bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward Resolution of Singularities over a Field of Positive Characteristic (The Idealistic Filtration Program)
Part II. Basic invariants associated to the idealistic ﬁltration and their properties
Authors: Kawanoue Hiraku , Matsuki Kenji
Published: June 2010

This is the second of a series of four papers entitled “Toward resolution of singularities over a ﬁeld of positive characteristic (the Idealistic Filtration Program)”. The goal is to present the IFP, and to ultimately construct an explicit algorithm guided by the program.

In the classical setting in characteristic zero, resolution of singularities was carried out by induction on dimension. We take a so-called “hypersurface of maximal contact” to reduce the dimension by one. In the algorithm, we construct the strand of invariants “invclassic” of the following form:

invclassic = (
w
,
s
)(
w
,
s
)(
w
,
s
) · · · ,

where the unit (
w
,
s
) consists of the weak order
w
and the number
s
of the “old” components in the boundary. Going from one unit to the next, the dimension of the object which we use to extract the information to compute the invariants drops by one, manifesting the induction on dimension. We run the algorithm with the center of blowup determined as the maximal locus of “invclassic”.

In our new setting in positive characteristic, we no longer have a hypersurface of maximal contact. However, we try to carry out the induction on “invariant
σ
”, which indicates the behavior of “a Leading Generator System”. The notion of an LGS plays the role of a collective substitute for a hypersurface of maximal contact in the IFP. Accordingly, in our new algorithm, we construct the strand of invariants “inv” of the following form:

inv = (
σ
,
µ
,
s
)(
σ
,
µ
,
s
)(
σ
,
µ
,
s
) · · · ,

where the unit (
σ
,
µ
,
s
) consists of the above mentioned
σ
, followed by
µ
and
s
, which correspond to
w
and
s
in the classical setting, respectively. Going from one unit to the next, the invariant σ of the LGS of the object, namely an idealistic ﬁltration, strictly drops, manifesting the induction on the invariant
σ
. We run the new algorithm with the center of blowup determined as the maximal locus of “inv”.

The main purpose of this paper, Part II of the series, is to study the basic properties of the invariants that appear in the strand of invariants “inv”, establishing the upper semicontinuity of the pair (
σ
,
µ
) among others.
A Rigid Analytical Regulator for the $K_2$ of Mumford Curves
Authors: Pál Ambrus
Published: June 2010

We construct a rigid analytical regulator for the

K_2

of Mumford curves, a nonarchimedean analogue of the complex analytical Beilinson–Bloch–Deligne regulator.
On the Kernel and the Image of the Rigid Analytic Regulator in Positive Characteristic
Authors: Pál Ambrus
Published: June 2010

We will formulate and prove a certain reciprocity law relating certain residues of the diﬀerential symbol _dlog_2 from the _K_2 of a Mumford curve to the rigid analytic regulator constructed by the author in a previous paper. We will use this result to deduce some consequences on the kernel and image of the rigid analytic regulator analogous to some old conjectures of Beilinson and Bloch on the complex analytic regulator. We also relate our construction to the symbol deﬁned by Contou-Carrère and to Kato’s residue homomorphism, and we show that Weil’s reciprocity law directly implies the reciprocity law of Anderson and Romo.
Gradual implementation of first trimester screening in a population with a prior screening strategy: population based cohort study
Authors: CALDA PAVEL , ŠÍPEK ANTONÍN , GREGOR VLADIMÍR
Published: June 2010

Objective. To evaluate the implementation of first trimester screening in the Czech Republic during 1996–2007 on the number of infants born with numerical chromosomal anomalies, the gestational age at diagnosis and the number of invasive procedures. Design. A population based cohort study. Setting. National Registry of Congenital Anomalies, 53 Czech Republic Genetic Departments. Population. About 100,000 pregnancies per year. Main outcome measures. Primary outcomes were the rates of fetuses and newborns with diagnosed numerical chromosomal anomalies and the gestational age at diagnosis. Secondary outcomes were the rates of chorion villus sampling (CVS) and amniocenteses and the contribution of age groups on the detection rate of trisomy 21. Results. The number of newborns with Down's syndrome decreased from 5.42/10,000 in 1996 to 3.66/10,000 newborns in the 2007. The total incidence of Down's syndrome increased from 13.42 to 20.66/10,000. The detection rate in women <35 years increased from 35.59 in 1996 to 45.08 in 2007; in women >35 years from 23.73 to 38.52. The number of amniocenteses/detected case of Down's syndrome was 124 in 1996 and 123 in 2007. The corresponding number of CVS decreased dramatically from 83 in 1996 to 10 in 2007. Conclusions. Despite the increase of maternal age and the corresponding increase of Down's syndrome, the number of newborns with Down's syndrome decreased. Implementation of the first trimester combined screening leads to a shift towards earlier diagnosis of all major chromosomal abnormalities.
Polymorphisms of the angiotensin converting enzyme gene in relation to intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Uma Ramalingam , Forsyth J. Stewart , Struthers Allan D. , Fraser Callum G. , Godfrey Valerie , Murphy Deirdre J.
Published: June 2010

The aim of this case–control study was to explore the relation between maternal and infant angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity and its genotypes in uncomplicated term pregnancies (≥37 weeks) and pregnancies with growth‐restricted infants (birthweight at or below the 5th centile). Venous cord bloods and maternal venous samples were obtained for serum ACE activity and ACE genotype. Growth‐restricted infants (≤5th centile) were more likely to be of the DD genotype compared to appropriately grown infants (42 vs. 13%, p = 0.003). There was no significant difference in the frequency of the maternal DD genotype between the two groups (33 vs. 22%, p = 0.43) and similarly no significant differences in the maternal or fetal ACE activities. Within the intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) group, infants of the DD genotype had higher ACE activity compared to appropriately grown infants (p = 0.03). In conclusion, the DD genotype of the ACE gene appears to be associated with fetal growth and may be a factor in the increased risk of adult onset chronic diseases among growth‐restricted infants.
Correlation and Path Coefficients among Quantitative Traits in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Joshi Bal Krishna , Mudwari Ashok , Thapa Dhruba Bahadur
Published: June 2010

Since many of the quantitative plant characters of economic values are highly influenced by environmental condition, the progress in breeding in such a population is primarily conditioned by the magnitude, nature and inter-relations of genotypic and non-genotypic variations in plant characters. Therefore we estimated phenotypic, genotypic and environmental correlation coefficients and path coefficients among eight quantitative traits of bread wheat to make selection efforts more efficient. These traits were measured in 30 wheat genotypes, which were laid out in a randomized block design with three replications in Khumaltar, Kathmandu during 2003. The highest genotypic correlation (0.81) was between heading and maturity days. Tiller number was negatively correlated with grain number per spike (-0.78) at genetic level. Phenotypically, number of grains and grain weight per spike showed the largest coefficient (0.92) and maturity days exhibited negative association with plant height (-0.37). Environmental correlation coefficient was the highest between tillers number and grain yield (0.5) and heading days showed negative relationship with grain yield (-0.28). It indicates that number of tiller and grains per spike are the most important traits for yield. In most of the cases, genotypic correlations were higher than phenotypic correlations. Maturity days exerted the greatest influence (2.41) directly upon yield. Negative direct effect of heading days and positive effect of tiller number on yield was also considerable on magnitude. Indirect effect of heading days via maturity days was the highest followed by spike grain weight via maturity on grain yield. Results showed that grain filling period is an important factor and number of tillers and grains per spike should also be considered during selection for getting high yielding genotypes. Key words: correlation coefficients; path coefficients; quantitative traits; wheat genotypes DOI: 10.3126/njst.v9i0.3154 Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 9 (2008) 1-5
An Application of Bayesian Method in Packaged Food Quality Control
Authors: Khatiwada R. P. , Sthapit A. B.
Published: June 2010

Conventional method of making statistical inference regarding food quality measure is absolutely based upon experimental data. It refuses to incorporate prior knowledge and historical data on parameter of interest. It is not well suited in the food quality control problems. We propose to use a Bayesian approach inferring the conformance of the data concerning quality run. This approach integrates the facts about the parameter of interest from the historical data or from the expert knowledge. The prior information are used along with the experimental data for the meaningful deduction. In this study, we used Bayesian approach to infer the weight of pouched ghee. Data are taken selecting random samples from a dairy industry. The prior information about average weight and the process standard deviation are taken from the prior knowledge of process specification and standards. Normal-Normal model is used to combine the prior and experimental data in Bayesian framework. We used user-friendly computer programmes, ‘First Bayes' and ‘WinBUGS' to obtain posterior distribution, estimating the process precision, credible intervals, and predictive distribution. Results are presented comparing with conventional methods. Fitting of the model is shown using kernel density and triplot of the distributions. Key words: credible interval; kernel density; posterior distribution; predictive distribution; triplot DOI: 10.3126/njst.v9i0.3163 Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 9 (2008) 41-48
Assessment of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) of Fast Food (Momo) from Restaurants of Kathmandu City
Authors: Thapa Poonam , Singh Anjana , Karki Tika Bahadur
Published: June 2010

Hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) module was prepared for one of the most popular fast food momo (chicken momo and buff momo). For this, hazard analysis was conducted in eight different restaurants of Katmandu city by observing all the steps of preparation, monitoring time-temperature throughout the preparation process and collecting samples of different stages of these food. The samples were assessed for total aerobic mesophilic count (TAMC), total coliform count, total Staphylococcus aureus count, total yeast and mold count, detection of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli. During preparation of chicken momo, the highest TAMC, yeast and mold count, coliform and S. aureus count were found to be 2.8 × 106cfu/g, 2.1 × 103cfu/g, 1.92 × 105cfu/g and 3.4 × 103cfu/g respectively. While preparation of buff momo, the highest TAMC, yeast and mold count, coliform count and S. aureus count were found to be 2.82 × 106cfu/g, 1.9 × 103cfu/g, 2.1 × 105cfu/g and 2.8 × 103cfu/g respectively. These values and near to these values too were obtained from the samples of pickles, spices, raw momo, mixture of minced meat with spices and raw meat. The organisms originally present in the raw materials were subsequently transmitted to all the preparatory stages but was not observed after steaming and hence the final steamed product of both kinds of momo were free from microorganisms. Thus from the above findings, it was concluded that steaming was the main critical control point (CCP), which if done for proper time and temperature, can eliminate all the contaminating organisms. Key words: coliform count, critical control point, hazard analysis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp DOI: 10.3126/njst.v9i0.3164 Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 9 (2008) 49-56
Effect of Processing Temperature and Ingredients in the Preparation of Gundpak – A Khoa Based Dairy Product
Authors: Acharya Pushpa Prasad , Sapkota Prabin
Published: June 2010

‘Gundpak', an indigenous khoa based milk product is prepared especially in Kathmandu valley. It is prepared by using locally available raw materials like khoa, sugar, gudh, ghee, edible seeds, dried fruits, etc. In this study, the temperature for cooking and the raw materials used were optimized. The chemical composition of khoa showed that, 26.2% moisture, 28.3% fat, 20.2% protein, 3.6% ash, 21.7% carbohydrate and 73.8% total solid. The final product ‘gundpak' was analyzed chemically. It contained 24.57 % moisture, 31.53% fat, 18% protein, 3.9% ash, 23% carbohydrate and 73.43% total solids. According to sensory evaluation ‘gundpak' prepared by the incorporation of 20% sugar, 2.5% gudh, 10% ghee and cooked at temperature of 120 oC was selected as the best product. Key words: Gundpak; Khoa sensory; chemical analysis DOI: 10.3126/njst.v9i0.3166 Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 9 (2008) 57-64
Antifungal Factor Produced by Pseudomonas fluorescens against an Endophytic Fungus
Authors: Malla Rajani , Pokharel Suprada
Published: June 2010

Growth characteristics of Piriformospora indica an endophytic fungus with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria in an aspergillus medium were studied. P. indica showed promotional effects with species of Azotobacter chroococcum, Azospirillum brasilensis, Bradyrhizobium spp., and inhibitory effect with Pseudomonas fluorescens. The biochemical and molecular level of inhibitory factor produced by P. fluorescence suggests that the antifungal substance was thermolabile and the protease test showed it to be protease resistant in nature. Dialysis test indicated that this substance had a molecular weight of more than 12,000 kDa. The inhibitory substance turns out to be 'fungistatic' as well as 'fungicidal' in nature. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies showed the cell wall in damaged form suggesting the high potency of this antifungal substance. The inhibitory compound produced by P. fluorescence was suspected to be pyoverdine, a kind of siderophore, an iron containing substance. Key words: Pseudomonas fluorescens; Piriformospora indica; siderophore; rhizobacteria; TEM; SEM DOI: 10.3126/njst.v9i0.3167 Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 9 (2008) 65-71
Effect of Glomus microcarpum in Relation to the Biomass Production of Wheat Plants
Authors: Dhungana Nirmala , Raut Prakash , Singh Anjana
Published: June 2010

Many studies have shown that mycorrhizal inoculations enhance the growth and nutrient uptake by plants. However, in Nepal, the focus of study is being given to the leguminous plants. To study the effect of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) in the biomass production of wheat, common VAM fungus Glomus microcarpum was inoculated in four varieties of wheat (Triticum aestivum) (i.e. WK 810, WK 1320, WK 1357 and WK 2089); the VAM spores being isolated by wet sieving and decanting process. Recording effects were started after one week of seed sowing, then weekly for growth parameters and on 15 days interval for edaphic parameters. In all cultivars, increased root and shoot biomass were recorded in inoculated ones compared to their non-inoculated counterparts. The reaction to the G. microcarpum inoculants was not different significantly for all cultivars when comparison was made on them on 89th day after inoculation, where the biomass values were recorded maximum. Also, phosphorus and organic matter contents of soil related inversely to the VAM fungal spore number in the soil and the root infection. This study demonstrates the potential use of G. microcarpum as biofertilizer in nutrient poor soils. Key words: vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae; Glomus microcarpum; Triticum aestivum DOI: 10.3126/njst.v9i0.3169 Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 9 (2008) 79-83
Optimization of RAPD-PCR Conditions for the Study of Genetic Diversity in Nepalese Isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner
Authors: Sijapati Jaishree , Rana Neesha , Rana Prabina , Shrestha Sangita
Published: June 2010

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) is a simple and reliable method to detect DNA polymorphism and has been used extensively for genetic diversity studies. In the present investigation the RAPD reaction and cycling conditions were optimized for generating RAPD fingerprints of ten Nepalese strains of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) isolated from an altitudinal range of 70 meter above sea level (masl) to 5050 masl. To determine the optimum conditions, different concentrations of MgCl2, template DNA, Taq DNA polymerase, primer, dNTPs as well as different cycling programs were analyzed. Reproducible amplification patterns were obtained using 0.4 μM of primer, 2.5 mM of MgCl2, 125 ng of template DNA, 0.2mM of dNTPs and 1U Taq DNA polymerase in 25 μl of the reaction volume. Cycling programs were also optimized. Out of 100 arbitrary primers screened, amplification performed with 24 primers generated the best RAPD fingerprints. The optimized RAPD-PCR conditions and the selected primers are suitable for further work on genetic diversity analysis of Nepalese isolates of Bt. Key words: DNA fingerprint; primer; Taq DNA polymerase; template DNA DOI: 10.3126/njst.v9i0.3171 Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 9 (2008) 91-97
Selective Utilization of Organic Solid Wastes by Earthworm (Eisenia foetida)
Authors: Pant Shankar Raj , Yami Kayo Devi
Published: June 2010

Rapid growth of population in Kathmandu valley has increased solid wastes generation tremendously. One of the best ways of managing the organic wastes is to recycle domestic wastes at the site of its origin by vermicomposting into valuable organic fertilizers. A laboratory experiment was carried out at for proper management of solid wastes of Kathmandu valley, generated from Ayurveda industry, sugar mill (bagasse), wood mill, kitchen, and vegetable and fruit markets. The experiment dealt with the decomposition of solid wastes through the action of red worm (Eisenia foetida). The vermicomposting of mixtures were carried out for 12 weeks. Observations showed that vermicompost obtained from Ayurveda industry wastes was found to be rich in N, P, K and organic matter, and vermicompost from sugarcane bagasse was found best for rapid multiplication of Eisenia foetida. Fish scales and sawdust were identified as worst substrate for this worm. Key words: vermi compost; organic solid wastes; Eisenia foetida DOI: 10.3126/njst.v9i0.3172 Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 9 (2008) 99-104
Role of Community Forests in Faunal Diversity Conservation: A Case Study of Community Forests within Satbariya Range Post of Dang District
Authors: Pokhrel Ganesh Kumar , Shah Karan Bahadur
Published: June 2010

A study was conducted to identify the role of community forests in the conservation of faunal diversity in various community forests practiced in the Satbariya Range Post of Dang district. The study aimed to understand and evaluate the role of community forests in biodiversity, especially faunal conservation efforts. Different methods such as questionnaire survey, group discussion and line transect methods were used to collect data for the determination of faunal diversity, abundance and distribution pattern of the wild animals and wildlife-people conflict. The variance to mean ratio was used to determine distribution pattern and chi-square test was used to test hypothesis that the prominent wildlife species were uniformly distributed in all habitat types in the study area. A total of 25 mammals, 16 herpetofauna and 163 bird species were recorded in the study area. Altogether, 251 different signs of the wild fauna were encountered in ten transects taken in the area. Over 93% of the local respondents agreed that the wildlife has dramatically increased due to establishment of community forests in the areas. Seasonal visits of wild elephant and blue bull to the area indicated availability of suitable habitat for the species as they were not seen before the establishment of the community forests. However, the local peoples suffered from economic loss due to the increasing number of the wildlife in the community forest as they damaged their crops and killed their livestock. High incidences of wildlife poaching were found in these community forests. Key words: community forestry program; human-wildlife conflict; wildlife abundance DOI: 10.3126/njst.v9i0.3174 Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 9 (2008) 111-117
Bird Mobility and Their Habitat at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
Authors: Dahal Bhagawan R. , Bhuju Dinesh R.
Published: June 2010

A study was carried out to prepare a baseline information on bird species and their dynamics at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. A considerable part of TIA contains grassland. A survey around the airport recorded 59 plant species, majority were berbs (57.6%). Adjacent to the airport, patches of bamboo and other trees were noticed. Based on 144 observation days during Jan-Dec 2001, the study listed 35 bird species visiting TIA, majority were residential type including scavengers. Species richness varied between 23 (January) and 14 species (August). Thirteen species were regular visitors such as dark kite and house crow. During the observation period of three hours each day afternoon, 95 birds were seen in average. The number was high in the western part of the airport which was extended to residential area. More birds were found flying from the west to the east part of the airport. Seasonally, the highest number of birds visiting TIA was in winter (133 individuals). A comparative study at a dumping site indicated that there was a close affinity between bird number/movement and waste disposal. Key words: bird strike; bird movement; seasonal variation; waste disposal DOI: 10.3126/njst.v9i0.3175 Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 9 (2008) 119-130
Metal Contamination in Ground Water of Dang District
Authors: Mahat Rajendra K. , Shrestha Rashmi
Published: June 2010

Drinking water quality in Nepal has been an issue of prevalent concern. So, this study was conducted to visualize the scenario of metal contamination in ground water of Dang district located at central west Terai in Nepal. A total of 523 water samples from tubewells and dugwells positioned in 16 village development committees (VDCs) were tested for arsenic in laboratory using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) employing continuous flow hydride generation technique. Randomly selected 20 samples were also tested for other heavy and trace metals like Mn, Fe, Cu, and Cd using AAS employing flame method. Of the total samples, 50.3% was found to contain arsenic above WHO drinking water qualty guidelines value of 10 ppb (0.01 mg/l) and 10.7% was found to contain arsenic above national drinking water quality guidelines value of 50 ppb (0.05 mg/l). The safest VDC is Sonpur while the most severely affected VDC is Gobardiha. A highest concentration of As of 240 ppb (0.24 mg/ l) was found in Dhikpur VDC. Ground water in this area seemed to be affected by high concentration of iron up to 11.01 mg/l and of manganese up to 0.51 mg/L. Statistical tools were employed to assess the probable association among metals but no significant correlation could be retrieved. Key words: hydride generation-atomic absorption spectrophotometry; redox conversion; arsenicosis; heavy and trace metals DOI: 10.3126/njst.v9i0.3178 Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 9 (2008) 143-148
Seasonal Changes in Water Quality Parameters and Sediment Nutrients in Jagadishpur Reservoir, a Ramsar Site in Nepal
Authors: Gautam Biraj , Bhattarai Bikash
Published: June 2010

Physical and chemical characteristics of waters in reservoirs are influenced by seasonal fluctuations in water and also by agricultural runoff. Such fluctuations are more frequent in Jagadishpur reservoir where rain events are strongly seasonal. To carry out the study, water samples were collected from six sites where as the soil samples were taken from four sites in four seasons (winter, spring, monsoon and autumn) in 2006. The soil and water nutrients both varied seasonally affecting the productivity of the reservoir. The productivity of the reservoir was maximum in monsoon and minimum in autumn. The release of phosphorus and nitrogen from the lake sediment to water column plays a key role in determining the nutrient level in reservoirs. The reservoir was found to be polytrophic: eutrophic on the basis of transparency and total nitrogen and hypereutrophic on the basis of phosphate concentration. Key words: productivity; polytrophic; eutrophic; hypereutrophic DOI: 10.3126/njst.v9i0.3180 Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 9 (2008) 149-156
Electrical Conductivity of a Semidilute Polyelectrolyte in Mixed Solvent Media
Authors: Bhattarai Ajaya
Published: June 2010

The electrical conductivity of solutions of sodium salt of polystyrenesulfonate in methanol-water mixed solvent media containing 8, 16, 25, and 34 weight per cent of methanol at 308.15, 313.15, 318.15 and 323.15 K was studied earlier. In that report, an attempt was made to interprete the results using the Manning Counterion Condensation Theory. Unfortunately, a major deviation of the theoretical prediction from the experimental results was noticed and the possible reasons for this discrepancy have been discussed. In this communication, the experimental conductivity have been analyzed on the basis of a new model for semi-dilute polyelectrolyte conductivity which takes into electrical conductivity of semidilute solutions of polyelectrolytes without added salt has been recently described by Colby et al. (1997) using the scaling description proposed by Dobrynin et al. (1995) for the configuration of a polyelectrolyte chain in semi-dilute solution. The predictions are found to be compared favorably well with the observed conductivity over the whole range of concentrations investigated. Key Words: conductivity; counterion; condensation; semi-dilute; Manning theory DOI: 10.3126/njst.v9i0.3182 Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 9 (2008) 163-170
Climatic Types, Their Distribution and Changes in Different Micro Meteorological Stations in Kathmandu Valley
Authors: Kattel Dambaru Ballab
Published: June 2010

The objective of this paper was to organize the information, classify and resolute the altered frequency of climatic types of different micrometeorological stations in Kathamndu valley ( Kakani, Budhanilakantha, Godavari, Khumaltar, Airport, Panipokhari, Nagarkot, Khokana and Thankot). Analyzed data of the stations revealed the prevalence of "C'' (humid mesothermal)as the major type of climate. But the "Cwa" and "Cwb" types of climate were not common for all stations of Kathmandu valley. In some stations the "Cfa "and "Cfb" types of climate were also found. The temperature of Kathmandu valley has been increasing as above the trend of global warming but not alarming result of temperature increment was noticed. During 1976 to 2006, the altered of climatic types were found only at Godavari, Khumaltar, Panipokhari and Thankot, but the altered frequency was less during the period of 30 years. The average temperature in winter (11.55°C) and summer (23.78°C) was found maximum at the Airport as compared to other stations. The thirty years total seasonal precipitation in summer was maximum at Kakani (6890.12cm) and minimum at Khumaltar (2715.58cm). However, the seasonal precipitation in winter was found maximum at Thankot (205.58cm) and minimum at Khumaltar (151.69cm). Key words: Koppen's system; climatic types; temperature; precipitation; frequency analysis DOI: 10.3126/njst.v9i0.3183 Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 9 (2008) 171-178
Nonparametric Distribution Fitting of Age at First Marriage of Nepalese Women through Scatter Plot Smoother
Authors: Shrestha Ganga , Shrestha Srijan Lal
Published: June 2010

Age at first marriage is one of the important aspects for studying fertility behavior of women since it is believed that the number of children ever born is inversely related to age at first marriage. An attempt has been made to fit the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS)-2006 data for age at first marriage of Nepalese women. The lack of fitting of some parametric distributions like lognormal and weibull was detected when applied to population census data of Nepal-2001 and the NDHS data-2006. Even though there is possibility of fitting more complex theoretical distributions, this highlighted the need to explore for alternative methods. In the process, it was identified that nonparametric smoothing is perhaps one of the viable solutions to this problem apart from fitting more sophisticated parametric distributions. Consequently, two nonparametric smoothers were examined for their suitability for distributional fitting, namely locally weighted regression smoother (LOESS) and cubic smoothing splines. Finally, cubic smoothing splines was chosen and fitted to NDHS data for Nepal and also separately for different ecological belts of Nepal since it fitted better than LOESS. Key words: cubic smoothing splines; locally weighted regression smoother; Nepal demographic and health survey; nonparametric smoothing; theoretical probability distributions DOI: 10.3126/njst.v9i0.3184 Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 9 (2008) 179-186
Markers for Detection of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Clarke Raymond A. , Schirra Horst J. , Catto James W. , Lavin Martin F. , Gardiner Robert A.
Published: June 2010

Early detection of prostate cancer is problematic, not just because of uncertainly whether a diagnosis will benefit an individual patient, but also as a result of the imprecise and invasive nature of establishing a diagnosis by biopsy. Despite its low sensitivity and specificity for identifying patients harbouring prostate cancer, serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) has become established as the most reliable and widely-used diagnostic marker for this condition. In its wake, many other markers have been described and evaluated. This review focuses on the supporting evidence for the most prominent of these for detection and also for predicting outcome in prostate cancer.
The Connection between the Presence of Melanoma and Changes in Fibre Diffraction Patterns
Authors: James Veronica J. , Kirby Nigel
Published: June 2010

An accurate diagnosis of melanomas at an early stage correlates directly with a better prognosis. However the incidence of melanoma is still increasing along with the number of related deaths. Melanoma cells grow extremely fast, with the result that many patients present after metastasis has occurred, too late for effective treatment. This paper describes the changes in the fibre diffraction patterns of skin that indicate the presence of a melanoma. Identification of these changes would provide an alternative early low-cost, reliable diagnostic test which could be conducted on a regular basis in local radiology facilities using rotating anode X-ray generators or as a mass screening test using suitable small angle x-ray beam-lines at synchrotrons.
Outpatient Follow-up and Secondary Prevention for Melanoma Patients
Authors: Gamble Ryan G. , Jensen Daniel , Suarez Andrea L. , Hanson Anne H. , McLaughlin Lauren , Duke Jodi , Dellavalle Robert P.
Published: June 2010

Health care providers and their patients jointly participate in melanoma prevention, surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment. This paper reviews screening and follow-up strategies for patients who have been diagnosed with melanoma, based on current available evidence, and focuses on methods to assess disease recurrence and second primary occurrence. Secondary prevention, including the roles of behavioral modification and chemoprevention are also reviewed. The role of follow-up dermatologist consultation, with focused physical examinations complemented by dermatoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy, and/or full-body mapping is discussed. Furthermore, we address the inclusion of routine imaging and laboratory assessment as components of follow-up and monitoring of advanced stage melanoma. The role of physicians in addressing the psychosocial stresses associated with a diagnosis of melanoma is reviewed.
Microbial Community Composition as Affected by Dryland Cropping Systems and Tillage in a Semiarid Sandy Soil
Authors: Acosta-Martínez Verónica , Dowd Scot E. , Bell Colin W. , Lascano Robert , Booker Jill D. , Zobeck Ted M. , Upchurch Dan R.
Published: June 2010

This study evaluated microbial communities of soil (0–10 cm) as affected by dryland cropping systems under different tillage practices after 5 years. The soil type was an Olton sandy loam with an average of 16.4% clay, 67.6% sand and 0.65 g kg−1 of organic matter (OM). The cropping systems evaluated were grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.)—cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) (Srg-Ct), cotton-winter rye (Secale cereale)-grain sorghum (Ct-Rye-Srg), and a rotation of forage (f) sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. and Sorghum sudanense) with winter rye (Srf-Rye), which were under no-tillage (nt) and conventional tillage (ct) practices. Soil microbial communities under cotton based cropping systems (Srg-Ct and Ct-Rye-Srg) showed lower fungal:bacterial ratios compared to the soil under Srf-Rye. Soil under Srf-Rye showed higher population densities of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria while lower Actinobacteria compared to Srg-Ct and Ct-Rye-Srg. Chloroflexi, Gemmatimonadetes and Verrucomicrobiae were higher in tilled soil compared to the no-tilled plots. Regardless the limited irrigation available to sustain agricultural production within these dryland cropping systems, this study demonstrated that differences in microbial communities are more affected by crop rotation than tillage management history. Although soil fungal diversity was not analyzed in this study, pyrosequencing suggests that tillage practices can affect bacterial phyla distribution in this sandy soil.
Expanding Horizons with Chameleon: Team Missouri’s Innovative Home Automation System
Authors: Glass Bryan , Brannon Ben , Grantham Katie , Baur Stuart
Published: June 2010

Team Missouri’s 2009 Solar Decathlon entry featured a revolutionary home automation system, Chameleon, promoting both convenience and energy savings. This was accomplished using the typical controls of a convenience based automation system, while maintaining user set points, such as a home’s ambient temperature, in the most energy efficient manner. Environmental features of the system include controls for home heating, ventilation and air conditioning, lighting, windows, shades, appliances, indoor air quality, as well as indoor and outdoor irrigation. Further analysis and refinement to the prototype system displayed at the competition is also presented in this paper.
Rapid Gas Hydrate Formation Processes: Will They Work?
Authors: Brown Thomas D. , Taylor Charles E. , Bernardo Mark P.
Published: June 2010

Researchers at DOE’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) have been investigating the formation of synthetic gas hydrates, with an emphasis on rapid and continuous hydrate formation techniques. The investigations focused on unconventional methods to reduce dissolution, induction, nucleation and crystallization times associated with natural and synthetic hydrates studies conducted in the laboratory. Numerous experiments were conducted with various high-pressure cells equipped with instrumentation to study rapid and continuous hydrate formation. The cells ranged in size from 100 mL for screening studies to proof-of-concept studies with NETL’s 15-Liter Hydrate Cell. Results from this work demonstrate that the rapid and continuous formation of methane hydrate is possible at predetermined temperatures and pressures within the stability zone of a Methane Hydrate Stability Curve (see Figure 1).
The Application of Next Generation Sequencing in DNA Methylation Analysis
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Jeltsch Albert
Published: June 2010

DNA methylation is a major form of epigenetic modification and plays essential roles in physiology and disease processes. In the human genome, about 80% of cytosines in the 56 million CpG sites are methylated to 5-methylcytosines. The methylation pattern of DNA is highly variable among cells types and developmental stages and influenced by disease processes and genetic factors, which brings considerable theoretical and technological challenges for its comprehensive mapping. Recently various high-throughput approaches based on bisulfite conversion combined with next generation sequencing have been developed and applied for the genome wide analysis of DNA methylation. These methods provide single base pair resolution, quantitative DNA methylation data with genome wide coverage. We review these methods here and discuss some technical points of special interest like the sequence depth necessary to reach conclusions, the identification of clonal DNA amplification after bisulfite conversion and the detection of non-CpG methylation. Future application of these methods will greatly facilitate the profiling of the DNA methylation in the genomes of different species, individuals and cell types under healthy and disease states.
Cigarette Smoking in Indonesia: Examination of a Myopic Model of Addictive Behaviour
Authors: Hidayat Budi , Thabrany Hasbullah
Published: June 2010

Using aggregated panel data taken from three waves of the Indonesian Family Life Survey (1993–2000), this article tests the myopic addiction behaviour of cigarette demand. Sensitivity analysis is done by examining a rational addiction behavior of cigarette demand. The results provide support for myopic addiction. The short- and long-run price elasticities of cigarette demand are estimated at −0.28 and −0.73 respectively. Excise taxes are more likely to act as an effective tobacco control in the long-run rather than a major source of government revenue.
Effects of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticle Aggregate Size on Gene Expression
Authors: Okuda-Shimazaki Junko , Takaku Saiko , Kanehira Koki , Sonezaki Shuji , Taniguchi Akiyohshi
Published: June 2010

Titanium dioxide (titania) nanoparticle aggregation is an important factor in understanding cytotoxicity. However, the effect of the aggregate size of nanoparticles on cells is unclear. We prepared two sizes of titania aggregate particles and investigated their biological activity by analyzing biomarker expression based on mRNA expression analysis. The aggregate particle sizes of small and large aggregated titania were 166 nm (PDI = 0.291) and 596 nm (PDI = 0.417), respectively. These two size groups were separated by centrifugation from the same initial nanoparticle sample. We analyzed the gene expression of biomarkers focused on stress, inflammation, and cytotoxicity. Large titania aggregates show a larger effect on cell viability and gene expression when compared with the small aggregates. This suggests that particle aggregate size is related to cellular effects.
Polymeric Microspheres for Medical Applications
Authors: Saralidze Ketie , Koole Leo H. , Knetsch Menno L.W.
Published: June 2010

Synthetic polymeric microspheres find application in a wide range of medical applications. Among other applications, microspheres are being used as bulking agents, embolic- or drug-delivery particles. The exact composition of the spheres varies with the application and therefore a large array of materials has been used to produce microspheres. In this review, the relation between microsphere synthesis and application is discussed for a number of microspheres that are used for different treatment strategies.
Element Specific Versus Integral Structural and Magnetic Properties of Co:ZnO and Gd:GaN Probed with Hard X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Ney Andreas
Published: June 2010

Dilute magnetic semiconductors (DMS) are envisioned as sources of spin-polarized carriers for future semiconductor devices which simultaneously utilize spin and charge of the carriers. The hope of discovering a DMS with ferromagnetic order up to room temperature still motivates research on suitable DMS materials. Two candidate wide-band gap DMS are Gd:GaN and Co:ZnO. We have used hard X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and in particular X-ray linear dichroism (XLD) and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) to study both DMS materials with element specificity and compare these findings with results from integral SQUID magnetometry as well as electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR).
Synthesis and in vitro Cytotoxicity of Novel Ursolic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Meng Yanqiu , Song Yanling , Yan Zhaokai , Xia Yan
Published: June 2010

In an effort to improve potential hepatoprotective and anti-tumor activities, eight novel ursolic acid (UA) derivatives were designed and synthesized with substitution at positions of C-3, C-11and C-28 of UA. Their structures were confirmed using IR, MS and 1H-NMR and elemental analysis. Their in vitro cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines (HeLa, SKOV3 and BGC-823) was evaluated by the standard MTT assay. Among them, compound 13 exhibited more potent cytotoxicity than ursolic acid.
Receptor-Based Virtual Screening of EGFR Kinase Inhibitors from the NCI Diversity Database
Authors: Choowongkomon Kiattawee , Sawatdichaikul Orathai , Songtawee Napat , Limtrakul Jumras
Published: June 2010

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) abnormalities have been associated with several types of human cancer. The crystal structures of its tyrosine kinase domain (EGFR-TK) complexed with small molecule inhibitors revealed the kinase inhibition modes, prompting us to search for novel anti-cancer drugs. A total of 1,990 compounds from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) diversity set with nonredundant structures have been tested to inhibit cancer cell lines with unknown mechanism. Cancer inhibition through EGFR-TK is one of the mechanisms of these compounds. In this work, we performed receptor-based virtual screening against the NCI diversity database. Using two different docking algorithms, AutoDock and Gold, combined with subsequent post-docking analyses, we found eight candidate compounds with high scoring functions that all bind to the ATP-competitive site of the kinase. None of these compounds belongs to the main group of the currently known EGFR-TK inhibitors. Binding mode analyses revealed that the way these compounds complexed with EGFR-TK differs from quinazoline inhibitor binding and the interaction mainly involves hydrophobic interactions. Also, the common kinase-inhibitor (NH---N and CO---HC) hydrogen bonds between the hinge region and the hit compounds are rarely observed. Our results suggest that these molecules could be developed as novel lead compounds in anti-cancer drug design.
E-Waste Recycling Systems and Sound Circulative Economies in East Asia: A Comparative Analysis of Systems in Japan, South Korea, China and Taiwan
Authors: Lee Soo-cheol , Na Sung-in
Published: June 2010

The main purpose of this paper is to review and compare E-waste management systems operating in East Asian countries in efforts to identify future challenges facing the circulative economies in the region. The first topic of this paper is cost sharing (physical and financial) as applied to the various stakeholders, including producers, consumers, local governments and recyclers, in the E-waste management systems. The second topic is the environmental and economical impacts of these E-waste management systems on recycling technology, trans-boundary movement of E-wastes and Design for Environment (DfE). The final topic is the possibility for international cooperation in the region in terms of E-waste management systems. The authors’ preliminary result is that the E-waste management systems operating in these East Asian countries have contributed to extended producer responsibility and DfE to some extent, but many challenges remain in their improvement through proper cost sharing among the stakeholders. It is also clear that the cross-border transfer of E-wastes cannot be resolved by one nation alone, and thus international cooperation will be indispensable in finding a suitable solution.
Shiga Toxin Is Transported into the Nucleoli of Intestinal Epithelial Cells via a Carrier-Dependent Process
Authors: Baibakov Boris , Murtazina Rakhilya , Elowsky Christian , Giardiello Francis M. , Kovbasnjuk Olga
Published: June 2010

Shiga toxin (Stx) produced by the invasive Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1 (S. dysenteriae1) causes gastrointestinal and kidney complications. It has been assumed that Stx is released intracellularly after enterocyte invasion by S. dysenteriae1. However, there is little information about Stx distribution inside S. dysenteriae1-infected enterocytes. Here, we use intestinal epithelial T84 cells to characterize the trafficking of Stx delivered into the cytosol, in ways that mimic aspects of S. dysenteriae1 infection. We find that cytoplasmic Stx is transported into nucleoli. Stx nucleolar movement is carrier- and energy-dependent. Stx binding to the nucleoli of normal human enterocytes in vitro supports possible roles for nucleolar trafficking in toxin-induced intestinal pathology.
Crayfish Carapace Micro-powder (CCM): A Novel and Efficient Adsorbent for Heavy Metal Ion Removal from Wastewater
Authors: Zheng Xiaodong , Li Bin , Zhu Bo , Kuang Rui , Kuang Xuan , Xu Baoli , Ma Meihu
Published: June 2010

Crayfish carapace, a plentiful waste in China, was applied to remove divalent heavy metal ions—copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb)—from wastewater. The adsorption capacities of crayfish carapace micro-powder (CCM) for heavy metal ions were studied with adsorbent dosages ranging from 0.5–2.5 g/L and with initial metal concentrations ranging from 50–250 mg/L. CCM particle size, initial solution pH (from 2.5–6.5), temperature (from 25–65 °C) and calcium level (from 3.5–21.5%) were also varied in batch mode. The results indicated that the adsorption capacity increases with both decreasing particle size and increasing calcium level of the crayfish carapace. The kinetic studies indicated that the adsorption could be complete within 2 h, and that the data correlated with the pseudo-second-order model. CCM recorded maximum uptakes of 200, 217.39, 80, and 322.58 mg/g for Cu, Cd, Zn, and Pb, respectively. The adsorption capacities and removal efficiencies of CCM for metal ions were three-times higher than those of chitin and chitosan extracted from the CCM.
Heart Rate and Systolic Blood Pressure in Patients with Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Belletti S. , Terranova P. , Lombardi F. , Mainardi L. T. , Corino V. D. A.
Published: June 2010

Background: During atrial fibrillation (AF), ventricular response is highly irregular and thus the beat-to-beat variation of blood pressure is increased because of variations in filling time and in contractility.

Objectives: Aim of the present study is to investigate the short-term dynamics of RR and SAP series in patients with AF, during rest and tilt, and after restoration of sinus rhythm. Methods: We computed symbolic sequences of the three phases, as they retain important features of the dynamics generated by the underlying control system. Then we applied a method based on rank order statistics of symbolic sequences to investigate the profile of different types of dynamics. The linguistic distance (range 0–1) between sequences represents a measure of similarity to assess whether the different physiological states are reflected on the dynamics of RR and SAP series.

Results: The distance between rest and tilt phases is 0.06 ± 0.02 for RR series, meaning they are very similar, while it is 0.21 ± 0.13 for SAP series, showing a difference in the short-term dynamics. RR mean decreases during tilt (738 ± 164 vs. 692 ± 152 ms, p < 0.05, rest vs. tilt), while mean SAP is not significantly different (101 ± 20 vs. 104 ± 14 mmHg, rest vs. tilt). Comparing AF and sinus rhythm, both RR and SAP series result different in terms of the computed distance.

Conclusions: SAP short-term dynamics seem to significantly change when comparing rest and tilt phases, while RR series remain unchanged. Moreover, RR mean but not SAP series significantly decreases during tilt.