bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple preperation of CuO nanoparticles and submicron spheres via ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP)
Authors: Ebin Burçak , Gençer Övgü , Gürmen Sebahattin
Published: October 2012

Copper oxide nanoparticles and submicron size spheres were produced via the ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method using copper nitrate without any additives. The effects of the process temperature and solution concentration on the copper oxide particles were investigated. HSC software, differential scanning calorimetry and thermal gravimetric analysis were used for the thermodynamic investigation of the CuO formation by the decomposition reaction. Particle characterization studies were performed using X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectroscopy, scanning–and transmission–electron microscopy. The results show that spherical CuO nanoparticles having around 80 nm particle size were prepared at 400 °C and the submicron size CuO spheres were obtained by the aggregation of nanoparticles at elevated temperatures. The crystallite sizes of the particles ranged between 21 and 46 nm.
The suitability of selected austenitic stainless steels and hastelloy C276 alloys as substrates for thin film deposition using spray pyrolysis
Authors: Khateeb Shadi Al
Published: October 2012

To detect the suitability of the American Iron and Steel Institute grade 304, 309, 310, 316L steels and Hastelloy C276 substrates for thin film deposition using spray pyrolysis, the substrates were pre-heated between 400–700°C and soaked for one hour. American Society for Testing and Materials standards A262-A, E and G28-A were then applied. The substrates of 304 heated at 400, 600–700°C, the 310 heated between 450–700°C and the as-received 310 were not found suitable. However it was found that the 304, 309, and 310 substrates were suitable up to 550°C, the 316L up to 700°C and the C276 up to 550°C.
Frequency and Antimicrobial Sensitivity Pattern of Extended Spectrum β-Lactamases Producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolated from urine at a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Islam MB , Jhora ST , Yusuf MA , Sattar AFMA , Shahidullah S , Rahman NMW , Sharif AR , Ahsan AI , Wadud ABMA , Chowdhury MS
Published: October 2012

Background: Infections due to extended spectrum ?-lactamases (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae have become an important clinical problem. These organisms are important regarding the infection control by the physicians. Objective: The present study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of ESBLs along with their antimicrobial sensitivity pattern in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology at Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka. Urine samples were collected from patients who were clinically suspected to have UTI. After incubation, plates were checked for presence of suspected pathogens. Organisms were identified to species level by conventional methods. All isolated E. coli and K. pneumoniae were included in the study. The susceptibility to antibiotics was determined by Kirby Bauer method on Muller Hinton agar. Isolates were screened for ESBL production by using disk diffusion of cefotaxime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone and cefpodoxime placed on inoculated plates containing Muller Hinton agar according to the CLSI recommendations. Phenotypic confirmatory test for ESBL producers was done by combined disc diffusion for all the isolates that were screened positive for the ESBL production following CLSI guidelines. Combined disk diffusion method was also done in this study. Result: A total of 220 non repeated urine samples were cultured of which 132(60%) cases had shown the bacterial growth. Among the 132 samples Escherichia coli had found in 103(78.0%) cases and Klebsiella spp. was found in 14(10.6%) cases. Out of 103 E coli 23(22.3%) cases was found as ESBL strain. On the other hand within 14 Klebsiella species, the ESBL strain was found in 5(35.7%) cases. Both E coli and Klebsiella species were 100% sensitive to imipenem. However, cephamycin was sensitive in 93.7% and 100% in E coli and Klebsiella species respectively. Conclusion: Results indicate that routine ESBL detection should be made imperative and empirical use of third generation cephalosporins must be discouraged. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jssmc.v4i1.11999 J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll, 2012;4(1):22-25
The Influence of Climate, Soil and Pasture Type on Productivity and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity of Modeled Beef Cow-Calf Grazing Systems in Southern Australia
Authors: Bell Matthew J. , Cullen Brendan R. , Eckard Richard J.
Published: October 2012

A biophysical whole farm system model was used to simulate the interaction between the historical climate, soil and pasture type at sites in southern Australia and assess the balance between productivity and greenhouse gas emissions (expressed in carbon dioxide equivalents, CO2-eq.) intensity of beef cow-calf grazing systems. Four sites were chosen to represent a range of climatic zones, soil and pasture types. Poorer feed quality and supply limited the annual carrying capacity of the kikuyu pasture compared to phalaris pastures, with an average long-term carrying capacity across sites estimated to be 0.6 to 0.9 cows/ha. A relative reduction in level of feed intake to productivity of calf live weight/ha at weaning by feeding supplementary feed reduced the average CO2-eq. emissions/kg calf live weight at weaning of cows on the kikuyu pasture (18.4 and 18.9 kg/kg with and without supplementation, respectively), whereas at the other sites studied an increase in intake level to productivity and emission intensity was seen (between 10.4 to 12.5 kg/kg without and with supplementary feed, respectively). Enteric fermentation and nitrous oxide emissions from denitrification were the main sources of annual variability in emissions intensity, particularly at the lower rainfall sites. Emissions per unit product of low input systems can be minimized by efficient utilization of pasture to maximize the annual turnoff of weaned calves and diluting resource input per unit product.
Applications of Random Nonlinear Photonic Crystals Based on Strontium Tetraborate
Authors: Aleksandrovsky Aleksandr S. , Vyunishev Andrey M. , Zaitsev Alexandre I.
Published: October 2012

Properties of strontium tetraborate (SBO) and features of as-grown anti-parallel domains are summarized. From the point of view of nonlinear optics, these domains form nonlinear photonic crystals (NPC). Applications of NPC to the deep ultraviolet generation and fs pulse diagnostics are described. NPC and SBO are prospective media for the creation of a widely tunable source of fs pulses in the vacuum ultraviolet and for autocorrelation diagnostics of broadly tunable sources.
Network Coding for Line Networks with Broadcast Channels
Authors: Kramer Gerhard , Yazdi Seyed Mohammadsadegh Tabatabaei
Published: October 2012

An achievable rate region for line networks with edge and node capacity constraints and broadcast channels (BCs) is derived. The region is shown to be the capacity region if the BCs are orthogonal, deterministic, physically degraded, or packet erasure with one-bit feedback. If the BCs are physically degraded with additive Gaussian noise then independent Gaussian inputs achieve capacity.
A Survey on Interference Networks: Interference Alignment and Neutralization
Authors: Jeon Sang-Woon , Gastpar Michael
Published: October 2012

In recent years, there has been rapid progress on understanding Gaussian networks with multiple unicast connections, and new coding techniques have emerged. The essence of multi-source networks is how to efficiently manage interference that arises from the transmission of other sessions. Classically, interference is removed by orthogonalization (in time or frequency). This means that the rate per session drops inversely proportional to the number of sessions, suggesting that interference is a strong limiting factor in such networks. However, recently discovered interference management techniques have led to a paradigm shift that interference might not be quite as detrimental after all. The aim of this paper is to provide a review of these new coding techniques as they apply to the case of time-varying Gaussian networks with multiple unicast connections. Specifically, we review interference alignment and ergodic interference alignment for multi-source single-hop networks and interference neutralization and ergodic interference neutralization for multi-source multi-hop networks. We mainly focus on the “degrees of freedom” perspective and also discuss an approximate capacity characterization.
Genome Sequence of Azospirillum brasilense CBG497 and Comparative Analyses of Azospirillum Core and Accessory Genomes provide Insight into Niche Adaptation
Authors: Wisniewski-Dyé Florence , Lozano Luis , Acosta-Cruz Erika , Borland Stéphanie , Drogue Benoît , Prigent-Combaret Claire , Rouy Zoé , Barbe Valérie , Herrera Alberto Mendoza , González Victor , Mavingui Patrick
Published: October 2012

Bacteria of the genus Azospirillum colonize roots of important cereals and grasses, and promote plant growth by several mechanisms, notably phytohormone synthesis. The genomes of several Azospirillum strains belonging to different species, isolated from various host plants and locations, were recently sequenced and published. In this study, an additional genome of an A. brasilense strain, isolated from maize grown on an alkaline soil in the northeast of Mexico, strain CBG497, was obtained. Comparative genomic analyses were performed on this new genome and three other genomes (A. brasilense Sp245, A. lipoferum 4B and Azospirillum sp. B510). The Azospirillum core genome was established and consists of 2,328 proteins, representing between 30% to 38% of the total encoded proteins within a genome. It is mainly chromosomally-encoded and contains 74% of genes of ancestral origin shared with some aquatic relatives. The non-ancestral part of the core genome is enriched in genes involved in signal transduction, in transport and in metabolism of carbohydrates and amino-acids, and in surface properties features linked to adaptation in fluctuating environments, such as soil and rhizosphere. Many genes involved in colonization of plant roots, plant-growth promotion (such as those involved in phytohormone biosynthesis), and properties involved in rhizosphere adaptation (such as catabolism of phenolic compounds, uptake of iron) are restricted to a particular strain and/or species, strongly suggesting niche-specific adaptation.
Microsatellite Mutation Rate during Allohexaploidization of Newly Resynthesized Wheat
Authors: Luo Jiangtao , Hao Ming , Zhang Li , Chen Jixiang , Zhang Lianquan , Yuan Zhongwei , Yan Zehong , Zheng Youliang , Zhang Huaigang , Yen Yang , Liu Dengcai
Published: October 2012

Simple sequence repeats (SSRs, also known as microsatellites) are known to be mutational hotspots in genomes. DNA rearrangements have also been reported to accompany allopolyploidization. A study of the effect of allopolyploidization on SSR mutation is therefore important for understanding the origin and evolutionary dynamics of SSRs in allopolyploids. Three synthesized double haploid (SynDH) populations were made from 241 interspecific F1 haploid hybrids between Triticum turgidum L. and Aegilops tauschii (Coss.) through spontaneous chromosome doubling via unreduced gametes. Mutation events were studied at 160 SSR loci in the S1 generation (the first generation after chromosome doubling) of the three SynDH populations. Of the 148260 SSR alleles investigated in S1 generation, only one mutation (changed number of repeats) was confirmed with a mutation rate of 6.74 × 10−6. This mutation most likely occurred in the respective F1 hybrid. In comparison with previously reported data, our results suggested that allohexaploidization of wheat did not increase SSR mutation rate.
The Complexities of Epidemiology and Prevention of Gastrointestinal Cancers
Authors: Haq Saba , Ali Shadan , Mohammad Ramzi , Sarkar Fazlul H.
Published: October 2012

Cancer epidemiology and prevention is one of the most well studied fields today. The more we can understand about the incidence and pathogenesis of this disease, the better we will be able to prevent it. Effective prevention strategies can decrease the mortality rate of cancer significantly; this is why it is important to delineate the underlying causes. It has been well recognized that genetic mutations, sporadic or hereditary, may lead to increased chance of tumorigenesis. Detecting genetic mutations can lead to the identification of high-risk individuals with hereditary cancer syndromes, which may assist in devising prevention strategies. Further, environmental factors are known to play important roles in epidemiology and suggest prevention tools that could be implemented to reduce cancer incidence and subsequent cancer-associated morbidity and mortality. Chemoprevention has been tried in colon cancer and is finding new advancements in other carcinomas as well. Out of many environmental cancer preventive agents, the most notable developments are the identification of the role of vitamins E, vitamin D and folic acid. Increased consumption of these vitamins has shown to be inversely correlated with cancer risk. This review will highlight important aspects of cancer epidemiology in the most aggressive carcinomas of the gastrointestinal system focusing on colorectal adenocarcinoma and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Additionally, some of the well-known and evolving aspects of epidemiology of colorectal and pancreatic cancer along with current and new prevention strategies will also be reviewed.
Short Hairpin RNA (shRNA) Ether à go-go 1 (Eag1) Inhibition of Human Osteosarcoma Angiogenesis via VEGF/PI3K/AKT Signaling
Authors: Wu Jin , Wu Xinyu , Zhong Daixing , Zhai Wenliang , Ding Zhenqi , Zhou Yong
Published: October 2012

Ether à go-go 1 (Eag1) channel is overexpressed in a variety of cancers but the therapeutic potential of Eag1 in osteosarcoma remains elusive. In this study, we constructed an Ad5-Eag1-shRNA vector and evaluated its efficiency for Eag1 knockdown and its effects on osteosarcoma. Our results showed that Ad5-Eag1-shRNA had high interference efficiency of Eag1 expression and suppressed osteosarcoma growth both in vitro and in vivo. To explore the molecular mechanism underlying tumor growth inhibition induced by Eag1 silencing, the intratumoral microvessel density (MVD) was assessed by CD31 staining and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was detected by Western blot analysis. We found that Eag1 silencing led to decreased angiogenesis and VEGF expression in the xenograft model of osteosarcoma. Finally, we detected a time-dependent decrease in VEGF expression and considerably reduced phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (AKT) activation in osteosarcoma cells treated by Eag1 shRNA. Taken together, our results suggest that Eag1 silencing inhibits tumor growth and angiogenesis in osteosarcoma via the down regulation of VEGF/PI3K/AKT signaling.
Optimized Anti-pathogenic Agents Based on Core/Shell Nanostructures and 2-((4-Ethylphenoxy)ethyl)-N-(substituted-phenylcarbamothioyl)-benzamides
Authors: Limban Carmen , Grumezescu Alexandru Mihai , Saviuc Crina , Voicu Georgeta , Predan Gentiana , Sakizlian Robert , Chifiriuc Mariana Carmen
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this study was to design a new nanosystem for catheter surface functionalization with an improved resistance to Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 colonization and subsequent biofilm development. New 2-((4 ethylphenoxy)methyl)-N-(substituted-phenylcarbamothioyl)-benzamides were synthesized and used for coating a core/shell nanostructure. Their chemical structures were elucidated by NMR, IR and elemental analysis, being in agreement with the proposed ones. Fe3O4/C12 of up to 5 nm size had been synthesized with lauric acid as a coating agent and characterized by XRD, FT-IR, TGA, TEM and biological assays. The catheter pieces were coated with the fabricated nanofluid in magnetic field. The microbial adherence ability was investigated in 6 multiwell plates by using culture based methods and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The nanoparticles coated with the obtained compounds 1a–c inhibited the adherence and biofilm development ability of the S. aureus and P. aeruginosa tested strains on the catheter functionalized surface, as shown by the reduction of viable cell counts and SEM examination of the biofilm architecture. Using the novel core/shell/adsorption-shell to inhibit the microbial adherence could be of a great interest for the biomedical field, opening new directions for the design of film-coated surfaces with improved anti-biofilm properties.
Low Cost Multisensor Kinematic Positioning and Navigation System with Linux/RTAI
Authors: Qian Kun Qian , Wang Jianguo , Gopaul Nilesh S. , Hu Baoxin
Published: October 2012

Despite its popularity, the development of an embedded real-time multisensor kinematic positioning and navigation system discourages many researchers and developers due to its complicated hardware environment setup and time consuming device driver development. To address these issues, this paper proposed a multisensor kinematic positioning and navigation system built on Linux with Real Time Application Interface (RTAI), which can be constructed in a fast and economical manner upon popular hardware platforms. The authors designed, developed, evaluated and validated the application of Linux/RTAI in the proposed system for the integration of the low cost MEMS IMU and OEM GPS sensors. The developed system with Linux/RTAI as the core of a direct geo-referencing system provides not only an excellent hard real-time performance but also the conveniences for sensor hardware integration and real-time software development. A software framework is proposed in this paper for a universal kinematic positioning and navigation system with loosely-coupled integration architecture. In addition, general strategies of sensor time synchronization in a multisensor system are also discussed. The success of the loosely-coupled GPS-aided inertial navigation Kalman filter is represented via post-processed solutions from road tests.
Marine Cyanobacteria Compounds with Anticancer Properties: A Review on the Implication of Apoptosis
Authors: Costa Margarida , Costa-Rodrigues João , Fernandes Maria Helena , Barros Piedade , Vasconcelos Vitor , Martins Rosário
Published: October 2012

Marine cyanobacteria have been considered a rich source of secondary metabolites with potential biotechnological applications, namely in the pharmacological field. Chemically diverse compounds were found to induce cytoxicity, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities. The potential of marine cyanobacteria as anticancer agents has however been the most explored and, besides cytotoxicity in tumor cell lines, several compounds have emerged as templates for the development of new anticancer drugs. The mechanisms implicated in the cytotoxicity of marine cyanobacteria compounds in tumor cell lines are still largely overlooked but several studies point to an implication in apoptosis. This association has been related to several apoptotic indicators such as cell cycle arrest, mitochondrial dysfunctions and oxidative damage, alterations in caspase cascade, alterations in specific proteins levels and alterations in the membrane sodium dynamics. In the present paper a compilation of the described marine cyanobacterial compounds with potential anticancer properties is presented and a review on the implication of apoptosis as the mechanism of cell death is discussed.
Protective Effect of Total Flavonoids of Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) in Simulated High-Altitude Polycythemia in Rats
Authors: Zhou Ji-Yin , Zhou Shi-Wen , Du Xiao-Huang , Zeng Sheng-Ya
Published: October 2012

Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) has been used to treat high altitude diseases. The effects of five-week treatment with total flavonoids of seabuckthorn (35, 70, 140 mg/kg, ig) on cobalt chloride (5.5 mg/kg, ip)- and hypobaric chamber (simulating 5,000 m)-induced high-altitude polycythemia in rats were measured. Total flavonoids decreased red blood cell number, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin levels, span of red blood cell electrophoretic mobility, aggregation index of red blood cell, plasma viscosity, whole blood viscosity, and increased deformation index of red blood cell, erythropoietin level in serum. Total flavonoids increased pH, pO2, SpO2, pCO2 levels in arterial blood, and increased Na+, HCO3−, Cl−, but decreased K+ concentrations. Total flavonoids increased mean arterial pressure, left ventricular systolic pressure, end-diastolic pressure, maximal rate of rise and decrease, decreased heart rate and protected right ventricle morphology. Changes in hemodynamic, hematologic parameters, and erythropoietin content suggest that administration of total flavonoids from seabuckthorn may be useful in the prevention of high altitude polycythaemia in rats.
Microwave Assisted Synthesis of 2,2'-Arylene-substituted Bis(4H-3,1-Benzoxazin-4-one) Derivatives Using the Complex Cyanuric Chloride/N,N-Dimethylformamide
Authors: Shariat Mehdi , Samsudin Mohd Wahid , Zakaria Zuriati
Published: October 2012

A new and efficient method has been designed to prepare 2,2'-arylene-substituted bis(4H-3,1-benzoxazin-4-one) derivatives by using the mixture of cyanuric chloride and N,N-dimethylformamide in a microwave-assisted reaction. The method used and presented here has good rate enhancement and excellent yields.
Cytoprotective Effects of β-Melanocortin in the Rat Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Bradamante Mirna , Turčić Petra , Štambuk Nikola , Konjevoda Paško , Aralica Gorana , Alerić Ivan , Kozmar Ana
Published: October 2012

Recently discovered anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of melanocortin peptides led to the conclusion that they might serve as new anti-inflammatory therapeutics. The purpose of this work was to examine the effectiveness of β-melanocortin (β-MSH) in two experimental models: ethanol-induced gastric lesions and TNBS (2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid)-induced colitis in male Wistar rats. Three progressive doses of β-MSH were used: 0.125, 0.250 and 0.500 mg/kg. Our results suggest that β-MSH acts as a protective substance in the gastric lesions model, which can be seen as a statistically significant reduction of hemorrhagic lesions at all three doses, compared to the control group. The most efficient dose was 0.250 mg/kg. Statistically significant reduction in mucosal surface affected by necrosis and the reduction of overall degree of inflammation in the colitis model indicates an anti-inflammatory effect of β-MSH at a dose of 0.250 mg/kg. The results justify further research on β-MSH peptide and its derivates in the inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases, and point out the possibility of using β-MSH in studies of digestive system pharmacology.
Synthetic Flavanones Augment the Anticancer Effect of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (TRAIL)
Authors: Szliszka Ewelina , Kostrzewa-Susłow Edyta , Bronikowska Joanna , Jaworska Dagmara , Janeczko Tomasz , Czuba Zenon P. , Krol Wojciech
Published: October 2012

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is considered as the most promising anticancer agent in the TNF superfamily because of its selective cytotoxicity against tumor cells versus normal primary cells. However, as more tumor cells are reported to be resistant to TRAIL-mediated death, it is important to develop new therapeutic strategies to overcome this resistance. Flavonoids have been shown to sensitize cancer cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. The aim of this study was to examine the cytotoxic and apoptotic activities of TRAIL on HeLa cancer cells in combination with two synthetic compounds: 6-hydroxyflavanone (6-HF) and its derivative 6-propionoxy-flavanone (6-PF) and to determine the mechanism by which the flavanones overcome the TRAIL-resistance. The cytotoxicity was measured by MTT and LDH assays. The apoptosis was detected by annexin V-FITC fluorescence staining in flow cytometry and microscopy. Death receptor (TRAIL-R1/DR4 and TRAIL-R2/DR5) expression were analysed using flow cytometry. Mitochondrial membrane potential was evaluated using DePsipher staining by fluorescence microscopy. The synthetic flavanones enhanced TRAIL-induced apoptosis in HeLa cells through increased expression of TRAIL-R2 death receptor and reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential. Our study indicates that the 6-HF and 6-PF augmented the anticancer effects of TRAIL and confirm a potential use of flavanones in TRAIL-based anticancer therapy and prevention.
Building Environment Analysis Based on Temperature and Humidity for Smart Energy Systems
Authors: Yun Jaeseok , Won Kwang-Ho
Published: October 2012

In this paper, we propose a new HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) control strategy as part of the smart energy system that can balance occupant comfort against building energy consumption using ubiquitous sensing and machine learning technology. We have developed ZigBee-based wireless sensor nodes and collected realistic temperature and humidity data during one month from a laboratory environment. With the collected data, we have established a building environment model using machine learning algorithms, which can be used to assess occupant comfort level. We expect the proposed HVAC control strategy will be able to provide occupants with a consistently comfortable working or home environment.
Tragedy of the Commons, Business Growth and the Fundamental Sustainability Problem
Authors: Garrity Edward J.
Published: October 2012

This paper reviews the major issues involved in Hardin’s [1] tragedy of the commons, written over 44 years ago, and examines whether these issues are still relevant today. We assert that this model still provides important insight to aid in the solution to our global problems. In particular, we maintain that the underlying issues of growth against limits and bounded rationality are still not adequately recognized and addressed; this underlies many of the reasons for our unsustainable world. Examples from fisheries management are used to examine potential solutions and reveal weaknesses in current approaches. We show how our current, restricted mental models promote social injustice and blind us to developing sustainable solutions. Both the neo-liberal economic view of business that directly seeks growth and the new sustainable development view that indirectly supports growth are leading our global economy in the wrong direction and away from prosperity and sustainability. Current thinking has not realized Hardin’s message that sustainability is of the class of no technology solution problems. We conclude with recommendations to radically advance a new world view and business paradigm.
Occurrence and Distribution of 13 Trichothecene Toxins in Naturally Contaminated Maize Plants in Germany
Authors: Schollenberger Margit , Müller Hans-Martin , Ernst Katrin , Sondermann Sarah , Liebscher Melanie , Schlecker Claudia , Wischer Gerald , Drochner Winfried , Hartung Karin , Piepho Hans-Peter
Published: October 2012

The objective of the present study was to monitor the occurrence and distribution of a spectrum of trichothecene toxins in different parts of maize plants. Therefore maize plants were sampled randomly from 13 fields in southwest Germany and the fractions kernels, cobs, husks, stalks, leaves and rudimentary ears were analyzed for eight A-type and five B-type trichothecenes. Each of the toxins was found in at least three of the total of 78 samples. The study revealed that both A-type and B-type trichothecenes may be present in all parts of the maize plant but may be unevenly distributed. For the contents of deoxynivalenol, 3- and 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol, nivalenol, scirpentriol, 15-monoacetoxyscirpenol, HT-2 and T-2 toxin significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between different parts of the maize plants whereas no significant differences were observed for fusarenon-X, 4,15-diacetoxyscirpenol, neosolaniol, T-2 triol and T-2 tetraol. Up to twelve toxins co-occurring in one sample were detected. As a group B-type trichothecenes dominated over A-type trichothecenes concerning incidences and levels. Contamination was strongest with rudimentary ears based on incidence and mean and maximum contents; mean contents with few exceptions tended towards a higher level than in other fractions with significant (p < 0.05) differences compared to leaves for seven toxins.
UNDERSTANDING IMPACTS OF TIME AND COST RELATED CONSTRUCTION RISKS ON OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF PPP PROJECTS
Authors: Doloi Hemanta
Published: October 2012

The risk attributes in construction project is one of the widely published topics, yet there is no or little investigation whether or not risks associated with construction phase propagate over operational phase. As operation phase of the PPP projects is significantly long compared to the construction phase, understanding the impact of time and cost related construction risks over operation phase is quite important. In this research, risk attributes associated with the PPP procurement method have been identified across three dimensions, time, cost and operational performance. A questionnaire survey was used for collecting data in seven major PPP projects in Australia. Based on standard statistical methods and factor analysis, a number of key risk factors influencing time, cost and operational performance have been extracted. The research revealed that site conditions and design complexity is one of the most critical risk attribute influencing time performance in projects. Similarly, market dynamics is the most critical attribute influencing both construction cost and operational performance in PPP projects. Based on regression modeling, partner's dispute was found to be a good determinant of time and cost performance. Technical obsolescence has significant impacts on the operational performance of PPP projects. It was revealed that the design complexity, financial structure and government policy are the three main common factors affecting risks across time, cost and operational performance in PPP projects. It is anticipated that the findings will impact the construction firms for improving the front-end risk management capability for efficient positioning within the competitive business environment.
SOME PARTICULAR INDICES OF EFFECTIVENESS OF UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE APPLICATION
Authors: Samkov Alexei , Silkov Valeriy
Published: October 2012

In this article, a methodological approach based on a complex indicator (productivity – cost – efficiency) to evaluate the efficiency of using unmanned aeronautical systems is presented as a solution to the problem of searching for objects on the ground. This methodological approach can be used as a substantiation of decisions taken during the act of searching for specific objects and as a comparative evaluation of unmanned aeronautical systems by taking into account their characteristics.
AIR TRANSPORT IN GHANA: SOME CLIMATIC CONSTRAINTS
Authors: Moomen Abdul-Wadood
Published: October 2012

Understanding a definite geographic context is essential for effective air transport management. To date, the consequences of changing weather conditions and climate on the transportation sector in Ghana has been grievous to the economy of the country. Unfortunately, the impact of climate change on the aviation industry has received very little attention in Ghanaian literature. Meanwhile, it is widely known that transport systems on the whole perform poorly under adverse weather and climatic conditions. This paper seeks to reflect a growing orientation in research and philosophy in the field of air transport and severe weather and climatic constraints. Understanding under-lying principles of climatic conditions and weather is essential to air navigation in Ghana. Clear air turbulence, ceiling and visibility, thunderstorms, electrical phenomenon, climate-induced seasonal variations, and vegetation are some of the threats to air transport across Ghana's airspace. Information is derived from literature surveys, workplace counts, and an aviation researcher. Overall, large information technology investments, consolidation, and re-structuring are all major issues that must be addressed by stakeholders ambitious to stay afloat and competitive in Ghana's airspace.
CURRENT STATE OF SELF-FINANCING OF PRIVATE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC
Authors: Svidroňová Mária , Vaceková Gabriela
Published: October 2012

Ensuring the financial stability of non-profit organizations through financial decision in the structure of financial resources is influenced by many objective and subjective factors. However, a necessary presumption of financial stability is to reduce their dependence on one source of funding or in other words, the independence can be achieved by diversifying of the funding sources. And it is the diversification of financial sources and their acquisition through self-financing that we consider as an appropriate way to achieve financial balance and thus long-term existential security of non-profit organizations. This scientific paper presents the partial results of a research of the current state of self-financing and diversification of financial resources of private non-profit organizations in the Slovak Republic. We analysed the primary data by the relevant scientific methods and procedures (selected mathematical-statistical methods, analysed in SPSS – Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). With the analysis we acquired a knowledge which allows us to formulate several solutions and recommendations for theory and practice. By presenting these conclusions we fulfil a scientific goal of the paper, which is to present partial results of research of current state of funding of private non-profit organizations and interpret the obtained outputs in an economic and social context.
EQUIPMENT INVESTMENTS AND GROWTH NEXUS – EVIDENCE FROM SOCIALIST AND TRANSITION CROATIA
Authors: Škare Marinko , Sinković Dean
Published: October 2012

New growth theories during the 1990s stress the importance of exploring a link between investments and growth. Using standard growth equations, we look into the correlation between investment in technical structure and growth in Croatia for two periods – socialist (1960–1989) and transition (1990–2009). Results suggest that equipment investments can boost growth rates through total factor productivity (TFP). This is consistent with the work of De Long and Summers (1991, 1992, 1993, 1994) and Temple (1998). In Croatia the equipment investments – growth link appears to be stronger than the structure investment – growth link for both periods. We also find a strong positive correlation between human capital and growth. Tests confirm the consistency and robustness of the regression results, suggesting inclusion of new variables in standard growth models. The structure of technical investments, real capital stock (not proxies) and estimated human capital stock (not schooling proxies) should have an important role in explaining international growth differences.
Annual Medical Costs and Healthcare Resource Use in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis in an Insured Population
Authors: FURST DANIEL E. , FERNANDES ANCILLA W. , IORGA SERBAN R. , GRETH WARREN , BANCROFT TIM
Published: October 2012

Objective.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease. The objective of our study was to estimate the medical costs and healthcare resource use of subjects with SSc in a large US managed care plan.

Methods.

Subjects at least 18 years of age and with claims-based evidence of SSc (ICD-9-CM code 710.1x) were identified from a health plan database from 2003 through 2008. Subjects were matched to unaffected controls, based on index date, age, sex, geographic region, time on insurance, and comorbidity score. Costs and resource use were identified during the 12-month postindex period. A generalized linear model (GLM) was used to estimate costs, controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics.

Results.

In this study, 1648 subjects with SSc were matched to 4944 controls. Mean overall annual medical costs were higher among SSc subjects than controls ($17,365 vs $5,508; p < 0.001). A GLM model supported these results. Evidence of lung disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, or renal disease increased costs (all p < 0.001). Compared to controls, significantly higher proportions of SSc subjects had postindex ambulatory visits, emergency department visits, and inpatient hospital stays (all p < 0.001).

Conclusion.

Our findings suggest that the medical costs and resource use associated with treating SSc are high (compared to matched controls), and as expected, subjects with serious disease complications experience the highest costs.
Different Type of Carotid Arterial Wall Remodeling in Rheumatoid Arthritis Compared with Healthy Subjects: A Case-Control Study
Authors: VAN SIJL ALPER M. , VAN DEN HURK KATJA , PETERS MIKE J.L. , VAN HALM VOKKO P. , NIJPELS GIEL , STEHOUWER COEN D.A. , SMULDERS YVO M. , VOSKUYL ALEXANDRE E. , DEKKER JACQUELINE M. , NURMOHAMED MICHAEL T.
Published: October 2012

Objective.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with an increased cardiovascular (CV) risk, but mechanisms behind this increased risk have not been fully elucidated. Carotid arterial remodeling is the change of structural properties in response to hemodynamic or metabolic factors aimed at keeping wall stress within certain limits. This process might become maladaptive when stress on the arterial wall increases beyond these limits. We investigated whether maladaptive carotid arterial remodeling is present in RA compared with control subjects.

Methods.

The 2 cohorts were 96 patients with RA and 274 healthy subjects, who were investigated cross-sectionally. Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and interadventitial diameter (IAD) were assessed by B-mode carotid ultrasonography. Lumen diameter (LD), circumferential wall stress (CWS), and circumferential wall tension (CWT) were calculated. Linear regression analyses were used to investigate the association between presence of RA and carotid arterial remodeling.

Results.

Compared with healthy subjects, RA was associated with a 0.40 mm (9.3%) greater LD, 0.41 mm (7.8%) greater IAD, 10% higher CWS, and 8% higher CWT. The groups had comparable cIMT. Associations remained similar after exclusion of patients with prior CV disease and after adjustment for demographic factors and CV risk factors.

Conclusion.

RA is associated with maladaptive outward carotid arterial remodeling. These results are relevant because maladaptive outward remodeling is associated with plaque instability and rupture. These results indicate an alternative pathway, beyond the traditional CV risk factors, in RA that amplifies the CV risk.
The calculation of building corrections in microgravity surveys using close range photogrammetry
Authors: Panisova J. , Pašteka R. , Papčo J. , Fraštia3 M.
Published: October 2012

Use of the microgravity technique for cavity detection in the exploration of historical buildings requires careful data acquisition and modern processing procedures. We have developed a new method for the calculation of building effects, where geodetic measurements and special photogrammetric software are used. In our new approach, a three‐dimensional polyhedral model of an historical building is created from images using Eos System‐s PhotoModeler Scanner software. A comparison of equations for the calculation of the gravitational effect of polyhedral bodies is presented on a simple test model. The methodology of microgravity data processing is demonstrated on a small Slovak church, where two crypts were successfully detected using microgravity and GPR techniques in summer 2009. We have shown that close range photogrammetry methods offer a possibility to improve the microgravity data processing procedure.
An Antibody to the Sixth Ig-like Domain of VCAM-1 Inhibits Leukocyte Transendothelial Migration without Affecting Adhesion
Authors: Lee Sukmook , Yoon Il-Hee , Yoon Aerin , Cook-Mills Joan M. , Park Chung-Gyu , Chung Junho
Published: October 2012

VCAM-1 plays a key role in leukocyte trafficking during inflammatory responses. However, molecular mechanisms underlying this function have not been clearly elucidated. In this study, using phage display technology, we developed a rabbit/human chimeric VCAM-1 Ab, termed VCAM-1 domain 6 (VCAM-1-D6), which specifically recognizes aa 511–599 within the sixth Ig-like domain. We report that the VCAM-1-D6 Ab blocked U937 cell transmigration across activated HUVECs but did not alter adhesion of U937 cells to the HUVECs. We also demonstrate that VCAM-1-D6 does not alter TNF-α–stimulated endothelial cell chemokine or cytokine production. Furthermore, through in vivo efficacy testing using a mouse islet allograft model, we demonstrate that VCAM-1-D6 significantly alleviates allograft rejection by blocking leukocyte infiltration to the grafted islets. Taken together, our results suggest that the VCAM-1-D6 Ab may block VCAM-1–mediated inflammation and could be a useful tool in treating inflammatory diseases.
Immunity to the Conserved Influenza Nucleoprotein Reduces Susceptibility to Secondary Bacterial Infections
Authors: Haynes Laura , Szaba Frank M. , Eaton Sheri M. , Kummer Lawrence W. , Lanthier Paula A. , Petell Ashlee H. , Duso Debra K. , Luo Deyan , Lin Jr-Shiuan , Lefebvre Julie S. , Randall Troy D. , Johnson Lawrence L. , Kohlmeier Jacob E. , Woodland David L. , Smiley Stephen T.
Published: October 2012

Influenza causes >250,000 deaths annually in the industrialized world, and bacterial infections frequently cause secondary illnesses during influenza outbreaks, including pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, and otitis media. In this study, we demonstrate that cross-reactive immunity to mismatched influenza strains can reduce susceptibility to secondary bacterial infections, even though this fails to prevent influenza infection. Specifically, infecting mice with H3N2 influenza before challenging with mismatched H1N1 influenza reduces susceptibility to either Gram-positive Streptococcus pneumoniae or Gram-negative Klebsiella pneumoniae. Vaccinating mice with the highly conserved nucleoprotein of influenza also reduces H1N1-induced susceptibility to lethal bacterial infections. Both T cells and Abs contribute to defense against influenza-induced bacterial diseases; influenza cross-reactive T cells reduce viral titers, whereas Abs to nucleoprotein suppress induction of inflammation in the lung. These findings suggest that nonneutralizing influenza vaccines that fail to prevent influenza infection may nevertheless protect the public from secondary bacterial diseases when neutralizing vaccines are not available.
The Godoy & Godoy Cervical Stimulation Technique in The Treatment of Primary Congenital Lymphedema
Authors: Pereira de Godoy Jose Maria , Pereira de Godoy Ana Carolina , Dias Guimarães Tania , Guerreiro Godoy Maria de Fatima
Published: October 2012

The aim of the current study is to report on the treatment of primary lymphedema using a new form of therapy: cervical stimulation. In a prospective cohort study, 9 boys and 5 girls with primary congenital lymphedema were evaluated over two years. Age ranged from two months to 8.5 years. After diagnosis, all mothers were trained in the new technique. The Godoy & Godoy cervical stimulation technique consists of between 20 to 30 stimuli per minute using light movements in the cervical region. All the children were submitted to perimetric evaluations of the feet and legs; however, in this study only two points, 3 and 6 cm from the base of the big toe nail, were used. The two-tailed t-test was used for statistical analysis with an alpha error of 5% (P<0.05) considered acceptable. The size of the lymphedematous feet was reduced and even normalized (P<0.0001) for all treated children. Cervical stimulation is a new option in the treatment of primary congenital lymphedema; its association with compression stockings has a synergistic effect in reducing the volume of lymphedema.
Malaria Risk Mapping for Control in the Republic of Sudan
Authors: Noor Abdisalan M. , ElMardi Khalid A. , Abdelgader Tarig M. , Patil Anand P. , Amine Ahmed A. A. , Bakhiet Sahar , Mukhtar Maowia M. , Snow Robert W.
Published: October 2012

Evidence shows that malaria risk maps are rarely tailored to address national control program ambitions. Here, we generate a malaria risk map adapted for malaria control in Sudan. Community Plasmodium falciparum parasite rate (PfPR) data from 2000 to 2010 were assembled and were standardized to 2–10 years of age (PfPR2–10). Space-time Bayesian geostatistical methods were used to generate a map of malaria risk for 2010. Surfaces of aridity, urbanization, irrigation schemes, and refugee camps were combined with the PfPR2–10 map to tailor the epidemiological stratification for appropriate intervention design. In 2010, a majority of the geographical area of the Sudan had risk of < 1% PfPR2–10. Areas of meso- and hyperendemic risk were located in the south. About 80% of Sudan's population in 2011 was in the areas in the desert, urban centers, or where risk was < 1% PfPR2–10. Aggregated data suggest reducing risks in some high transmission areas since the 1960s.
Comparing Lagrangian and Eulerian models for CO2 transport – a step towards Bayesian inverse modeling using WRF/STILT-VPRM
Authors: Pillai D. , Gerbig C. , Kretschmer R. , Beck V. , Karstens U. , Neininger B. , Heimann M.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. We present simulations of atmospheric CO2 concentrations provided by two modeling systems, run at high spatial resolution: the Eulerian-based Weather Research Forecasting (WRF) model and the Lagrangian-based Stochastic Time-Inverted Lagrangian Transport (STILT) model, both of which are coupled to a diagnostic biospheric model, the Vegetation Photosynthesis and Respiration Model (VPRM). The consistency of the simulations is assessed with special attention paid to the details of horizontal as well as vertical transport and mixing of CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere. The dependence of model mismatch (Eulerian vs. Lagrangian) on models' spatial resolution is further investigated. A case study using airborne measurements during which two models showed large deviations from each other is analyzed in detail as an extreme case. Using aircraft observations and pulse release simulations, we identified differences in the representation of details in the interaction between turbulent mixing and advection through wind shear as the main cause of discrepancies between WRF and STILT transport at a spatial resolution such as 2 and 6 km. Based on observations and inter-model comparisons of atmospheric CO2 concentrations, we show that a refinement of the parameterization of turbulent velocity variance and Lagrangian time-scale in STILT is needed to achieve a better match between the Eulerian and the Lagrangian transport at such a high spatial resolution (e.g. 2 and 6 km). Nevertheless, the inter-model differences in simulated CO2 time series for a tall tower observatory at Ochsenkopf in Germany are about a factor of two smaller than the model-data mismatch and about a factor of three smaller than the mismatch between the current global model simulations and the data.