bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute–Phase Inflammatory Response in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Radović Milan , Pejčić Tatjana , Stanković Ivana , Ristić Lidija , Rančić Milan , Ćirić Zorica
Published: November 2014

The main issue in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) represents the impossibility of the host immune response to express bactericidal function and the sterilization of lesions depends exclusively on the specific antimicrobial chemotherapy.

In order to investigate the value of acute-phase inflammatory response markers in patients with newly confirmed extensive PTB, there was designed a clinical study with 80 patients, of whom 40 had active disease (experimental group), while other 40 had inactive sequellar disease without comorbidity (control group).

The examined groups were homogenous with respect to the patient’s general demographic characteristics. In the experimental group, 20.0% of the patients had an initial bacterial infection of the lower respiratory tract, while their average value of acute-phase systemic inflammatory markers was initially, before the antituberculosis treatment, significantly elevated compared to the control group. At the end of the treatment, values of erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the first hour (SE) and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) significantly decreased (SE-p <0.001, CRP-p<0.001), together with the value of the leukocyte count (Le) and serum fibrinogen (Le-p<0.001, fibrinogen-p<0.001). Multivariate linear regression analysis proved a significant correlation between baseline serum fibrinogen level with positive history of contact with active TB patient and initial radiological extent of PTB lung lesions.

The values of the acute-phase inflammatory response markers in active PTB have its clinical significance in the assessment of unfavourable course of disease in extensive disseminated form of PTB as well as in the occurrence of complications associated with low respiratory tract bacterial superinfection.
Changes of mycorrhizal colonization along moist gradient in a vineyard of Eger (Hungary)
Authors: Donkó Ádám , Zanathy Gábor , Èros-Honti Zsolt , Villangó Szabolcs , Bisztray György Dénes
Published: November 2014

The role of mycorrhizal fungi has special importance in the case of low soil moisture because the colonization of vine roots by mycorrhiza increases water and nutrient uptake and thus aids the avoidance of biotic and abiotic stresses of grape. Our aim was to investigate in the Eger wine region the changes of mycorrhizal colonization, water potential, and yield quality and quantity of grape roots at three altitudes, along a changing soil moist gradient. Our results show that the degree of mycorrhizal colonization is higher in drier areas, which supports the water and nutrient uptake of the host plant.
Effect of the soil treated with biochar on the rye-grass in laboratory experiment
Authors: Gulyás Miklós , Fuchs Márta , Kocsis István , Füleky György
Published: November 2014

The application of biochars to improve soils and to mitigate global climate change is a popular research area all over the world, although it is not a new topic. In our study, wood chips char (BC) and animal bone char (ABC) were applied. The pot experiments were conducted under laboratory conditions. 2 grams of rye-grass (Lolium perenne) were seeded into each pot. The following various soil parameters were measured: pH (KCl), AL-P2O5, AL-K2O, total water soluble salt content and organic matter content. The measured parameters from the plant samples were: total-P, total-K and micronutrients. Results show that the negative or positive effect of pyrolysis solids cannot be determined clearly, further experiments are needed.
Evaluation of Illumination Intensity of Plastic Optical Fibres with Tio2 Particles by Laser Treatment
Authors: Huang Juan , Křemenáková Dana , Militký Jiří , Zhu Guocheng , Zhu Guocheng
Published: November 2014

CO2 laser treatment can increase the surface roughness of plastic optical fibres (POFs) with the diameter of 0.5 mm and enhance the input intensity and attenuation coefficient accordingly, which is supposed to weaken the side emission of POFs in long distance above 375 mm. TiO2 particles were applied to improve the increasing optical loss of POFs by laser treatment. POFs were first modified with fine TiO2 particles and then treated by CO2 laser with the pixel time from 30 to 120 ìs. The surface morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy to investigate the changes of micro-structure before and after laser treatment and the distribution of TiO2 particles. The illumination intensity and attenuation coefficient were calculated and compared in two methods. It is visible that the evaluation by model LLF2 with two parts is more suitable for the fitting of experimental data and shows higher input intensity and lower attenuation than that by standard power function. Both the evaluation methods exhibit that the utilization of TiO2 particles could play an active role in the enhancement of side emission of POFs treated by CO2 laser.
Designing Functional Clothes for Persons with Locomotor Disabilities
Authors: Curteza Antonela , Cretu Viorica , Macovei Laura , Poboroniuc Marian
Published: November 2014

The life quality improvement issue is a problem of national and international interest. This acquires total different values when it is to refer to a series of disadvantaged categories, that is the persons with locomotor disabilities. It is an inevitable social responsibility to create equal opportunities for disabled people, to prevent any intentional or unintentional discrimination that they face and apply positive discrimination if necessary to improve their living standards and to let them have an equal share from social development as productive individuals of society.

A disability is any kind of restriction or inability to accomplish a certain activity, which belongs to the interval considered as “normal” for a human being. Disabilities are characterized by deficiencies or excesses in the activity or behaviour that is normally expected from a person; they can be temporary or permanent, reversible or irreversible, progressive or regressive. The physical disabilities that require the use of wheelchairs imply the manufacturing of special clothing products that meet certain needs at a functional and/or therapeutic level.

The study presents the main aspects involved in designing and developing textile products for this category of users. Therefore, the apparel that is specially designed for persons with disabilities has to: allow more freedom and independence when is being worn, correspond to the aesthetic point of view, offer psychological benefits and help to socially integrate the individual who wears it. In addition, clothes should not hinder the individual’s mobility and must allow the use of the chest and of the superior limbs to the maximum, they must be durable, have a low level of electrostatic charge, be absorbent and comfortable, present the so-called “rehabilitation functions”, and last but not least, be beneficial for the wearer both from a physical and psychological point of view.
The Effect Halo-And Hydro-Priming on Seed Reserve Utilization and Seed Germination of Wheat Seeds Under Salinity Stress
Authors: Tabatabaei S.A.
Published: November 2014

Seed germination and seedling growth are critical stages in the life cycle of a plant, especially under adverse abiotic stresses. Seed germination negatively affected by stress conditions. Seed priming techniques have been used to increase germination characteristics and improve germination uniformity in more field crops under stressed conditions. This experimental aimed to evaluate the effect of salinity and halo-priming on seed reserve utilization and seed germination of wheat seeds. For create salinity stress, NaCl in osmotic levels at 0 (as control), -4, -8, - 12 and -16 bar was used. Seeds of were pretreated with halo-priming at 10 °C for 24 h and water at 10 °C for 24 h. Our results showed that treatment×drought interaction on these traits: germination percentage, weight of utilized (mobilized) seed, seed reserve utilization efficiency, seedling dry weight and seed reserve depletion percentage were significant. The highest germination percentage was obtained from halo priming in control conditions. Thus priming improved study traits in wheat under salinity stress. Priming increased germination percentage and seed reserve utilization as compared to the unprimed seeds. The highest germination percentage and seed reserve utilization were as obtained from halo priming in control conditions.
Contribution of Editor Věnceslav Švihovský to the formation of the national consciousness of Russian Czechs
Authors: Vaculík Jaroslav
Published: November 2014

On the basis of personal estate of editor Věnceslav Švihovský, the author describes his life and work in the years 1875 – 1957, especially in the formation of national consciousness of Russian Czechs.
Actions of the Ministry of Religions and Public Enlightenment aimed at removing educational differences between the former Partitions of Poland in the Second Polish Republic
Authors: Walasek Stefania
Published: November 2014

After 1918, the schooling authorities started to build of a national school system in Poland with proper legal acts (acts, edicts, and circulars). These pertained to such crucial issues as the establishment of school administration, the curricula, the rules of maturity exams, the establishment of state schools, and the implementation of obligatory schooling. The particular legal acts made it possible to systematically introduce the solutions to the organisation of schooling and to pedagogical practice. The legislative solutions were the first step in the removing of the differences between the former Partitions of Poland. That was not easy, because it was necessary to overcome the differences that were superimposed by the occupation governments as well as those developed by Polish society in the 19th and at the beginning of the 20th century.
Discussion about education in the Parliament of the Second Polish Republic
Authors: Szablicka-Żak Jolanta
Published: November 2014

In the Second Polish Republic two main concepts of education were defined: national education, represented the National Democracy (Narodowa Demokracja), and state education, proposed by the Sanation camp: the Nonpartisan Bloc for Cooperation with the Government (Bezpartyjny Blok Współpracy z Rządem – BBWR). These two concepts were confronted in the addresses of the MPs and senators in the parliament of the Second Polish Republic which pertained to the legal bases of the education system. However, developing a consensus regarding the education of the young generation in a society divided along national, religious, and political lines turned out to be difficult. It can be proposed that neither Roman Dmowski earlier, nor Józef Piłsudski later managed to fully implement their concepts of education.
Political Aspects of CEE-Countries Participation in American Anti-Terrorism Campaign (2001–2011)
Authors: Koblan Andrii
Published: November 2014

The paper deals with the political moments of CEE countries participation in American anti-terrorist and military efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq. In the course of these events, it accentuates the bilateral relationships between four countries of Visegrad group with the USA, with the focus on the participation of Poland and Czech Republic that presented some different, although controversial patterns of support of American policy. The paper clearly shows the remoteness of international terrorist threat in the region that is irrelevant with active participation of the region in outer campaigns in Asia, with dubious rationale and consequences. As a result this paper is the attempt to consolidate the conclusions of other (predominantly local) works on the issue, but also to generalize this issue from the historical perspective; and is the additional contribution to the whole picture of American anti-terrorist campaign in the first decade of XXI century . Thus the background of terrorism in the region is contemplated through the context of American anti-terrorist policy along with the reforms of anti-terrorist system of these states after “September 11”. Indeed, main point of the work is the comparative approach to analyzing the contribution of Poland and Czech Republic to the anti-terrorist campaign.
Pupils’ risk behavior in the lower secondary school
Authors: Martínková Martina
Published: November 2014

Bullying and violence at school belong to the risk behavior and represent a topic often discussed in scientific community. For some research workers this topic is populist, however in practice it is serious and still relevant, because a big part of the teachers is still vulnerable against bullying and, if it occurs, they cannot deal with its in due time and properly way. This paper focuses on selected factors closely related to bullying such as the form and frequency of bullying that are put into context with other variables.
Penitentiary Tutors’ Activities with Foreign Prisoners. Between Uniformisation and Identity Shaping
Authors: Urbanek Arkadiusz
Published: November 2014

This article tackles the issue of penitentiary tutors’ work with foreign prisoners. The analysis provided a premise to explore the directions of a rational proceedings with persons representing different cultures. The article presents two aspects of exploration. First concerned experiences in everyday accomplishment of penitentiary tasks towards foreign prisoners, and the second focused on the analysis of the competences of integration of migrants and the significance of penitentiary influences on such ground. As a result, the concept of rational uniformisation prevails in terms of requirements of the process of serving deprivation of liberty. The objective of consolidation of different identities and the foreigner are more in the focus of attention of international rights declarations, rather than practice.
First Record of a Fos Sil Chiton (Polyplacophora) from the Bohemian
Cretaceous Basin (Late Cretaceous)
Authors: Marek Jaroslav , Košt'ák Martin , Mazuch Martin , Karoušek Oldřich
Published: November 2014

The first record of a chiton (Polyplacophora) from the Bohemian Cretaceous Basin
(Late Creta-ceous) is described herein. It comes from the working quarry of
Plaňany, located near the town Kolín. Excavated deposits are of
the late Cenomanian - early Turonian. The poorly preserved specimen consists of
a tail valve remain and two intermediate valves, it is associated herein only
with order level - i.e. Le-pidopleurida Thiele, 1910. The state of its
preservation shows signs of corrosion of dorsal part caused probably by biologic
digestion (in stomach) and/or, more probably, by long exposure at the sea
bottom. Stratigraphically, the layer yielding chiton shell is referred to be the
late Cenomanian in age. The chiton living conditions are interpreted as very
shallow water environment (not exceeding 20m) with irregular rocky basement
possessing numerous caves and crevices.
Innovation and Competitiveness of the Slovak Economy: New Evidence of International Impacts in the Knowledge Accumulation Process
Authors: Puškárová Paula , Zajac Štefan
Published: November 2014

The objectives of this paper are twofold - to demonstrate the internal forces driving R&D productivity in Slovakia and the internationalization of Slovak R&D investments and R&D patenting since EU accession as compared to the other Visegrad Four (V4) countries. After the Introduction, Slovakia's position in the field of competitiveness and the Slovak innovation policy are described. The Slovak knowledge accumulation paradox being the discrepancy between R&D productivity and TFP is then demonstrated and disentangled through an analysis of innovation activities using Eurostat and OECD Stat data spanning the 1995-2011 period. This analysis is followed by some concluding remarks.
Why the EU-15 Maintains Higher CIT Rates than the New Member States?
Authors: Karpowicz Andrzej
Published: November 2014

The European Union is not a homogenous area. This lack of homogeneity extends to taxes, which vary across jurisdictions. On average, Western Europe imposes significantly higher taxes on capital than New Member States, which joined the Community in 2004 and 2007. Often this fact is simply taken for granted. However, there are several arguments that can explain this variance. Although several of these arguments are well known and have been researched, they have not been assessed in combination, or used in a comparative analysis of corporate income tax (CIT) rates between EU member states. Because of interest in harmonizing CIT throughout the EU, the roots of divergent CIT is of particular and timely value. Therefore, this article we attempts to demonstrate the differences in CIT rates in the EU-15 and New Member States. In so doing the general characteristics of these country grouping is identified, and then discussed in the context of the taxation theory.
Inflammasomes take the acid test
Authors: Brough David
Published: November 2014

Editorial highlight on Takenouchi et al., ‘Inflammasome activation by danger signals: extracellular ATP and pH.’
Using the conservative nature of fresh leaf surface density to measure foliar area
Authors: Castillo Omar S. , Zaragoza Esther M. , Alvarado Carlos J. , Barrera Maria G. , Dasgupta-Schubert Nabanita
Published: November 2014

For a herbaceous species, the inverse of the fresh leaf surface density, the Hughes constant, is nearly conserved. We apply the Hughes constant to develop an absolute method of leafarea measurement that requires no regression fits, prior calibrations or oven-drying. The Hughes constant was determined in situ using a known geometry and weights of a sub-set obtained from the fresh leaves whose areas are desired. Subsequently, the leaf-areas (at any desired stratification level), were derived by utilizing the Hughes constant and the masses of the fresh leaves. The proof of concept was established for leaf-discs of the plants Mandevilla splendens and Spathiphyllum wallisii. The conservativeness of the Hughes constant over individual leaf-zones and different leaftypes from the leaves of each species was quantitatively validated. Using the globally averaged Hughes constant for each species, the leaf-area of these and additional co-species plants, were obtained. The leaf-area-measurement-by-mass was cross-checked with standard digital image analysis. There were no statistically significant differences between the leaf-area-measurement-by-mass and the digital image analysis measured leaf-areas and the linear correlation between the two methods was very good. Leaf-areameasurement- by-mass was found to be rapid and simple with accuracies comparable to the digital image analysis method. The greatly reduced cost of leaf-area-measurement-by-mass could be beneficial for small agri-businesses in developing countries.
Measuring Culture Effect size Differences in Slovenian and Portuguese Leadership Practices: Cross-Cultural Leadership Universality or Contigency?
Authors: Rašković Matevž
Published: November 2014

This paper measures the cultural effect size across five types of leadership practices by using the Leadership Practice Inventory (LPI) instrument and drawing on the GLOBE research project framework. It tests cultural universality vs. contingency in five LPI leadership practices in an East-West EU comparison, both with an ex-socialist past. It employs four different effect size statistics. The paper contributes to the narrowing of the empirical gap in researching leadership practices in a small, East-West European country context. Only two of the five leadership practices show statistically significant effect sizes. Furthermore, the leadership practice Encouraging the heart is the only one to display a relatively moderate effect size. Thus, the evidence seems to support the universalist perspective over the contingency perspective.
The Importance and Prevalence of Modern Forms of Staff Training in the Corporate Environments of Transition Countries: The Case of Slovenia
Authors: Markovič-Hribernik Tanja , Jarc Bostjan
Published: November 2014

Compared with traditional forms of education and training, e-learning is gaining increasing importance not only within the academic setting of formal education, but also in the corporate environment. Concerning the latter, it is evident that with increasing pressure on cost efficiency and competitiveness, in addition to the current harsh financial and economic conditions, companies are being challenged and this tends to change their behaviour patterns. In this article, the results of a survey are presented. The survey focused on the current status and possible future trends of corporate e-learning methods in Slovenia, which is among the so-called transition countries. This survey brings more than one aspect of this issue to light. The findings show increasing rates of acceptance of the e-learning education model by the local corporate environment. Nevertheless, significant gaps are evident when compared with the most advanced European and worldwide economies in terms of the widespread use of comprehensive e-learning models and the latest e-learning technologies, such as LMS systems. Furthermore, the survey reveals that e-learning is perceived by companies as cost efficient and flexible, but on the other hand it is not yet perceived to contribute to a higher quality level of staff training when compared with traditional methods.
Genetic Variants Of Cytochrome b-245, Alpha Polypeptide Gene And Premature Acute Myocardial Infarction Risk In An Iranian Population
Authors: Amin Fatemeh , Jahani Mohammad Mehdi , Ghaedi Hamid , Alipoor Behnam , Fatemi Ahmad , Tajik Michael , Sharifi Zohreh , Golmohammadi Taghi , Askari Mohammad , Azarnejad Asaad , Alipoor Sadegh , Valipour Aliasghar , Mousavizadeh Kazem
Published: November 2014

Background:Oxidative stress induced by superoxide anion plays critical roles in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD) and hence acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The major source of superoxide production in vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells is the NADPH oxidase complex. An essential component of this complex is p22phox, that is encoded by the cytochrome b-245, alpha polypeptide (CYBA) gene. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of CYBA variants (rs1049255 and rs4673) and premature acute myocardial infarction risk in an Iranian population.

Methods:The study population consisted of 158 patients under the age of 50 years, with a diagnosis of premature AMI, and 168 age-matched controls with normal coronary angiograms. Genotyping of the polymorphisms was performed by the polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).

Results:There was no association between the genotypes and allele frequencies of rs4673 polymorphism and premature acute myocardial infarction (P>0.05). A significant statistical association was observed between the genotypes distribution of rs1049255 polymorphism and AMI risk (P=0.037). Furthermore, the distribution of AA+AG/GG genotypes was found to be statistically significant between the two groups (P=0.011).

Conclusions:Our findings indicated that rs1049255 but not rs4673 polymorphism is associated with premature AMI.
Global Sustainable Development Through the Integrated Lean Management (Green 5-S) Model for TQM
Authors: Ho Samuel K. M.
Published: November 2014

Based on the 'Best Paper-2010' by the TQM Journal, the author has a chance to test out the model in a number of firms in Malaysia through SIRIM. Furthermore, riding on the success, SIRIM has named it as the SIRIM Green 5-S Model. As a result, the aim of this paper is to share the experience of the “SIRIM Green 5-S Model for Sustainable Development”. Since 1993, the author used the proprietary 5-S Checklist for training and consultancy in no less than 10 countries with over 50,000 persons from around 2,000 organisatioins world-wide. On the other hand, HKSAR takes the lead in the global oil energy consumption/GPD. The experience will be shared in this article.
TQM Practice and Institution Innovation in China
Authors: Wu Neng-Quan , Zhu Shu-Zhi
Published: November 2014

Quality is the language which helping product enters the world market. TQM, instead of traditional management, has been growing into the management mode of modern company. In last 10 years, TQM has made great progress in the whole world, but it did not get significant achievements in China. Although the exports from China always keep the image of “cheap and good” in international market, the qualified ratio of products calculated in domestic market is only around 75% and inferior and fake products are often exposed. Therefore, China needs to learn from the TQM experience and practice of advanced countries both in micro and macro field. The process from traditional management to TQM is based on not only corporate technology system, but also on social and institutional system. Our conclusion from China's case is that the international competitive advantage of individual company came from excellent product quality, the excellent product quality is based on excellent TQM practice, and the excellent TQM practice rooted in whole country's macro institutional system. Now, China is still in the stage of transforming public-owned-dominated planning system to individual-owned-dominated market-oriented system. There are many political and economic and social institutions and their policy, regulation, even ideology need to be innovated. Only by doing this, China's companies could follow the foreign partner's step, set up their long-term strategy and share profit with their employees and implement TQM completely to improve their international competitiveness.
Competing Through Lean – Towards Sustainable Resource-Oriented Implementation Framework
Authors: Rymaszewska Anna
Published: November 2014

This paper addresses the needs of SMEs manufacturing companies which due to their limited resources are often unable to introduce radical changes in their strategies. The main focus is on analyzing the principles of lean manufacturing and management regarding their potential contribution to building a company's competitive advantage. The paper analyses lean from a strategic management viewpoint while combining its implementation with achieving a competitive advantage. The ultimate result is a framework for lean implementation aimed at building a competitive advantage for companies. The proposed framework focuses on the idea of a closed loop with embedded sustainability.
Intellectual Property as a Drive for Sustainable Medical Tourism – The Ana Aslan case
Authors: Bolos Mihaela Daciana
Published: November 2014

The present paper studies the way intellectual property rights may encourage sustainable medical tourism, meaning the advantages that a patent, traditional knowledge, a trademark, or other IP right may offer to a hospital in order to attract foreign patients. The analysis is done trough the Institute of Gerontology and Geriatrics “Ana Aslan” case study, seen not from a medical point of view but from the perspective of the intellectual property importance for the development of medical tourism. The Institute of Gerontology and Geriatrics “Ana Aslan” was founded in 1952 and become an international renowned center in the study and the diminishing of old age effects. Many celebrities (artist and state presidents) came to receive treatment here, even though Romania had, at that time, a communist regime.
The Relationship Between Beta Endorphins and Emotional State in Physically Active Individuals Aged 45-55 (A Report on a Pilot Study)
Authors: Kundziņa Ieva , Grants Juris
Published: November 2014

Introduction. This sports-science-related article heavily relies on studies that have reported an increase in beta-endorphin (â-EP) concentration in plasma in response to physical activity. It examines the psychological and physiological effects of physical activity and exercise and reports on a research-experiment-based, endorphin-hypotheses-related pilot study aimed at exploring mood-related â-EP effects occurring in physically active male and female individuals aged 45-55 in response to physical load. Material and methods. Six 45 to 55-year-old individuals (3 males and 3 females) rated as exhibiting moderate and high levels of physical activity in sport's laboratory. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to establish physical activity level. For facial expression analysis a short interview was applied, using software “FaceReader 3.0” (FR). As a load test a veloergometer exercise test was used, and Beta-endorphin (â-EP) levels were measured from venous blood. Results. The findings demonstrated an increase in â-EP levels in 50% of the subjects. No positive relation between â-EP increase and happiness has been observed. In four subjects an increase in disgust was observed due to the laboratory conditions. Five minutes after the load test FR data recorded the reduction or disappearance of negative emotions for all research subjects. Conclusions. Further investigation into the relationship of plasma levels of â-EP and the emotional state of the individual involved in physical activities is needed. This necessitates a further insight into how exercise-elevated endorphins (â-EP) affect mood state outside laboratory conditions. Therefore, a further investigation of people involved in physical recreation activities outdoors is envisaged.
Operating system efficiency evaluation on the base of measurements analysis with the use of non-extensive statistics elements
Authors: Dymora Paweł , Mazurek Mirosław , Zelazny Kamil
Published: November 2014

The major goal of this article was to evaluate the efficiency of Linux operating system using statistical self-similarity and multifractal analysis. In order to collect the necessary data, the tools available in Linux such as vmstat, top and iostat were used. The measurement data collected with those tools had to be converted into a format acceptable by applications which analyze statistical selfsimilarity and multifractal spectra. Measurements collected while using the MySQL database system in a host operating system were therefore analyzed with the use of statistical self-similarity and allowed to determine the occurrence of long-range dependencies. Those dependencies were analyzed with the use of adequately graduated diagrams. Multifractal analysis was conducted with the help of FracLab application. Two methods were applied to determine the multifractal spectra. The obtained spectra were analyzed in order to establish the multifractal dependencies.
A Review of the Genus Cheilosia (Diptera, Syrphidae) from Iran
Authors: Khaganinia S. , Kazerani F.
Published: November 2014

A Review of the Genus Cheilosia (Diptera, Syrphidae) from Iran. Khaganinia, S., Kazerani, F. - Based on study of references and specimens collected by the authors in the East Azarbaijan Province during 2010-2012, 14 species of Cheilosia Meigen, 1822 known from Iran are listed. Four of them, Cheilosia mutabilis (Fallién, 1817), C. nigripes (Meigen, 1822), C. variabilis (Panzer, 1798), and C. vulpina (Meigen, 1822) are recorded from Iran for the first time. Diagnostic characters and geographical distribution of the species are provided. An illustrated key to Iranian Cheilosia is given.
Morphological Redescription and Molecular Characterization of Dactylogyrus Labei (Monogenea, Dactylogyridae) from Catla Catla: A New Host Record in India
Authors: Chiary H. R. , Chaudhary A. , Singh H. S.
Published: November 2014

Morphological Redescription and Molecular Characterization of Dactylogyrus labei (Monogenea, Dactylogyridae) from Catla catla: a New Host Record in India. Chiary, H. R., Chaudhary, A., Singh, H. S. - Dactylogyrus labei Musselius et Gusev, 1976 (atypical form) specimens were collected from host Catla catla from the river Brahmaputra, Guwahati, Assam, India. The Dactylogyrus samples were examined by morphological and molecular methods. This parasite was originally described from Labeo rohita from fish farm Kalyani, West Bengal, India, but the morphological study of sclerotized parts showed the existence of D. labei on Catla catla. This is the first record of D. labei from Catla catla in India.
Genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships among Legionella pneumophila clinical isolates, Portugal, 1987 to 2012
Authors: Chasqueira M J , Rodrigues L , Nascimento M , Ramos M , Marques T
Published: November 2014

The genetic diversity of 89 clinical Legionella isolates, collected between 1987 and 2012, in 22 hospitals from the five regions of Portugal, was analysed in this study using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) of the Dresden panel and the sequence-based typing (SBT) protocol. The eBURST algorithm was used to infer levels of relatedness between isolates. All isolates collected were Legionella pneumophila, which were further characterised into four subgroups by MAbs, and 30 sequence types (STs) by SBT. Twelve of the STs were unique to Portugal; one of them (ST100) was represented by 32 epidemiologically related isolates. The ST44 was the profile with the highest number of epidemiologically unrelated isolates. The eBURST analyses indicate that, within the group formed by the 30 STs identified in this study, 17 STs were genetically close to at least another ST in the group. The comparison between the eBURST diagrams obtained with the STs from this study and the entire SBT database of the European Working Group for Legionella, showed that 24 (seven of them unique to Portugal) of our 30 STs were related with STs identified in others countries. These results suggest that the population of L. pneumophila clinical strains in Portugal includes both worldwide and local strains.
A Nutrition Screening Form for Female Infertility Patients
Authors: Langley Susie
Published: November 2014

A Nutrition Screening Form (NSF) was designed to identify lifestyle risk factors that negatively impact fertility and to provide a descriptive profile of 300 female infertility patients in a private urban infertility clinic. The NSF was mailed to all new patients prior to the initial physician's visit and self-reported data were assessed using specific criteria to determine if a nutrition referral was warranted. This observational study revealed that 43% of the women had a body mass index (BMI) <20 or ≥25 kg/m2, known risks for infertility. Almost half reported a history of “dieting” and unrealistic weight goals potentially limiting energy and essential nutrients. A high number reported eating disorders, vegetarianism, low fat or low cholesterol diets, and dietary supplement use. Fourteen percent appeared not to supplement with folic acid, 13% rated exercise as “extremely” or “very active”, and 28% reported a “high” perceived level of stress. This preliminary research demonstrated that a NSF can be a useful tool to identify nutrition-related lifestyle factors that may negatively impact fertility and identified weight, BMI, diet, exercise, and stress as modifiable risk factors deserving future research. NSF information can help increase awareness among health professionals and patients about the important link between nutrition, fertility, and successful reproductive outcomes.
Recent progress in the treatment and prevention of cancer‐related lymphedema
Authors: Shaitelman Simona F. , Cromwell Kate D. , Rasmussen John C. , Stout Nicole L. , Armer Jane M. , Lasinski Bonnie B. , Cormier Janice N.
Published: November 2014

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE

This article provides an overview of the recent developments in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer‐related lymphedema. Lymphedema incidence by tumor site is evaluated. Measurement techniques and trends in patient education and treatment are also summarized to include current trends in therapeutic and surgical treatment options as well as longer‐term management. Finally, an overview of the policies related to insurance coverage and reimbursement will give the clinician an overview of important trends in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer‐related lymphedema. CA Cancer J Clin 2015;65:55–81. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Screen Printed Carbon Electrode Based Electrochemical Immunosensor for the Detection of Dengue NS1 Antigen
Authors: Parkash Om , Yean Chan , Shueb Rafidah
Published: November 2014

An electrochemical immunosensor modified with the streptavidin/biotin system on screen printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) for the detection of the dengue NS1 antigen was developed in this study. Monoclonal anti-NS1 capture antibody was immobilized on streptavidin-modified SPCEs to increase the sensitivity of the assay. Subsequently, a direct sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) format was developed and optimized. An anti-NS1 detection antibody conjugated with horseradish peroxidase enzyme (HRP) and 3,3,5,5'-tetramethybezidine dihydrochloride (TMB/H2O2) was used as an enzyme mediator. Electrochemical detection was conducted using the chronoamperometric technique, and electrochemical responses were generated at −200 mV reduction potential. The calibration curve of the immunosensor showed a linear response between 0.5 µg/mL and 2 µg/mL and a detection limit of 0.03 µg/mL. Incorporation of a streptavidin/biotin system resulted in a well-oriented antibody immobilization of the capture antibody and consequently enhanced the sensitivity of the assay. In conclusion, this immunosensor is a promising technology for the rapid and convenient detection of acute dengue infection in real serum samples.
A Grid Voltage Measurement Method for Wind Power Systems during Grid Fault Conditions
Authors: Yoo Cheol-Hee , Chung Il-Yop , Yoo Hyun-Jae , Hong Sung-Soo
Published: November 2014

Grid codes in many countries require low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) capability to maintain power system stability and reliability during grid fault conditions. To meet the LVRT requirement, wind power systems must stay connected to the grid and also supply reactive currents to the grid to support the recovery from fault voltages. This paper presents a new fault detection method and inverter control scheme to improve the LVRT capability for full-scale permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) wind power systems. Fast fault detection can help the wind power systems maintain the DC-link voltage in a safe region. The proposed fault detection method is based on on-line adaptive parameter estimation. The performance of the proposed method is verified in comparison to the conventional voltage measurement method defined in the IEC 61400-21 standard.
Tuberculosis among Healthcare Workers in Southeastern China: A Retrospective Study of 7-Year Surveillance Data
Authors: Chen Bin , Wang Xiaomeng , Zhong Jiemin , Chen Songhua , Wu Beibei , Yeh Hui-Chi , Jiang Zhenggang , Wang Zhengting , Gu Hua , Jiang Jianmin
Published: November 2014

The baseline prevalence and characteristics of tuberculosis (TB) among general healthcare workers (HCWs) in southeastern China remains unknown. We conducted a retrospective study based on the TB surveillance data in Zhejiang Province from 2005 to 2011, which were extracted from the national Tuberculosis Information Management System (TIMS). We calculated and compared annual notification rates of different occupational groups and analyzed the epidemiological and clinical characteristics. The annual TB notification rates among general HCWs declined steadily from 2005 to 2011. On average, HCWs showed annual TB notification rates lower than the general population but higher than teachers. Recorded HCW TB patients averaged 35.5 years of age, with females outnumbering males (58.0% > 42.0%). The proportion of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) was higher among male than in the female patients (88.5% > 83.4%, P = 0.031). Our study suggested that general HCWs run a higher occupational risk than teachers although the two groups are socioeconomically comparable and that the priority should be given to the young female HCWs for TB prevention in healthcare institutions.
Design and Performance of a Multi-Point Scan Confocal Microendoscope
Authors: Risi Matthew , Makhlouf Houssine , Rouse Andrew , Tanbakuchi Anthony , Gmitro Arthur
Published: November 2014

Confocal fluorescence microendoscopy provides high-resolution cellular-level imaging via a minimally invasive procedure, but requires fast scanning to achieve real-time imaging in vivo. Ideal confocal imaging performance is obtained with a point scanning system, but the scan rates required for in vivo biomedical imaging can be difficult to achieve. By scanning a line of illumination in one direction in conjunction with a stationary confocal slit aperture, very high image acquisition speeds can be achieved, but at the cost of a reduction in image quality. Here, the design, implementation, and experimental verification of a custom multi-point aperture modification to a line-scanning multi-spectral confocal microendoscope is presented. This new design improves the axial resolution of a line-scan system while maintaining high imaging rates. In addition, compared to the line-scanning configuration, previously reported simulations predicted that the multi-point aperture geometry greatly reduces the effects of tissue scatter on image quality. Experimental results confirming this prediction are presented.
Reef-Scale Thermal Stress Monitoring of Coral Ecosystems: New 5-km Global Products from NOAA Coral Reef Watch
Authors: Liu Gang , Heron Scott , Eakin C. , Muller-Karger Frank , Vega-Rodriguez Maria , Guild Liane , De La Cour Jacqueline , Geiger Erick , Skirving William , Burgess Timothy , Strong Alan , Harris Andy , Maturi Eileen , Ignatov Alexander , Sapper John , Li Jianke , Lynds Susan
Published: November 2014

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coral Reef Watch (CRW) program has developed a daily global 5-km product suite based on satellite observations to monitor thermal stress on coral reefs. These products fulfill requests from coral reef managers and researchers for higher resolution products by taking advantage of new satellites, sensors and algorithms. Improvements of the 5-km products over CRW’s heritage global 50-km products are derived from: (1) the higher resolution and greater data density of NOAA’s next-generation operational daily global 5-km geo-polar blended sea surface temperature (SST) analysis; and (2) implementation of a new SST climatology derived from the Pathfinder SST climate data record. The new products increase near-shore coverage and now allow direct monitoring of 95% of coral reefs and significantly reduce data gaps caused by cloud cover. The 5-km product suite includes SST Anomaly, Coral Bleaching HotSpots, Degree Heating Weeks and Bleaching Alert Area, matching existing CRW products. When compared with the 50-km products and in situ bleaching observations for 2013–2014, the 5-km products identified known thermal stress events and matched bleaching observations. These near reef-scale products significantly advance the ability of coral reef researchers and managers to monitor coral thermal stress in near-real-time.
Off-Grid Direction of Arrival Estimation Based on Joint Spatial Sparsity for Distributed Sparse Linear Arrays
Authors: Liang Yujie , Ying Rendong , Lu Zhenqi , Liu Peilin
Published: November 2014

In the design phase of sensor arrays during array signal processing, the estimation performance and system cost are largely determined by array aperture size. In this article, we address the problem of joint direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation with distributed sparse linear arrays (SLAs) and propose an off-grid synchronous approach based on distributed compressed sensing to obtain larger array aperture. We focus on the complex source distribution in the practical applications and classify the sources into common and innovation parts according to whether a signal of source can impinge on all the SLAs or a specific one. For each SLA, we construct a corresponding virtual uniform linear array (ULA) to create the relationship of random linear map between the signals respectively observed by these two arrays. The signal ensembles including the common/innovation sources for different SLAs are abstracted as a joint spatial sparsity model. And we use the minimization of concatenated atomic norm via semidefinite programming to solve the problem of joint DOA estimation. Joint calculation of the signals observed by all the SLAs exploits their redundancy caused by the common sources and decreases the requirement of array size. The numerical results illustrate the advantages of the proposed approach.
Reconnaissance des limites du site néolithique de Khirokitia (Chypre) d'après les distributions superficielles de vestiges et la résistivité du sol
Authors: Hesse Albert , Renimel Serge
Published: November 2014

The extension of this site which has been partly explored by earlier excavations , was badly known until now . The purpose of our research in September 1975 was to fix the limits of the settlement comprised of round houses made of black and white stones and to interpret these observations in correlation with the rather complicated topography of the rocky spur on which the site was built . Along the open spaces of ancient cultivated terraces , a descriptive model of the settlement and a more accurate plan of individual houses in a few areas , have been determined based on the results of a sampling of surface objects , a calculation of a ratio "black/white stones" and the measurement of electrical resistivities of the ground.
Quatre années de traitement informatique des données de fouilles à Levroux (Indre)
Authors: Buchsenschutz Olivier , Debanne Xavier
Published: November 2014

A long-winded diachronical study , which had been taking place on Levroux country (Indre) for ten years , lays the problem of the recording , of the analysis and of the publication of numerous and various data . "lore precisely the study of structures of the settlement become more difficult when the number of the artefacts increase . Therefore management (selection , sorting , publishing) , statistics (calculation , percentage , X2) and spatial analysis (plan , section , projections) are made with the aid of a computer . Recording and reckonings will soon be made directly on the field with a microprocessor.
Prospections sur l'atelier de potiers gallo-romain de Sallèles d'Aude
Authors: Bouisset P. , Daigneres M. , Gruel Katherine , Laubenheimer Fanette , Widemann François , Leblanc J.
Published: November 2014

Magnetic prospection on Che site of the Gallo-Roman potters workshop of Sailèles d'Aude (Aude) gave very clear results about the location of kilns - confirmed by excavations- of which productions' nature can be identified with mapping the density of remains on the ground and then localize the dumps. Evidence for specialization of the different quarters of the workshop is shown. This mapping allowed a delimitation fo the site, confirmed on one side with the discovery of a cadastral ditch and an underground aqua- duct. Some measurements of soil resistivity were also used for the detection of buried walls .