Başkent University

About: Başkent University is a education organization based out in Ankara, Turkey. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Transplantation & Population. The organization has 4652 authors who have published 10380 publications receiving 143117 citations. The organization is also known as: Başkent Üniversitesi.

Energy minimizing vehicle routing problem

Abstract: This paper proposes a new cost function based on distance and load of the vehicle for the Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem. The vehicle-routing problem with this new load-based cost objective is called the Energy Minimizing Vehicle Routing Problem (EMVRP). Integer linear programming formulations with O(n2) binary variables and O(n2) constraints are developed for the collection and delivery cases, separately. The proposed models are tested and illustrated by classical Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem (CVRP) instances from the literature using CPLEX 8.0.

Central nervous system hydatidosis in Turkey: a cooperative study and literature survey analysis of 458 cases.

Abstract: Object. Hydatidosis is both a medical and an economic problem in Turkey. The aim of this study was to analyze central nervous system (CNS) involvement in this disease, the related problems the disease causes, and its diagnostic and therapeutic aspects. Methods. The authors conducted an extensive literature survey of the subject, in which papers published by Turkish authors in international and domestic journals were carefully analyzed. In addition, the authors conducted a cooperative study in which data were gathered from 47 neurosurgery departments across the country. The purpose was to determine the current status of the disease in Turkey; thus, each unit was questioned about their experience over the past 5 years. Contrary to common belief, the incidence of hydatidosis has not decreased significantly in Turkey. However, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have tremendously increased diagnostic specificity. Incidences of morbidity and mortality have improved over time, according to th...

Trunk muscle strength in relation to balance and functional disability in unihemispheric stroke patients.

Abstract: Karatas M, Cetin N, Bayramoglu M, Dilek A: Trunk muscle strength in relation to balance and functional disability in unihemispheric stroke patients. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2004;83:81–87.ObjectiveTo evaluate trunk muscle strength in unihemispheric stroke patients and to assess how it relates to body b

Gonadal Determination and Adrenal Development Are Regulated by the Orphan Nuclear Receptor Steroidogenic Factor-1, in a Dose-Dependent Manner

Abstract: The orphan nuclear receptor steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1, NR5A1) regulates the transcription of multiple genes involved in steroidogenesis, reproduction, and male sexual differentiation. A heterozygous loss-of-function SF-1 mutation (G35E) has been described in a patient with adrenal failure and complete 46XY sex-reversal, indicating that haploinsufficiency of this factor is sufficient to cause a severe clinical phenotype. This mutation in the P-box region of the DNA-binding domain markedly impairs SF-1 binding to most response elements. In an infant with a similar clinical phenotype, we identified an SF-1 mutation (R92Q) in a highly conserved residue of the A-box, a region that functions as a secondary DNA-binding domain. Strikingly, the affected infant was homozygous for the R92Q mutation, but three relatives (parents, sister) were phenotypically normal despite being heterozygous for the mutation. In functional assays, the R92Q mutant exhibited partial loss of DNA binding and transcriptional activity when compared with the G35E P-box change, consistent with its phenotypic expression only when transmitted as a homozygous trait. Taken together, these two naturally-occurring SF-1 mutations reveal the relative functional importance of the P-box and A-box regions for monomeric binding by nuclear receptors. In addition, these patients reveal the exquisite sensitivity of SF-1-dependent developmental pathways to gene dosage and function in humans.

Renal artery origins and variations: angiographic evaluation of 855 consecutive patients

Abstract: Purpose To determine angiographically the origins and variations of renal arteries. Materials and methods The study included 855 consecutive patients (163 females, 692 males; mean age, 61 years) living in the Cukurova region of Turkey, who underwent either aortofemoropopliteal (AFP) angiography for the investigation of peripheral arterial disease, or renal angiography for renovascular hypertension, and were prospectively evaluated. Renal arteries were visualized by non-selective catheterization during AFP angiography and by selective or non-selective catheterization during renal angiography. Locations of renal artery origins and renal artery variations, including the presence of extra renal arteries and division patterns were analyzed on angiograms. Results The origin of main renal arteries off the aorta was between the upper margin of L1 and lower margin of L2 vertebra in 98% of the patients, and in 74%, this was the origin of extra renal arteries. The most common location for renal artery origin was the L1-L2 intervertebral disc level. A single renal artery was present in both kidneys in 76% of patients. Renal artery variations included multiple arteries in 24%, bilateral multiple arteries in 5%, and early division in 8% of the cases. Additional renal arteries on the right side were found in 16% and on the left side in 13% of cases. Of all the extra renal arteries, the percentage of accessory and aberrant renal arteries were 49% and 51%, respectively. Conclusion Renal arteries originated between the first and the second lumbar vertebral levels in most patients. Extra renal arteries were quite frequent. These results should be kept in mind when a non-invasive diagnostic search is performed for renal artery stenosis, or when renal surgery related to renal arteries is performed.