpia , Dondera Mihai , Florescu Viorica
Published: October 2012

This paper adresses the problem of above-threshold ionization (ATI) of hydrogen interacting with an intense X-ray electromagnetic field. Two approaches have been used. In the first approach, we calculate generalized differential and total cross sections based on second-order perturbation theory for the electron interaction with a monochromatic plane wave, with the A 2 and A · P contributions from the nonrelativistic Hamiltonian (including retardation) treated exactly. In the second approach, we solve the time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE) for a pulsed plane wave using a spectral approach with a basis of oneelectron orbitals, calculated with L 2-integrable B-spline functions for the radial coordinate and spherical harmonics Y lm for the angular part. Retardation effects are included up to O(1/c), they induce extra terms forcing the resolution of the TDSE in a three dimensional space. Relativistic effects [of O (1/c 2)] are fully neglected. The isoelectronic series of hydrogen is explored in the range Z = 1 − 5 in both TDSE and perturbative approaches. Photoelectron angular distributions are obtained for photon energies of 1 keV and 3 keV for hydrogen, and photon energy of 25 keV for the hydrogenic ion B4+. Perturbative and TDSE calculations are compared.
From the desk of Editor-in-chief Vol.2(1)
Authors: Rauniyar RK
Published: October 2012

NJR I VOL 2 I ISSUE 1 I Jan-June, 2012 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v2i1.6970
Benign Tumors of Bone
Authors: Subbarao K
Published: October 2012

NJR I VOL 2 I ISSUE 1 1-12 Jan-June, 2012 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v2i1.6972
Gallbladder Kinetics: Correlation between Gall Bladder Emptying in Patients With and Without Cholelithiasis by Ultrasonography
Authors: Jaiswal P , Sharma P , Shrestha DM , Pradhan S
Published: October 2012

Background: Gallstone disease or cholelithiasis, is one of the most common surgical problems worldwide. The assessment of gallbladder kinetics in patients with cholelithiasis as well as in patients with high risk for cholelithiasis could play a significant role in better management and is recommended as a routine workup of biliary system in these patients.Objectives: This study was carried out to establish the relationship between impaired gall bladder emptying and gall bladder stones. It also aimed at finding out correlation between chosen risk factors. Materials and Methods: Eighty six subjects with cholelithiasis and 35 controls (without cholelithiasis) were studied. Pre-prandial gall bladder volume was measured after 6 hours of fasting, gallbladder emptying was stimulated by fatty meals of 610 and 740Kcal and post-prandial gallbladder volume was measured after a period of two hours with ultrasound. The difference of pre-prandial and postprandial gall bladder volume was calculated. Results: Gallbladder emptying was significantly more (p < 0.001) in the control group than in the group of subjects with cholelithiasis. In the case group the mean difference of volume was 9.2±7.1 cc. While in control group the mean difference of volume was 17.6±14.3. The prevalence of cholelithiasis was significantly high in females between 26- 35 years of age group and in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and in patients who had first degree relative with gall stone. Incidence of silent gall stone was also statistically significant. Conclusion: Impaired gallbladder emptying was found to be strongly associated with gall stones. NJR I VOL 2 I ISSUE 1 13-17 Jan-June, 2012 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v2i1.6973
Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of Lung – Computed Tomographic Features in 20 Patients
Authors: Ghimire P , Zhu L , Wu G
Published: October 2012

Aim: To study the salient characteristic computed tomographic findings of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of lung. Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the CT examinations of twenty histopathologically confirmed cases of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of lung and analyzed the involvement, predominant location, pattern of presentation, shape, edge, pattern and degree of enhancement and any atypical findings in those cases. Results: Fourteen cases presented as pulmonary nodules among which twelve as solitary while two cases as multiple pulmonary nodules. Six cases presented as masses. The location was in the parenchyma of the lung among all cases except two masses that were predominantly mediastinal and endobronchial respectively. All nodules demonstrated mild enhancement except one nodule showed moderate and another one marked enhancement. Four masses demonstrated mild enhancement whearas one showed moderate and another marked enhancement. Pleural surface abutting was noticed in one nodule and two masses. Stippled calcification was present in one mass while necrosis was noticed in two other cases that presented as mass. Mass were associated with consolidation in one and as cavity in another case. Conclusion: Although diagnosis of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of lung cannot be confirmed radiologically, certain features as presence of nodules or masses that enhance mildly in a patient with equivocal clinical and radiological presentation warrants its inclusion in the differential diagnosis. NJR I VOL 2 I ISSUE 1 18-24 Jan-June, 2012 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v2i1.6974
Evaluation of Renal Venous Impedance, Pyelocalyectasis and Their Correlation during Pregnancy Using Doppler Ultrasound Examination: A Case Control Study
Authors: Sharma P , Shrestha B , Ansari MA , Singh D , Singh BP
Published: October 2012

Objective: The objective of our study was to evaluate venous impedance, pyelocalyectasis and their correlation during pregnancy using Doppler ultrasound examination. Materials and methods: Doppler studies of bilateral kidneys were done in 41 singleton pregnant ladies of second and third trimester of pregnancy and 35 healthy volunteers. None of the ladies had prior history of renal diseases or renal surgery in the past and were clinically asymptomatic. Pelvicalyceal system dilatation of both kidneys was graded based on the separation of sinus echo at mid polar region. Doppler sonography of the interlobar veins of both kidneys was performed at mid polar region and venous impedance index was calculated. Correlation between venous impedance index and hydronephrosis was done using SPSS (11) software. Results: The venous waveforms in pregnant women showed diminished phasic oscillations. Venous impedance in case was 0.31±0.06 on the right side and 0.35±0.09 on the left side and in control group was 0.43±0.06 and 0.40±0.05 on the right and left respectively. Difference between case and control was statistically significant (p < 0.001). During second trimester venous impedance index was 0.34±0.06 and 0.35±0.07 on right and left side respectively. In the third trimester it was 0.31±0.05 on the right side and 0.34±0.10 on the left side. There was negative correlation between venous impedance and grade of hydronephrosis or gestational age. Conclusion: Venous impedance index was significantly lower in pregnant ladies than in control and there was a negative correlation between grades of hydronephrosis and venous impedance index. NJR I VOL 2 I ISSUE 1 25-30 Jan-June, 2012 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v2i1.6976
Leydig Cell Tumor: A Case Report
Authors: Amatya N , Zhu M , Sapkota PK
Published: October 2012

Leydig cell tumor is a relatively uncommon tumor clinically presenting with gynecomastia, increased sex hormone levels (i.e. testosterone and estradiol) and other correlated symptoms. However, preoperative ultrasonic diagnosis is difficult especially when the clinical manifestations are unremarkable. We report a case of Leydig cell tumor of testis that presented with atypical features. NJR I VOL 2 I ISSUE 1 39-41 Jan-June, 2012 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v2i1.6979
Coincidence of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia and Arnold Chiari II Malformation: A Case Report
Authors: Paudel S , Kayastha P , Pradhan R , Ghimire RK , Ansari MA
Published: October 2012

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is the developmental abnormality in which abdominal viscera herniate into the thoracic cavity through defect in the diaphragm. Almost 10% of congenital diaphragmatic hernia has associated central nervous system malformation including anencephaly, myelomeningocele and hydrocephalus. The Arnold-Chiari malformation is a congenital abnormality of Central Nervous System (CNS), characterized by downward displacement of the parts of the cerebellum, fourth ventricle, pons and medulla oblongata into the spinal canal. Here we present an extremely rare case with coexistent congenital diaphragmatic hernia and Arnold Chiari II malformation occurring in a viable fetus of 20 weeks gestational age. NJR I VOL 2 I ISSUE 1 46-49  Jan-June, 2012 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v2i1.6981
Disseminated Intraabdominal Echinococcosis: A Case Report
Authors: Gangadhar K , Santhosh D , Goel K , Rana S , Jain S
Published: October 2012

Human hydatid disease results from infection with larval form of Echinococcus granulosus. The disseminated intra-peritoneal hydatid disease is a very rare finding. A case of disseminated intra abdominal hydatid disease is presented along with a review of literature and various therapeutic modalities. NJR I VOL 2 I ISSUE 1 50-53 Jan-June, 2012 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v2i1.6982
Carotico-Cavernous Fistula Presenting with Proptosis of Contralateral Eye: A Case Report
Authors: Subedi K , Chataut D , Khatiwada P , Ghimire RK , Ansari MA
Published: October 2012

Spontaneous carotico-cavernous fistula occurring post partum is a rare entity. We report a rare case of post partum spontaneous carotico-cavernous fistula with paradoxical proptosis of contralateral eye confirmed by computed tomography and cerebral angiography. NJR I VOL 2 I ISSUE 1 54-56 Jan-June, 2012 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v2i1.6983
Multiple Giant Tarlov Cysts Presenting as Polyradiculopathy: A Rare Manifestation
Authors: Ahmed K , Rauniyar RK , Sah PL , Dhungel K , Gupta MK , Ansari S
Published: October 2012

We describe a case of multiple giant Tarlov cysts presenting with complaints of low back pain with neurological claudication. Tarlov cysts are nerve root cysts found most commonly in the sacral roots, arising between the covering layer of the perineurium and the endoneurium near the dorsal root ganglion. Most of them are asymptomatic, usually detected as incidental findings on MRI. Symptomatic Tarlov cysts are extremely rare, commonly presenting as sacral or lumbar pain syndromes, sciatica or rarely as cauda equina syndrome. Tarlov cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with these complaints. NJR I VOL 2 I ISSUE 1 57-60 Jan-June, 2012 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v2i1.6984
Abdominal Actinomycosis - A Case Report
Authors: Murthy N , Shetty SMC , Singh S
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this article is to report an unusual presentation of abdominal actinomycosis masquerading as a tumor. Abdominal actinomycosis is an extremely rare infection that can mimic multiple disease processes and requires accurate diagnosis for successful therapy. This novel presentation and a review of the literature are reported. NJR I VOL 2 I ISSUE 1 61-63 Jan-June, 2012 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v2i1.6985
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICC): A Promising Technique
Authors: Vidal V , Muller C , Soussan J
Published: October 2012

Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICC): a promising technique. To describe technical features and benefits from PICC lines. NJR I VOL 2 I ISSUE 1 64-66 Jan-June, 2012 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v2i1.6986
Letter to the Editor
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev , Sharma Sanjiv
Published: October 2012

NJR I VOL 2 I ISSUE 1 70-71 Jan-June, 2012 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v2i1.6988
Quantitative Decision-Making Framework to Evaluate Environmental Commitment Tracking Systems
Authors: Ozbek Mehmet E. , Clevenger Caroline M. , Fillion Andrew C.
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the environmental commitment tracking systems (ETSs) used by other state departments of transportation (DOTs) in an effort to determine which system would be the most beneficial for long-term implementation at the Colorado DOT. The authors developed a quantitative decision-making framework to identify and prioritize the features that the Colorado DOT prefers and evaluate ETSs used by other state DOTs with respect to those features to provide recommendations as to which ETS the Colorado DOT should adopt. ETSs from California, Florida, Kentucky, New York, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington were evaluated. The quantitative decision-making framework consists of four steps: (a) conduct interviews to identify the features that the Colorado DOT prefers to have in its ETS, (b) assign weights to those features to establish their importance relative to each other on the basis of Colorado DOT preferences by using the analytic hierarchy process, (c) collect data from the above-mentioned eight state DOTs through surveys to identify which features their ETSs have, and (d) perform a quantitative evaluation of those ETSs with their respective weights according to Colorado DOT preferences. Application of this framework identified the ETSs that are most closely correlated with Colorado DOT preferences and resulted in a number of recommendations to the Colorado DOT. Although the findings presented are specific to the Colorado DOT, the quantitative decision-making framework can be used by any DOT to evaluate an ETS.
Registration of ‘Eve’ Winter Hulless Barley
Authors: Brooks W. S. , Vaughn M. E. , Berger G. L. , Griffey C. A. , Thomason W. E. , Paling J. J. , Pitman R. M. , Dunaway D. W. , Corbin R. A. , Kenner J. C. , Hokanson E. G. , Behl H. D. , Beahm B. R. , Liu S. Y. , Gundrum P. G. , Price A. M. , Brann D. E. , Whitt D. L. , Custis J. T. , Starner D. E. , Gulick S. A. , Ashburn S. R. , Jones E. H. , Marshall D. S. , Fountain M. O. , Tuong T. D. , Livingston D. P. , Premakumar R. , Kurantz M. J. , Moreau R. A. , Hicks K. B.
Published: October 2012

‘Eve’ (Reg. No. CV‐350, PI 659067), a six‐row, winter hulless barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) developed and tested as VA01H‐68 by the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, was released in May 2007. Eve was derived from the cross SC860974/VA94‐42‐13 using a modified bulk‐breeding method. It was evaluated in the 2009–2011 Virginia Official Variety Trial in replicated tests at five to six locations. Eve had an average grain yield (3718 kg ha−1) that was higher than those of the hulless check cultivars Dan and Doyce. The average grain volume weight of Eve (73.8 kg hL−1) over the same period was higher than that of Doyce (68.9 kg hL−1). The head emergence of Eve is 6 d earlier than Dan and ‘Thoroughbred’, which is the predominant barley cultivar grown in the eastern United States. Earlier maturity is a primary factor determining whether barley or wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is used in double‐cropping systems with soybean (Glycine max L.). The grain of Eve has high starch (60.4%) and protein (10.1%) concentration. Eve is the first winter hulless barley released in the eastern United States having a high level of resistance to Fusarium head blight [FHB; caused by Fusarium graminearum (Schwabe)] and reduced accumulation of the mycotoxin deoxnivalenol in the grain. Eve's unique grain composition and resistance to FHB make it desirable as a commodity for food, feed, and ethanol production.
Registration of ‘Red River Runner’ Peanut
Authors: Melouk Hassan A. , Chamberlin Kelly , Godsey Chad B. , Damicone John , Burow Mark D. , Baring Michael R. , Simpson Charles E. , Dashiell Kenton E. , Payton Mark
Published: October 2012

‘Red River Runner’ (Reg. No. CV‐116, PI 665474) peanut (Arachis hypogaea L. subsp. hypogaea var. hypogaea) is a high‐oleic‐oil cultivar with the experimental designation TX994313 that was cooperatively developed and released by the USDA‐ARS, Texas AgriLife Research, and the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station in 2011. Sustainable peanut production in the southwestern United States is driven by the availability of cultivars possessing high oleic fatty‐acid oil content, high yield, and superior grade. The objective of this work was to develop a high‐oleic peanut cultivar with acceptable yield and superior grade potential (near or above 70%) that would increase the peanut producer's profit per hectare. Red River Runner was selected from progenies derived from a three‐way cross between ‘Tamrun 96’, breeding line TX901639‐3, and ‘Sun‐Oleic 95R’ and cooperatively tested for several years. Red River Runner has an excellent yield and moderate tolerance to Sclerotinia blight (caused by Sclerotinia minor Jaggar). Red River Runner is similar to the existing high‐oleic runner cultivar ‘Tamrun OL07’ in many agronomic characteristics such as yield, seed size, and weight. However, Red River Runner was released because it consistently exhibits a higher grade potential than Tamrun OL07 in some locations in Texas (averaging 5.4 points higher) and in most locations in Oklahoma (averaging 4.6 points higher); therefore in those locations, production of Red River Runner will significantly increase the crop value per hectare for peanut growers.
‘Stabilizer’, a New Low‐Growing Siberian Wheatgrass Cultivar for Use on Semiarid Lands
Authors: Jensen K. B. , Bushman B. S. , Waldron B. L. , Robins J. G. , Johnson D. A. , Staub J. E.
Published: October 2012

The USDA‐ARS announces the public release of the cultivar ‘Stabilizer’ (Reg. No. CV‐33, PI 665034) Siberian wheatgrass [Agropyron fragile (Roth) Candargy] as a low‐growing, rapid‐establishing revegetation grass for use on rangelands and roadsides and as a grass component in fire‐strip plantings in the Intermountain West, Great Basin, and northern Great Plains regions of the western United States. Selection emphasis in Stabilizer was for seedling establishment, persistence, seed production, pubescence, and reduced forage yield. During the establishment year, Stabilizer had similar numbers of seedlings per unit area, using a frequency grid, as did the cultivar ‘Vavilov II’ at Guernsey, WY, Dugway, UT, Beaver, UT, Fillmore, UT, and Malta, ID; and the cultivar ‘Vavilov’ at King Hill, ID and Spring City, UT. Stabilizer persisted as well as Vavilov II at Guernsey, WY, Fillmore, UT, and Beaver, UT but was significantly more persistent than Vavilov II at Malta, ID. Stabilizer had significantly less dry matter yield (0.25 kg plot−1) at Beaver, UT than Vavilov II (0.53 kg plot−1) and Vavilov (0.60 kg plot−1). Stabilizer was genetically distinct and unique with respect to the other available Siberian wheatgrass varieties.
Registration of ‘Tioga’ Durum Wheat
Authors: Elias Elias M. , Manthey Frank A.
Published: October 2012

‘Tioga’ (Reg. No. CV‐1079, PI 660664), spring durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum Desf.) was developed by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station in cooperation with the USDA‐ARS and released on 1 June 2010. The original cross ‘Plaza’/‘Maier’ was made in the fall of 1997. Tioga was developed using the pedigree breeding method and was bulked as an F4:5 line in the summer of 2000. Tioga was tested as D00095 in the Uniform Regional Durum Nursery from 2005 to 2009 and in the North Dakota Durum State Variety Trials from 2005 to 2011. Tioga was released based on its high grain‐yield potential, disease resistance, and excellent end‐use qualities. Tioga numerically had a higher yield (3825 kg ha−1) than the predominant cultivar ‘Divide’ (3762 kg ha−1). Tioga has very strong dough‐mixing characteristics as estimated by mixograph score of 7.5, which was similar to Divide. The gluten index of Tioga (86) was similar to that of Divide (82), both of which were higher than all the North Dakota durum cultivars. Tioga had a similar Fusarium head blight[caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe; telomorph Gibberella zeae (Schwein.) Petch] disease severity as Divide, which is known to have some tolerance to the disease. The stem rust (caused by Puccinia graminis Pers.:Pers. f. sp. tritici Eriks. & E. Henn) reaction of Tioga was 0 in the field and very resistant in the greenhouse, and the leaf rust (caused by Puccinia tritici Eriks.) reaction was mostly very resistant.
Contribution of Bangladesh Diabetic Samity (BADAS) to Health Care Management
Authors: Editor The
Published: October 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/birdem.v2i1.12352 Birdem Med J 2012; 2(1) 1-2
Noncommunicable Disease (NCDs) Burden of Bangladesh
Authors: Editor The
Published: October 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/birdem.v2i1.12353 Birdem Med J 2012; 2(1) 3
Atorvastatin in the Treatment of Hypercholesterolemia in High Risk Cardiovascular Patients in Bangladesh
Authors: Mahtab Hajera , Mahmud Razia Sultana , Pervin Kukkum , Sobhan Md Javed
Published: October 2012

Background and aim: This study was to evaluate atorvastatin in the management of hypercholesterolemia of cardiovascular risk patients as well as the implication of National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III guidelines in Bangladesh.Methods: A total 1685 patients aged 28 years or older who had evidence of hypercholesterolemia with or without Coronary Heart Diseases (CHD) and cardiovascular risk factors were assigned to receive atorvastatin for 2 months. The change of fasting LDL at baseline visit and after 2 months of the statin treatment was measured.Results: One thousand six hundred (95%) patients out of 1685 who were assigned to receive atorvastatin with TLC were found significant mean reduction (26.1%?) in their LDL levels from baseline visit. Triglycerides and total cholesterols were also reduced (16.6% ? and 21.6% ? respectively) wheras high-density lipoprotein was increased (16.5% ?) significantly. LDL of 23% patients was decreased more than 30 mg/dl after 2 months of atorvastatin treatment. Fifty nine percent of the patients reached the treatment goal of reducing LDL > 20 mg/dl.Conclusion: Atorvastatin would achieve a good effective control in the management of hypercholesterolemic patients with or without CHD and risk factors following the guidelines of US NCEP ATP III. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/birdem.v2i1.12354 Birdem Med J 2012; 2(1) 5-13
Empty Sella Syndrome in a Postmenopausal Woman
Authors: Shefin Sultana Marufa , Qureshi Nazmul Kabir
Published: October 2012

A 50-year-old, prematurely postmenopausal diabetic woman was admitted in the Endocrinology department of BIRDEM with the complaints of vomiting, loose motion, lethargy, profound weakness. Previously she suffered from several episodes of electrolyte imbalance and after investigations adrenal insufficiency was diagnosed on 2010. No evaluation was done for her premature menopause. During this episode of illness, she was found with postural hypotension, hyponatremia, dyslipidemia and panhypopituitarism. MRI of sella and parasellar region was done which revealed features suggestive of empty sella. This case gives insight that early menopause warrants proper evaluation and during evaluation, along with other factors hypopituitarism should be considered as an etiology for this condition. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/birdem.v2i1.12362 Birdem Med J 2012; 2(1) 52-55
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome with Very High Serum Creatine Phosphokinase: A Case Report
Authors: Fatema Kaniz , Faruq Mohammad Omar , Ahsan ASM Areef , Tamanna Rownak Jahan , Ahmed Fatema , Sultana Amina , Asaduzzaman Md , Mullick Uzzwal K , Islam Motiul
Published: October 2012

The neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), characterized by muscular rigidity, altered level of consciousness, dysautonomias and an elevated creatinine phosphokinase level, is a potentially lethal consequence of treatment with neuroleptics. Although it occurs most frequently with conventional anti psychotics, it may also occur with newer anti psychotic agents. Physicians need to have a high index of suspicion with regard to diagnosing NMS in patients taking neuroleptics regardless of duration or dose and presenting with hyperthermia. It is under diagnosed in critical care settings though various neuroleptics are frequently used in intensive care units for various purpose. We report a case involving a 55-yr old man with psychiatric disorder who presented with NMS with extremely elevated serum creatine phosphokinase level and acute renal failure. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/birdem.v2i1.12363 Birdem Med J 2012; 2(1) 56-59
Urinary Ascites: Cryptic Presentation of Unrecognized Urinary Bladder Injury
Authors: Ananna Mehruba Alam , Ahmed M Ashrafuddin , Haque WMM , Ahmed Ziauddin
Published: October 2012

A case of urinary ascites in a 37-year-old woman caused by an unrecognized bladder injury inflicted during hysterectomy done seven months earlier is presented here. The site of injury was located by conventional retrograde cystography and repaired by laparotomy. The medical record suggesting uneventful peri and postoperative period, absence of expected typical changes in serum biochemistry and the unusual aetilogy of the ascites led to the delay in the diagnosis.The case demonstrates the importance of high index of suspicion of bladder injury following pelvic surgery in patients with ill-defined symptoms and unexplained ascites even in the absence of typical biochemical changes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/birdem.v2i1.12364 Birdem Med J 2012; 2(1) 60-62
Tacrolimus Induced Early Graft Dysfunction Secondary to Acute Tubular Necrosis in Renal Transplant Recipient - A Case Report
Authors: Hoque Md Tariful , Mitra Palash , Samdani Tasrina Shamnaz , Hossain Golzar , Abedin Zainal , Mansur Md Abul
Published: October 2012

Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) is a medical condition involving damage of the tubular cells of the nephron following a toxic or ischaemic injury. If the cause of ATN is removed then recovery is likely. Calcineurin inhibitors (ciclosporin & tacrolimus) are used as immunosuppressive agents in renal transplant recipient. But either of these two drugs can cause acute nephrotoxicity. A 62 years old known diabetic, hypertensive & ESRD patient after undergoing living related donor renal transplantation started passing significant amount of urine, but 12 hrs after transplantation the amount of urine output started to decrease and the patient became anuric after 17hrs of transplantation. Immediately the patient was evaluated thoroughly and calcineurin inhibitor (tacrolimus) was witheld. The patient again started passing urine from 4th POD. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/birdem.v2i1.12365 Birdem Med J 2012; 2(1) 63-65
From the desk of Executive Editor: 2nd Issue of BIRDEM Medical Journal
Authors: Uddin Khwaja Nazim
Published: October 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/birdem.v2i1.12369Birdem Med J 2012; 2(1) 73
Initial Assessment of the Spectrometer for Sky-Scanning, Sun-Tracking Atmospheric Research (4STAR)-Based Aerosol Retrieval: Sensitivity Study
Authors: Kassianov Evgueni , Flynn Connor , Redemann Jens , Schmid Beat , Russell Philip , Sinyuk Alexander
Published: October 2012

The Spectrometer for Sky-Scanning, Sun-Tracking Atmospheric Research (4STAR) being developed for airborne measurements will offer retrievals of aerosol microphysical and optical properties from multi-angular and multi-spectral measurements of sky radiance and direct-beam sun transmittance. In this study, we assess the expected accuracy of the 4STAR-based aerosol retrieval and its sensitivity to major sources of anticipated perturbations in the 4STAR measurements. The major anticipated perturbations are (1) an apparent enhancement of sky radiance at small scattering angles associated with the necessarily compact design of the 4STAR and (2) an offset (i.e., uncertainty) of sky radiance calibration independent of scattering angle. The assessment is performed through application of the operational AERONET aerosol retrieval and constructed synthetic 4STAR-like data. Particular attention is given to the impact of these perturbations on the broadband fluxes and the direct aerosol radiative forcing. The results from this study suggest that limitations in the accuracy of 4STAR-retrieved particle size distributions and scattering phase functions have diminished impact on the accuracy of retrieved bulk microphysical parameters, permitting quite accurate retrievals of properties including the effective radius (up to 10%, or 0.03), and the radiatively important optical properties, such as the asymmetry factor (up to 4%, or ±0.02) and single-scattering albedo (up to 6%, or ±0.04). Also, the obtained results indicate that the uncertainties in the retrieved aerosol optical properties are quite small in the context of the calculated fluxes and direct aerosol radiative forcing (up to 15%, or 3 W∙m−2).
Experimental Characterization of the Poisoning Effects of Methanol-Based Reformate Impurities on a PBI-Based High Temperature PEM Fuel Cell
Authors: Araya Samuel , Andreasen Søren , Kær Søren
Published: October 2012

In this work the effects of reformate gas impurities on a H3PO4-doped polybenzimidazole (PBI) membrane-based high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC) are studied. A unit cell assembly with a BASF Celtec®-P2100 high temperature membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of 45 cm2 active surface area is investigated by means of impedance spectroscopy. The concentrations in the anode feed gas of all impurities, unconverted methanol-water vapor mixture, CO and CO2 were varied along with current density according to a multilevel factorial design of experiments. Results show that all the impurities degrade the performance, with CO being the most degrading agent and CO2 the least. The factorial analysis shows that there is interdependence among the effects of the different factors considered. This interdependence suggests, for example, that tolerances to concentrations of CO above 2% may be compromised by the presence in the anode feed of CO2. Methanol has a poisoning effect on the fuel cell at all the tested feed ratios, and the performance drop is found to be proportional to the amount of methanol in feed gas. The effects are more pronounced when other impurities are also present in the feed gas, especially at higher methanol concentrations.
Exergy Analysis of an Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cell-Gas Turbine Hybrid System Fed with Ethanol
Authors: Stamatis Anastassios , Vinni Christina , Bakalis Diamantis , Tzorbatzoglou Fotini , Tsiakaras Panagiotis
Published: October 2012

In the present work, an ethanol fed Solid Oxide Fuel Cell-Gas Turbine (SOFC-GT) system has been parametrically analyzed in terms of exergy and compared with a single SOFC system. The solid oxide fuel cell was fed with hydrogen produced from ethanol steam reforming. The hydrogen utilization factor values were kept between 0.7 and 1. The SOFC’s Current-Volt performance was considered in the range of 0.1–3 A/cm2 at 0.9–0.3 V, respectively, and at the intermediate operating temperatures of 550 and 600 °C, respectively. The curves used represent experimental results obtained from the available bibliography. Results indicated that for low current density values the single SOFC system prevails over the SOFC-GT hybrid system in terms of exergy efficiency, while at higher current density values the latter is more efficient. It was found that as the value of the utilization factor increases the SOFC system becomes more efficient than the SOFC-GT system over a wider range of current density values. It was also revealed that at high current density values the increase of SOFC operation temperature leads in both cases to higher system efficiency values.
Examining Land-Use/Land-Cover Change in the Lake Dianchi Watershed of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau of Southwest China with Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques: 1974–2008
Authors: Zhao Yaolong , Zhang Ke , Fu Yingchun , Zhang Hong
Published: October 2012

Monitoring land-use/land-cover change (LULCC) and exploring its mechanisms are important processes in the environmental management of a lake watershed. The purpose of this study was to examine the spatiotemporal pattern of LULCC by using multi landscape metrics in the Lake Dianchi watershed, which is located in the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau of Southwest China. Landsat images from the years 1974, 1988, 1998, and 2008 were analyzed using geographical information system (GIS) techniques. The results reveal that land-use/land-cover has changed greatly in the watershed since 1974. This change in land use structure was embodied in the rapid increase of developed areas with a relative change rate of up to 324.4%. The increase in developed areas mainly occurred in agricultural land, especially near the shores of Lake Dianchi. The spatial pattern and structure of the change was influenced by the urban sprawl of the city of Kunming. The urban sprawl took on the typical expansion mode of cyclic structures and a jigsaw pattern and expanded to the shore of Lake Dianchi. Agricultural land changed little with respect to the structure but changed greatly in the spatial pattern. The landscape in the watershed showed a trend of fragmentation with a complex boundary. The dynamics of land-use/land-cover in the watershed correlate with land-use policies and economic development in China.