bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors Drive Global Persistent Inhibition in the Visual Thalamus
Authors: Pressler R. Todd , Regehr Wade G.
Published: February 2013

Within the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) of the thalamus, retinal ganglion cell (RGC) projections excite thalamocortical (TC) cells that in turn relay visual information to the cortex. Local interneurons in the dLGN regulate the output of TC cells by releasing GABA from their axonal boutons and specialized dendritic spines. Here we examine the functional role of these highly specialized interneurons and how they inhibit TC cells in mouse brain slices. It was widely thought that activation of metabotropic glutamate receptor type 5 (mGluR5) on interneuron spines leads to local GABA release restricted to sites receiving active RGC inputs. We reexamined experiments that supported this view, and found that in the presence of TTX, mGluR5 agonists evoked GABA release that could instead be explained by interneuron depolarization and widespread intracellular calcium increases. We also examined GABA release evoked by RGC activation and found that high-frequency stimulation induces a long-lasting subthreshold afterdepolarization, persistent firing, or prolonged plateau potentials in interneurons and evokes sustained GABA release. mGluR5 antagonists virtually eliminated sustained spiking and the resulting widespread calcium-signals, and reduced inhibition by >50%. The remaining inhibition appeared to be mediated by a fraction of interneurons in which plateau potentials produced large and widespread calcium increases. Local calcium signals required for local GABA release were not observed. These findings indicate that, contrary to the previous view, RGC activation does not simply evoke localized GABA release by activating mGluR5, rather, synaptic activation of mGluR5 acts primarily by depolarizing interneurons and evoking widespread dendritic GABA release.
High-Frequency Pallidal Stimulation Disrupts Information Flow through the Pallidum by GABAergic Inhibition
Authors: Chiken Satomi , Nambu Atsushi
Published: February 2013

To elucidate the mechanism of deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting the internal segment of the globus pallidus (GPi), neuronal activity of the GPi and the external segment of the globus pallidus (GPe) was examined during local electrical microstimulation in normal awake monkeys. Single-pulse stimulation of the GPi evoked brief inhibition in neighboring GPi neurons, which was mediated by GABAAreceptors. High-frequency stimulation of the GPi completely inhibited spontaneous firings of GPi neurons by activation of GABAAand GABABreceptors. Local single-pulse stimulation directly excited some GPi neurons. Such directly evoked responses were also inhibited by high-frequency stimulation through GABAAreceptors. In contrast to the GPi, single-pulse and high-frequency stimulation of the GPe induced complex responses composed of GABAergic inhibition and glutamatergic excitation in neighboring GPe neurons. Cortically evoked triphasic responses of GPi neurons were completely inhibited during high-frequency GPi stimulation. These findings suggest that GPi-DBS dissociates inputs and outputs in the GPi by intense GABAergic inhibition and disrupts information flow through the GPi.
Receptive-Field Subfields of V2 Neurons in Macaque Monkeys Are Adult-Like Near Birth
Authors: Zhang Bin , Tao Xiaofeng , Shen Guofu , Smith Earl L. , Ohzawa Izumi , Chino Yuzo M.
Published: February 2013

Infant primates can discriminate texture-defined form despite their relatively low visual acuity. The neuronal mechanisms underlying this remarkable visual capacity of infants have not been studied in nonhuman primates. Since many V2 neurons in adult monkeys can extract the local features in complex stimuli that are required for form vision, we used two-dimensional dynamic noise stimuli and local spectral reverse correlation to measure whether the spatial map of receptive-field subfields in individual V2 neurons is sufficiently mature near birth to capture local features. As in adults, most V2 neurons in 4-week-old monkeys showed a relatively high degree of homogeneity in the spatial matrix of facilitatory subfields. However, ∼25% of V2 neurons had the subfield map where the neighboring facilitatory subfields substantially differed in their preferred orientations and spatial frequencies. Over 80% of V2 neurons in both infants and adults had “tuned” suppressive profiles in their subfield maps that could alter the tuning properties of facilitatory profiles. The differences in the preferred orientations between facilitatory and suppressive profiles were relatively large but extended over a broad range. Response immaturities in infants were mild; the overall strength of facilitatory subfield responses was lower than that in adults, and the optimal correlation delay (“latency”) was longer in 4-week-old infants. These results suggest that as early as 4 weeks of age, the spatial receptive-field structure of V2 neurons is as complex as in adults and the ability of V2 neurons to compare local features of neighboring stimulus elements is nearly adult like.
Myelin Loss Does Not Lead to Axonal Degeneration in a Long-Lived Model of Chronic Demyelination
Authors: Smith Chelsey M. , Cooksey Elizabeth , Duncan Ian D.
Published: February 2013

Current dogma suggests that chronically demyelinated axons are at risk for degeneration, with axonal loss resulting in permanent disability in myelin disease. However, the trophic role of the myelin sheath in long-term axonal survival is incompletely understood. Previous observations of the effect of dysmyelination or demyelination on axonal survival in the myelin mutants has been limited because of their short life span. In this study, we used the Long–Evans shaker (les) rat, which can live up to 9 months, to study axonal health and survival after chronic demyelination. At 2 weeks, ∼29% of medium and ∼47% of large fiber axons are myelinated inlesspinal cord. However, by 3 months, no medium and ∼<1% of large-diameter axons retain myelin. After demyelination, axons have a reduced-caliber, abnormal neurofilament distribution and an increase in mitochondrial number. However, there are no signs of axonal degeneration inlesrats up to 9 months. Instead, there is a profound increase in oligodendrocytes, which were found to express BDNF, NT-3, and IGF-1. Importantly, this study providesin vivoevidence that mature glial cells produce various neurotrophic factors that may aid in the survival of axons after chronic demyelination.
Role of Estrogen Receptor α and β in Preserving Hippocampal Function during Aging
Authors: Han Xiaoxia , Aenlle Kristina K. , Bean Linda A. , Rani Asha , Semple-Rowland Susan L. , Kumar Ashok , Foster Thomas C.
Published: February 2013

The expression of the ERα and ERβ estrogen receptors in the hippocampus may be important in the etiology of age-related cognitive decline. To examine the role of ERα and ERβ in regulating transcription and learning, ovariectomized wild-type (WT) and ERα and ERβ knockout (KO) mice were used. Hippocampal gene transcription in young ERαKO mice was similar to WT mice 6 h after a single estradiol treatment. In middle-age ERαKO mice, hormone deprivation was associated with a decrease in the expression of select genes associated with the blood–brain barrier; cyclic estradiol treatment increased transcription of these select genes and improved learning in these mice. In contrast to ERαKO mice, ERβKO mice exhibited a basal hippocampal gene profile similar to WT mice treated with estradiol and, in the absence of estradiol treatment, young and middle-age ERβKO mice exhibited preserved learning on the water maze. The preserved memory performance of middle-age ERβKO mice could be reversed by lentiviral delivery of ERβ to the hippocampus. These results suggest that one function of ERβ is to regulate ERα-mediated transcription in the hippocampus. This model is supported by our observations that knockout of ERβ under conditions of low estradiol allowed ERα-mediated transcription. As estradiol levels increased in the absence of ERα, we observed that other mechanisms, likely including ERβ, regulated transcription and maintained hippocampal-dependent memory. Thus, our results indicate that ERα and ERβ interact with hormone levels to regulate transcription involved in maintaining hippocampal function during aging.
The Presynaptic Choline Transporter Imposes Limits on Sustained Cortical Acetylcholine Release and Attention
Authors: Parikh Vinay , St. Peters Megan , Blakely Randy D. , Sarter Martin
Published: February 2013

Functional variation in the gene encoding the presynaptic choline transporter (CHT) has been linked to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Here, we report that a heterozygous deletion in the CHT gene in mice (CHT+/−) limits the capacity of cholinergic neurons to sustain acetylcholine (ACh) release and attentional performance. Cortical microdialysis and amperometric methods revealed that, whereas wild-type and CHT+/−animals support equivalent basal ACh release and choline clearance, CHT+/−animals exhibit a significant inability to elevate extracellular ACh following basal forebrain stimulation, in parallel with a diminished choline clearance capacity following cessation of stimulation. Consistent with these findings, the density of CHTs in cortical synaptosomal plasma membrane-enriched fractions from unstimulated CHT+/−animals matched those observed in wild-type animals despite reductions in CHT levels in total extracts, achieved via a redistribution of CHT from vesicle pools. As a consequence, in CHT+/−animals, basal forebrain stimulation was unable to mobilize wild-type quantities of CHT to the plasma membrane. In behavioral studies, CHT+/−mice were impaired in performing a sustained attention task known to depend on cortical cholinergic activity. In wild-type mice, but not CHT+/−mice, attentional performance increased the density of CHTs in the synaptosomal membrane in the right frontal cortex. Basal CHT levels in vesicle-enriched membranes predicted the degree of CHT mobilization as well as individual variations in performance on the sustained attention task. Our findings demonstrate biochemical and physiological alterations that underlie cognitive impairments associated with genetically imposed reductions in choline uptake capacity.
Fast Simulation of Pattern Formation and Process Dependencies in Roller Nanoimprint Lithography
Authors: Taylor Hayden K.
Published: February 2013

We contribute a fast numerical approach to simulating the roller-imprinting of complex patterns. The technique predicts the extent to which imprinted patterns are fully formed, as well as variation of the imprinted material’s residual layer thickness (RLT). The approach can be used for roll-to-roll and roll-to-plate configurations, and for rollers with or without elastomeric coatings. If patterns vary in pitch, shape or areal density across the roller, RLT and the completeness of pattern transfer can vary with position as well as with processing parameters, and our technique is able to model these effects. The technique has been successfully validated against published experimental data from two different roller-NIL processes: one involving an ultraviolet-curing resist film on a glass plate, and another involving a flexible thermoplastic web softened at its surface.
Microfluidic Approaches for the Study of Emulsions: Transport of Solutes
Authors: Gruner Philipp , Skhiri Yousr , Semin Benoit , Brosseau Quentin , Griffiths Andrew D. , Taly Valérie , Baret Jean-Christophe
Published: February 2013

Molecular transport as an ageing process in emulsions is revisited using microfluidic droplet production, manipulation and analysis. We show how microfluidic systems provide extremely quantitative insights into the phenomenon. We designed microfluidic systems to address the specificity of molecular transport in fluorinated oils and showed the role of the surfactant solubilised in the oil phase on the time scale of the exchange and rationalize the effect of water soluble additives on the exchange rate. Finally, we also demonstrate that the droplet packing influences the exchange rate through the number of first neighbours.
An efficient urea biosensor based on laser ablated ZnO thin film
Authors: Batra Neha , Tomar Monika , Gupta Vinay
Published: February 2013

Zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film deposited onto indium tin oxide (ITO) coated Corning glass substrates using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique has been used as a matrix for realization of an efficient urea biosensor after immobilization of urease (Urs) enzyme onto the surface of ZnO. The bioelectrode (Urs/ZnO/ITO/glass) is found to be exhibiting an enhanced sensitivity of 22μΑmΜ−1cm−2 towards urea over a wide detection range of 5-200 mg/dl. The relatively low value of Michaelis menten constant (Km= 0.94mM) indicates high affinity of the immobilized urease towards the analyte (urea). The prepared biosensor retains 90% of its activity for more than 10 weeks. The observed enhanced response characteristics of bioelectrode are attributed to the growth of the matrix (highly c-axis oriented ZnO thin film) with desired surface morphology and high electron communication feature. The results confirm the promising application of PLD grown ZnO thin film as an efficient matrix for urea detection.
Ler e escrever sobre corpos: metodologia feminista para letramento de jovens
Authors: Pinto Joana Plaza
Published: February 2013

Trata-se de projeto de estudo e prática em torno da questão do letramento para jovens. A experiência ocorreu no contexto de forte preocupação com o desenvolvimento da metodologia feminista, por isso houve uma intercalação dos dois assuntos. A experiência amadureceu para uma prática e o estudo sobre o desenvolvimento de metodologia feminista, para o letramento de jovens. Os participantes do projeto foram estudantes da rede pública de educação, em Goiânia (GO), e os temas centrais, as relações de gênero e sexualidade. A sede do projeto foi uma organização não governamental feminista. As atividades contemplavam oficinas regulares e a publicação de uma cartilha. Os resultados mostraram baixo interesse de meninos na proposta, mas alta adesão tanto de meninas quanto de meninos: a maior parte dos que começaram as oficinas foi até o fim.
Linguajamentos e contra-hegemonias epistêmicas sobre linguagem em produções escritas indígenas
Authors: Oliveira Elismênnia Aparecida , Pinto Joana Plaza
Published: February 2013

Este artigo, resultado de uma pesquisa qualitativa documental, discute práticas epistêmicas sobre linguagem de autoras e autores indígenas residentes no Brasil. Com base em autoras e autores indígenas e não indígenas - decolonialistas e pós-estruturalistas - confrontamos suas concepções de linguagem, considerando a construção das sociedades indígenas como o outro/objeto, que está presente na produção hegemônica de saber sobre linguagem. Consideramos o processo de silenciamento a que as etnias indígenas foram sujeitadas, e também o processo de resistência e apropriação de práticas e conceitos dos não indígenas, assim como coexistência de conceitos como língua, escrita e identidade. Como conclusão, apontamos a necessidade de ampliar o olhar epistemológico para dar conta de práticas discursivas coexistentes às do não indígena.
Reduction of the clogging potential of clays: new chemical applications and novel quantification approaches
Authors: ZUMSTEG R. , PLöTZE M. , PUZRIN A.
Published: February 2013

Earth pressure balance machines are increasingly being used for tunnelling in difficult soils and ground conditions. In clayey soils, clogging of the working tools is among the main hazards. Attempts to reduce this risk by adding anti-clogging chemicals do not always produce the desired effect. In this paper, the limited efficiency of the existing conditioning chemicals is quantified and explained, and an enhanced interaction mechanism is proposed. This mechanism is based on sealing the clay aggregates against the penetration of water; it requires the addition of polyamine chemicals, as a newly patented application. These chemicals have been shown to dramatically reduce the clogging potential of different clay pastes over a broad range of water contents, using novel approaches for quantifying the clogging behaviour of clays in general. These methods also establish important correlations between empirical stickiness and more fundamental soil parameters, and in particular the ratio between adhesion and strength. Together with microscopic investigations and adsorption measurements, this provides insight into the working mechanism of the new chemicals at the particle level; it also highlights the differences between this mechanism and that of commercially used foams and polymers.
Dynamic response of liquefiable sand improved by microbial-induced calcite precipitation
Authors: MONTOYA B.M. , DEJONG J.T. , BOULANGER R.W.
Published: February 2013

Microbial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP), a novel bio-mediated ground improvement method, was explored to mitigate liquefaction-prone soils. Geotechnical centrifuge tests were used to evaluate cementation integrity and the response of MICP cemented sands to dynamic loading. The cementation integrity testing reveals a change in behaviour from ‘soil like' to ‘rock like', with an increase in treatment level. Results from dynamic testing demonstrate a clear increase in resistance to liquefaction of MICP-treated sands compared to untreated loose sand. The MICP sands were treated to varying levels of cementation (light, moderate and heavy cementation levels) and assessed using non-destructive shear wave velocity measurements. The centrifuge models were all subjected to ground motions consisting of sine waves with increasing amplitudes. Accelerations, pore pressures and settlements were measured in the soil during shaking, and the changes in soil behaviour and post-shaking shear wave velocity for soils prepared to different cementation levels are discussed. Increased resistance to liquefaction was demonstrated with a decrease in excess pore pressure ratios in the MICP-treated models, as well as in reduced post-shaking settlements; however, surface accelerations were amplified at heavy levels of cementation. A tradeoff between improving liquefaction resistance and minimising undesirable higher surface accelerations needs to be considered when designing the soil improvement level.
Growth of polymer microstructures between stressed silica grains: a chemo-mechanical coupling
Authors: GUO R. , HUECKEL T.
Published: February 2013

Laboratory tests on the micro scale are reported in which two amorphous silica cubes were compressed in a liquid environment, in solutions with different silica ion concentrations, for up to 3 weeks. Such an arrangement represents an idealised representation of two sand grains. The grain surfaces and asperities were examined in the scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope (AFM) for fractures, silica gel growth and polymer strength. In 500 ppm solution, silica gel structures a few hundred micrometres long appeared between stressed silica cubes. In 200 ppm solution, silica deposits were found around damaged grain surfaces, while at 90 ppm (below silica solubility in neutral pH), fibres a few micrometres in length were found growing in cube cracks. AFM pulling tests found polymers with strength of the order of 100 nN. It was concluded that prolonged compression produced damage in grains, raising local silicon ion concentration and accelerating precipitation, polymerisation and gelation of silica on grain surfaces, enhancing soil strength at the micro scale, and hence most likely contributing to the ageing phenomenon observed at the macro scale.
Comparative study of breakwater crown wall – calculation methods
Authors: Negro Valdecantos Vicente , López Gutiérrez José Santos , Polvorinos Flors Jose Ignacio
Published: February 2013

An investigation was undertaken consisting of a state-of-the-art and comparative analysis of currently available methods for calculating the structural stability of wave walls in sloping breakwaters. A total of six design schemes are addressed. The conditions under which the formulations and ranges of validity are explicitly indicated by their authors, are given. The lack of definition in parameters to be used and aspects not taken into account in their investigations are discussed and the results of this analysis are given in a final table. An investigation proposal based on an energy approach, in which the transmission of waves incident on the porous medium and its effect on the wall face is studied, brings the discussion to its close.
The impact of tsunami-induced bores on buildings
Authors: Chinnarasri Chaiyuth , Thanasisathit Nuttawut , Ruangrassamee Anat , Weesakul Sutat , Lukkunaprasit Panitan
Published: February 2013

The impact of tsunami-induced bores on buildings was investigated experimentally using 1:100 scale models. Three nominal wave conditions roughly equivalent to the maximum flow depths found at the modelled locations were investigated. A solitary-like wave was generated in deep water by the abrupt release of water from an elevated tank of known storage volume. This type of crest-led wave typically breaks on mildly sloping beaches and here became a bore-like broken wave before reaching the model. Based on the pressure profile at various instants in time, a simplified pressure profile is proposed for the maximum force acting on the structure during the run-up process. The force per unit width for a rectangular building is approximately the same as that experienced by a square configuration. The force on the projected area of an octagonal building, however, is reduced by about 20% compared with the square building. The reduction in wave force on the front panel is estimated to be about 25 and 50% for an opening configuration of 25 and 50%, respectively.
Cube, cylinder, core and pull-off strength relationships
Authors: Dillon Ryan , Rankin G. I. B.
Published: February 2013

This limited experimental investigation examined the relationships between the compressive strengths of cubes, cylinders, cores and the estimated compressive strengths derived from pull-off tests for a relatively low-strength structural-grade concrete (<35 N/mm2). Test specimens were cast and tested at 7, 14, 28, 56 and 84 days. The relationships of the trends of the test results to the trends of results of standard cube specimens and standard cylinder specimens were compared. It was found that the mean strength of each type of specimen tended to increase as a function of the natural logarithm of the specimen age. The mean strength of cylinders of length/diameter ratio 2·0 was found to be slightly greater (by about 7·5%) than the generally accepted value of 80% of the mean cube strength. Core results were corrected using correction factors defined in BS 6089 and the UK national annex to BS EN 12504-1. The mean corrected cube strength of cores taken from cubes was approximately 12% greater than the mean companion cube strength. The mean corrected cylinder strength of cores taken from cubes was approximately 5% greater than the mean companion cylinder strength. The potential cube and cylinder strengths of cores taken from slabs cured under different environmental conditions correlated well with companion cube and cylinder strengths, respectively, at 28 days. The pull-off test results gave a variable but, on average, slightly conservative estimate of the cube compressive strength of the relatively low-strength structural-grade concrete, using a simple general linear estimated compressive cube strength to tensile strength correlation factor of 10.
Ecosystem engineers on plants: indirect facilitation of arthropod communities by leaf‐rollers at different scales
Authors: Vieira Camila , Romero Gustavo Q.
Published: February 2013

Ecosystem engineering is a process by which organisms change the distribution of resources and create new habitats for other species via non‐trophic interactions. Leaf‐rolling caterpillars can act as ecosystem engineers because they provide shelter to secondary users. In this study, we report the influence of leaf‐rolling caterpillars on speciose tropical arthropod communities along both spatial scales (leaf‐level and plant‐level effects) and temporal scales (dry and rainy seasons). We predict that rolled leaves can amplify arthropod diversity at both the leaf and plant levels and that this effect is stronger in dry seasons, when arthropods are prone to desiccation. Our results show that the abundance, richness, and biomass of arthropods within several guilds increased up to 22‐fold in naturally and artificially created leaf shelters relative to unaltered leaves. These effects were observed at similar magnitudes at both the leaf and plant scales. Variation in the shelter architecture (funnel, cylinders) did not influence arthropod parameters, as diversity, abundance, or biomass, but rolled leaves had distinct species composition if compared with unaltered leaves. As expected, these arthropod parameters on the plants with rolled leaves were on average approximately twofold higher in the dry season. Empty leaf rolls and whole plants were rapidly recolonized by arthropods over time, implying a fast replacement of individuals; within 15‐day intervals the rolls and plants reached a species saturation. This study is the first to examine the extended effects of engineering caterpillars as diversity amplifiers at different temporal and spatial scales. Because shelter‐building caterpillars are ubiquitous organisms in tropical and temperate forests, they can be considered key structuring elements for arthropod communities on plants.
Stochastic simulation for determining the design flood of cascade reservoir systems
Authors: Lu Baohong , Gu Huanghe , Xie Ziyin , Liu Jiufu , Ma Lejun , Lu Weixian
Published: February 2013

Stochastic simulation is widely applied for estimating the design flood of various hydrosystems. The design flood at a reservoir site should consider the impact of upstream reservoirs, along with any development of hydropower. This paper investigates and applies a stochastic simulation approach for determining the design flood of a complex cascade of reservoirs in the Longtan watershed, southern China. The magnitude of the design flood when the impact of the upstream reservoirs is considered is less than that without considering them. In particular, the stochastic simulation model takes into account both systematic and historical flood records. As the reliability of the frequency analysis increases with more representative samples, it is desirable to incorporate historical flood records, if available, into the stochastic simulation model. This study shows that the design values from the stochastic simulation method with historical flood records are higher than those without historical flood records. The paper demonstrates the advantages of adopting a stochastic flow simulation approach to address design-flood-related issues for a complex cascade reservoir system.
A novel multiple flow direction algorithm for computing the topographic wetness index
Authors: Yong Bin , Ren Li-Liang , Hong Yang , Gourley Jonathan J. , Chen Xi , Zhang You-Jing , Yang Xiao-Li , Zhang Zeng-Xin , Wang Wei-Guang
Published: February 2013

The topographic wetness index (TWI), frequently used in approximately characterizing the spatial distribution of soil moisture and surface saturation within a watershed, has been widely applied in topography-related geographical processes and hydrological models. However, it is still questionable whether the current algorithms of TWI can adequately model the spatial distribution of topographic characteristics. Based upon the widely-used multiple flow direction approach (MFD), a novel MFD algorithm (NMFD) is proposed for improving the TWI derivation using a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) in this study. Compared with MFD, NMFD improves the mathematical equations of the contributing area and more precisely calculates the effective contour length. Additionally, a varying exponent strategy is adopted to dynamically determine the downslope flow-partition exponent. Finally, a flow-direction tracking method is employed to address grid cells in flat terrain. The NMFD algorithm is first applied to a catchment located upstream of the Hanjiang River in China to demonstrate its accuracy and improvements. Then NMFD is quantitatively evaluated by using four types of artificial mathematical surfaces. The results indicate that the error generated by NMFD is generally lower than that computed by MFD, and NMFD is able to more accurately represent the hydrological similarity of watersheds.
Estimating and validating basin-scale actual evapotranspiration using MODIS images and hydrologic models
Authors: Fang Xiuqin , Ren Liliang , Li Qiongfang , Liu Xiaofan , Yuan Fei , Zhao Dengzhong , Zhu Qiuan
Published: February 2013

An algorithm for estimating daily spatial actual evapotranspiration (ET) from remotely sensed MODIS data is presented. It is based on the surface energy balance scheme and the modified Priestley–Taylor equation, and has been applied to the MODIS data acquired during growing seasons over the Laohahe River basin, northeastern China. Spatial distributed mapping of daily ET for 22 clear sky days in the year of 2000 from MODIS images over the study area were obtained. In order to validate ET values estimated from MODIS data, regional daily ET values were calculated using the lumped modified Xinanjiang hydrologic model and distributed SWAT model based on the water balance scheme, respectively. The relationship between actual daily ET estimated from MODIS images and basin-scale ET calculated from the hydrologic model were in good agreement with acceptable correlation coefficient. The results suggested that the algorithm is applicable and operational for estimating and mapping basin-scale distributed daily actual ET over the study area. In order to use the algorithm proposed by this paper for water resource management and agricultural decision making, the algorithm should be validated using more data and be tested under different environment and different land use scenario conditions in future work.
Sensitivity analysis of Xinanjiang rainfall–runoff model parameters: a case study in Lianghui, Zhejiang province, China
Authors: Zhang Danrong , Zhang Liru , Guan Yiqing , Chen Xi , Chen Xinfang
Published: February 2013

The Xinanjiang rainfall–runoff model has been successfully applied in many humid and sub-humid areas in China since 1973. The wide application is due to the simple model structure, the clear physical meaning of the parameters and the well-defined model calibration procedure. However, due to a data scarcity problem and short runoff concentration time, its applications to small drainage basins are difficult. Therefore, we investigate the model application in Lianghui, a small drainage basin of Zhejiang province in China. By using generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) methodology, the sensitivity of parameters of Xinanjiang model was investigated. The data clearly showed that equifinality phenomenon was evident in both water balance parameter calibration and runoff routing parameter calibration procedures. The results showed that K (evapotranspiration conversion coefficient), Cs (recession constant in channel system) and Sm (areal free water storage capacity of surface soil) are the most sensitive parameters for the water balance parameter calibration while Cs, Sm and Wm (mean area tension water capacity) are the most sensitive parameters for runoff routing parameter calibration. The conclusion is favourable for understanding parameters of Xinanjiang model in order to provide valuable scientific information for simulating hydrological processes in small drainage basins.
Observing cross-sectional images and averaged optical patterns of photonic crystal fibers using partially incoherent laser light
Authors: Sheu F. W. , Chen J. Y.
Published: February 2013

We couple the coherent laser light and the partially incoherent laser light into the photonic crystal fibers, respectively, and compare the observed fiber cross-sectional images. Lower coherence light can indeed help us obtain higher-quality and uniform cross-sectional images on the fiber output endfaces. We have observed rather unique and clear averaged optical mode patterns within the microstructures of a silica-air index-guiding solid-core photonic crystal fiber, which might be due to the stress-induced refractive-index inhomogeneity formed therein during the fiber manufacturing process. The experimental results are also compared with those images taken by other light sources or imaging systems. Besides, we successfully achieve capturing consecutively the various near-field averaged optical patterns of the solid-core photonic crystal fiber using this single-wavelength partially incoherent laser light imaging system.
Mountain Tourism and Climate Change: Implications for the Nepal Himalaya
Authors: Nepal Sanjay K
Published: February 2013

Despite the global nature of tourism industry and its economic contributions, scholars of climate change research have hardly acknowledged the threat of climate change to the tourism industry. Tourism scholars have rectified this situation to a certain extent by demonstrating how the industry has become vulnerable to climate change and drawing attention to the need for adaptation and mitigation strategies specific to this sector. This paper provides an overview of climate change challenges in tourism destinations in the mountains, with a particular emphasis in developing countries and with specific reference to the Nepal Himalaya. It outlines several adaptation strategies at the local, state and national levels. Climatic effects on high mountains are very specific; climate change is likely to trigger the rates and intensity of natural hazards such as landslides, avalanches and flooding with dramatic consequences for tourism destinations. Adaptation strategies in the context of natural hazards must consider the level of risks and weigh it against costs and benefits of adaptation. If benefits outweigh the costs, it is likely that the level of local responses to adaptation will be high. If the level of risk and associated costs is too high, local communities may be fatalistic in their attitude to climate change impacts. The paper outlines adaptation strategies for tourism stakeholders, resident communities and governments and emphasizes that climate change strategies in the tourism sector must be considered as a collaborative effort, with considerations for institutional development, diversification of opportunities, equity and sustainable economic growth. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ntdr.v1i1.7367 Nepal Tourism and Development Review Vol.1(1) 2011 1-14
Tourism Development in Upper Manang Valley of Annapurna Region
Authors: Subedi Bhim P , Chapagain Prem Sagar
Published: February 2013

The Context: People have traveled throughout history as they have moved from one place to another for various reasons. However, as a business and as guided by individual and group’s voluntary activity, it flourished after the second half of the 20th century, especially after the Second World War. Nepal followed a similar pattern as it was opened for outsiders only after 1950. Since then Nepal’s natural beauty within various ecological zones and its rich cultural heritage have attracted large number of tourists annually from around the world and particularly from Western Europe. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ntdr.v1i1.7370 Nepal Tourism and Development Review Vol.1(1) 2011 56-68
Capacity Building and Human Resource Development Initiatives: Community Based Tourism Development in Nepal
Authors: Pandey Rabi Jung
Published: February 2013

Community Based Tourism (CBT) in Nepal is considered one of the important industries for sustainable development and empowerment. The government is apprehensive on promoting this industry with higher priority. With a view, it being an employment-oriented industry there is a notion that it could solve the socio-economic discrepancies, if expanded to many areas of the country. Taking these facts into consideration, it has been initiated to develop community-based tourism with wider objectives. It is also argued that the impacts on livelihoods and not just income need to be assessed along with the variety of positive and negative effects. There is a strong belief that CBT capacitates and empowers local people as actors in tourism planning, development and management. There is a perception among the local stakeholders that CBT helps them understand how tourism could contribute to their well-being and take active roles to minimize the negative impacts of tourism. It is intended that the management, development and ownership of local tourism resources and products should be carried out by the local communities themselves to ensure maximum tourism benefits to the local stakeholders, making them more responsible. Despite the fact that there are numerous training courses being run particularly focused on the tourism development in Nepal, there is still a deficiency of more CBT related training manuals. Effective teaching and learning process, sharing knowledge and experiences amongst the trainers, participants as well as other stakeholders are still in high demand. Furthermore, proper monitoring and follow-up practices of executed training events are preferred to be ensured. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ntdr.v1i1.7373 Nepal Tourism and Development Review Vol.1(1) 2011 83-101
Book Review: Classic Hikes of the World
Authors: Sharma Sunil
Published: February 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ntdr.v1i1.7375Nepal Tourism and Development Review Vol.1(1) 2011 124-126
Nepal Tourism Year 2011
Authors: Bhandari Kashi Raj
Published: February 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ntdr.v1i1.7376 Nepal Tourism and Development Review Vol.1(1) 2011 127-130
Le déploiement des caméras de surveillance dans les rues et autres espaces publics au Canada : Au-delà des stratégies d'opposition et d'encadrement
Authors: Boudreau Christian
Published: February 2013

Le présent article porte sur le déploiement des caméras de surveillance dans les rues et autres espaces publics au Canada. À partir d'une recherche documentaire étendue, l'auteur s'attache d'abord à faire le lien entre le timide déploiement des caméras de surveillance dans les rues au Canada et les stratégies d'opposition et d'encadrement efficaces adoptées jusqu'à présent par divers acteurs sociaux. Il montre ensuite que les rapports de force entre partisans et adversaires des caméras de surveillance n'expliquent pas tout, et que le déploiement de la vidéosurveillance dans les divers lieux accessibles au public va bon train, le plus souvent sans rencontrer d'opposition. Plusieurs phénomènes sociaux, économiques et technologiques, en particulier la revitalisation des quartiers centraux, la médiatisation des crimes violents, les innovations en matière de vidéosurveillance et l'utilisation des caméras de surveillance dans les enquêtes policières, participent à ce déploiement. En conclusion, l'auteur insiste sur la nécessité de revoir la gouvernance des systèmes de surveillance dans les lieux publics en général afin d'éviter de possibles dérives.
Sickness and Treatment: A Situation Analysis among the Garments Workers
Authors: Rahman Md Atiqur , Rahman Md Mahfuzar
Published: February 2013

This was a descriptive type of cross sectional study among 522 garments workers as  respondents. It was aimed to identify morbidity pattern, duration of illness among garments  workers and also to determine treatment seeking behavior during illness. The socio-demographic  characteristics of the respondents were the points of investigations.  It was revealed from the findings that the mean age of the respondents were 23.1years. They  were mostly female (80%) and married (60%). About 60% respondents were found primarily  educated and no one found illiterate. 90% respondents were found from nucleated family. The  study shows 79% respondents were suffering from illness during the last 02 months and majority  suffers (18.6%) and (43.6%) were found among 26-30 years age groups and 21-25 years age  groups respectively. However, female sufferers were more (33.6%) than male (10%) in the 21-  25 years age groups. Moreover about 42% respondents were suffering for 1-2 weeks and 28.8  are suffering for less than 02 weeks. On the otherhands, Loose motion, Cough, and  Breathlessness were found prominent sign/symptoms among 38%, 29%, 28% sufferers  respectively. Diarrhoea, Common cold and Respiratory Tract Infections were found as  predominant diagnosis among 40.5%, 22.5% & 15.1% respondents respectively. Nevertheless  majority 56% were seeking treatment from LMAF doctors. Conclusion: The study findings  highlight awareness program among factory owners and garments workers towards preventing  infectious and chronic diseases as well as to undertake modern scientific treatment. Improved  health care facilities in the garments factory may be considered for early detection and treatment  of cases to avoid complications. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/akmmcj.v4i1.13678 AKMMC J 2013: 4(1): 10-14
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): A Short Review
Authors: Rahman Md Tahminur , Uddin Muhammed Salah , Sultana Razia , Moue Arumina , Setu Muntahina
Published: February 2013

Diagnosis of disease now a days is mostly laboratory dependent. Due to recent advances in medical science and molecular biology, most of the diagnosis of uncommon, complicated, unusual presentation of disease has left the option of molecular diagnosis as the number one diagnostic modalities. Many molecular techniques are now being widely used throughout the  world including PCR, flow cytometry, tissue microarray, different blots, and genetic diagnosis. Among these PCR is the most widely accepted, commonly used diagnostic modalities with very high specificity and sensitivity for correct diagnosis. We have reviewed the principle, application, advantages and disadvantages of PCR in laboratory diagnosis of disease. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/akmmcj.v4i1.13682 AKMMC J 2013: 4(1): 30-36
From the Desk of the Editor in Chief
Authors: Rahman Md Tahminur
Published: February 2013

Not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/akmmcj.v4i1.13687 AKMMC J 2013: 4(1): 48-48
On Derivations In Prime Gamma-Near-Rings
Authors: Dey Kalyan Kumar , Paul Akhil Chandra
Published: February 2013

Let N be a non zero-symmetric left ?-near-ring. If N is a prime ?-near-ring with  nonzero derivations D1 and D2 such that D1(x)?D2(y) = D2(x)?D1(y) for every x, y?N and ???, then we prove that N is an abelian ?-near-ring. Again if N is a 2-torsion  free prime ?-near-ring and D1 and D2 are derivations satisfying D1(x)?D2(y) =  D2(x)?D1(y) for every x, y?N and ???, then we prove that D1D2 is a derivation on N if and only if D1 = 0 or D2 = 0. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v32i0.13642 GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. (ISSN 1606-3694) 32 (2012) 23-28
Structures Of Surfaces With Non-Zero Constant Curvature
Authors: Hossain Mohd Altab
Published: February 2013

In this paper, surfaces of positive constant curvature and those of negative    curvature are studied. In certain cases, a very few important structures of    this class of surfaces have been obtained. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v32i0.13644 GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. (ISSN 1606-3694) 32 (2012) 37-41
Contemporary Art: 1989 to the Present. Edited by Alexander Dumbadze and Suzanne Hudson. Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester, West Sussex, UK, 2013; 512 Pages. Price £22.99, €27.60, ISBN 978-1-4443-3866-9
Authors: Lin Shu-Kun
Published: February 2013

An engaging account of today’s contemporary art world that features original articles by leading international art historians, critics, curators, and artists, introducing varied perspectives on the most important debates and discussions happening around the world.
Avoiding the Possible Impact of Climate Change on the Built Environment: The Importance of the Building’s Energy Robustness
Authors: Palme Massimo , Isalgué Antoni , Coch Helena
Published: February 2013

Following years of research and design in architecture under bio-climatic, sustainable and passive-energy concepts, today’s buildings are often well designed and constructed, responding to determined climate conditions and the user’s requirements for comfort and, in some cases, they are integrated into the urban environment. However, the lifetime of a building can be over 100 years and the climate is changing rapidly. This work investigates the impact of climate change future (2040 and 2070) on the energy consumption of residential buildings recently constructed, under three possible scenarios. The scenarios are created considering a low, medium or strong effect of global warming. Two types of buildings, with comparable consumption results of today, are investigated in three different cities around the world with a multi-zone type 56 of Trnsys simulation tool. At the end of the work, the concepts of energy robustness and global thermal effusivity of buildings are discussed as important strategies to reduce the possible impact of climate change on the built environment. The use of simulation tools to estimate the sensitivity of buildings is also analyzed, taking into consideration the recent goals of applying uncertainty and sensitivity analysis to building performance simulation science.
Environmental Effects of Sewage Sludge Carbonization and Other Treatment Alternatives
Authors: Wang Ning-Yi , Shih Chun-Hao , Chiueh Pei-Te , Huang Yu-Fong
Published: February 2013

Carbonization is a newly developed process that converts sewage sludge to biocoal, a type of solid biomass that can partially substitute for coal during power generation. This study presents an assessment of the environmental effects of various sewage sludge treatment processes, including carbonization, direct landfills, co-incineration with municipal solid waste, and mono-incineration in Taiwan. This assessment was conducted using the life cycle assessment software SimaPro 7.2 and the IMPACT2002+ model. Results show that carbonization is the best approach for sewage sludge treatment, followed in descending order by co-incineration with municipal solid waste, direct landfills, and mono-incineration. The carbonization process has noticeable positive effects in the environmental impact categories of terrestrial ecotoxicity, aquatic ecotoxicity, land occupation, ionizing radiation, aquatic eutrophication, non-renewable energy, and mineral extraction. For the emission quantity of greenhouse gases, landfilling has the greatest impact (296.9 kg CO2 eq./t sludge), followed by mono-incineration (232.2 kg CO2 eq./t sludge) and carbonization (146.1 kg CO2 eq./t sludge). Co-incineration with municipal solid waste has the benefit of reducing green house gas emission (–15.4 kg CO2 eq./t sludge). In the aspect of energy recovery, sewerage sludge that has been pretreated by thickening, digestion, and dewatering still retains a high moisture content, and thus requires a significant amount of energy use when used as a substitute solid fuel. Therefore, the carbonization of sewage sludge would be a more sustainable option if the energy delivery and integration processes are made more efficient.