bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethical Aspects of Self-Forgiveness
Authors: Gamlund Espen
Published: November 2014

In this paper, I discuss some central ethical aspects of self-forgiveness. A first comparison is made between interpersonal forgiveness and self-forgiveness. It would seem that self-forgiveness follows much of the same structure as interpersonal forgiveness, although with some exceptions. One noticeable difference is that with self-forgiveness, the forgiver and forgiven is one and the same person. The main ethical question discussed is when self-forgiveness is morally permissible. I argue that self-forgiveness is only morally permissible when the wrongdoer acknowledges wrongdoing and display genuine repentance. He must also, insofar as possible, ask the victim for forgiveness before contemplating self-forgiveness.
Reinstating Reflection: The Dialectic of Conscience within Hegel’s Philosophy of Right
Authors: Jennings Sarah
Published: November 2014

Although it is now widely acknowledged that Hegel’s political philosophy is based freedom, there is still divided opinion regarding the role of conscience within Hegel’s
La representación de las enfermedades poco frecuentes en el discurso periodístico español. Propuestas para el análisis
Authors: Bañón Hernándezy Antonio M. , Requena Romero Samantha
Published: November 2014

Las enfermedades raras (ER) o poco frecuentes (EPF) constituyen un tema muy complejo desde el punto de vista socio-sanitario y también desde el punto de vista comunicativo. Afectan a menos de 5 por 10.000 personas y suelen ser graves y crónicas. La mayor parte son de origen genético por lo que, con frecuencia, se manifiestan en la etapa infantil. Apenas un diez por ciento tiene tratamientos efectivos. Son pocos los estudios que han abordado el discurso sobre estas patologías. Las ER constituyen aún un tópico que podríamos denominar ‘emergente’ para los profesionales de los medios de comunicación. En este artículo vamos a analizar la representación de las enfermedades raras y de sus principales protagonistas en un corpus de 436 piezas informativas correspondientes a enero de 2014. Desde las premisas del Análisis Crítico del Discurso, estudiaremos los aspectos más relevantes tanto desde el punto de vista macroestructural (temas abordados, enfermedades mencionadas y aparición de las mismas en titulares), como microestructural (argumentos y recursos retórico-discursivos).
Das Martyrium als imitatio Christi: Die literarische Gestaltung der spätantiken Märtyrerakten und -passionen nach der Passion Christi
Authors: Taveirne Maarten
Published: November 2014

From the beginning of Christianity, the martyrs have been deemed paragons of the ideal of imitatio Christi, their willingness to lose their life for Christ’s sake proving their perfect discipleship. This article examines how martyrdom is literarily framed as an imitation of the Passion of Christ within the Latin acta martyrum and passiones from the 4th to 6th centuries. After an outline of the imitation concept in the New Testament, several instances from those late antique stories reveal a literary technique to deepen the description of the martyrdom by means of inserting quotations from and allusions to the Passion into the martyr narrative. In this manner the martyrdom account relates to the Passion of Christ, and-to at least some extent-renews its model. Two early instances (the stoning of Stephen [Acts 6:8−7:60] and the Martyrium Polycarpi) demonstrate that such stylization is no late antique innovation but dates back to the era of the Apostolic Fathers. Observations in the late antique narrative show its continuing popularity, but also a restraint in identifying the martyrs too much with Christ. By limiting the references, both quantitatively and qualitatively, the hagiographers made sure that (even a partial) imitation of the Passion of Christ in no way would amount to rivalry with the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus.
The Use of Restrained Ring Test Method for Soil Desiccation Studies
Authors: Shannon B. , Kodikara J. , Rajeev P.
Published: November 2014

Tensile failure in soils caused by desiccation cracking is of great importance in many geotechnical applications such as earth dam engineering, design of clay liners for waste contaminant systems, agricultural engineering, and environmental remediation. Currently, the majority of tests used for tensile strength measurement are based on external loading and few studies have measured soil tensile strength during the desiccation process. This study uses the restrained ring test as a method to determine the tensile strength in desiccating clay soils by isolating the initiation of a single crack. Four clay soils with varying shrink/swell potentials were tested and analyzed to predict their tensile strength during desiccation. Using image correlation or particle image velocimetry, information on shrinkage displacement and void ratio development were examined. An incremental non-linear elastic analytical model was used to explain the experimental behavior successfully.
Increased Prefrontal-Parietal EEG Gamma Band Correlation during Motor Imagery in Expert Video Game Players
Authors: Almanza Sepúlveda Mayra Linné , Llamas Alonso Julio , Guevara Miguel Angel , Hernández González Marisela
Published: November 2014

Abstract. The aim of this study was to characterize the prefrontal-parietal EEG correlation in experienced video game players (VGPs) in relation to individuals with little or no video game experience (NVGPs) during a motor imagery condition for an action-type video game. The participants in both groups watched a first-person shooter (FPS) gameplay from Halo Reach during five minutes. None of the participants was notified as to the content of the video before watching it. Only the VGPs showed an increased right intrahemispheric prefrontal-parietal correlation (F4-P4) in the gamma band (31-50 Hz) during the observation of the gameplay. These data provide novel information on the participation of the gamma band during motor imagery for an action-type video game. It is probable that this higher degree of coupling between the prefrontal and parietalcortices could represent a characteristic pattern of brain functionality in VGPs as they make motor representations.
FILOSOFIA DA ANÁLISE DA ESTABILIDADE DA LIQUIDEZ
Authors: Silva Rodrigo Antonio Chaves da
Published: November 2014

A informação foi considerada finalidade de nosso conhecimento, até o período em os pensadores e pesquisadores da contabilidade passaram a raciocinar sobre o conteúdo e o significado dos informes. Nesta busca da razão sobre os estados patrimoniais, surgiu a análise contábil que procura por meio de relações e identidades, o significado da dinâmica expressada estaticamente na informação.O primeiro aspecto que surgiu no objeto de análise foi o estudo da liquidez, que é um dos principais exercícios do patrimônio.A estabilidade também é outro exercício básico e imprescindível, pois este é que promove o equilíbrio do organismo administrativo. A ciência contábil após a sua dignidade científica passou a trilhar caminhos esplendorosos, amparados em doutrina que permite alcançar os píncaros filosóficos.Os estudos concernentes aos aspectos de interação da estabilidade na liquidez são, complexos e somente com os recursos filosóficos da contabilidade se pode estudá-los com o panorama holístico e sublime.A filosofia da contabilidade não é alheia às suas práticas tecnológicas, podendo buscar pontos sublimes de panoramas abrangentes, para o estudo analítico da liquidez e estabilidade, observando todas as dimensionalidades e essencialidades de acontecimentos, na comprovação e orientação dos estados de ineficácia e eficácia patrimonial.
Improving broad scale forage mapping and habitat selection analyses with airborne laser scanning: the case of moose
Authors: Lone Karen , van Beest Floris M. , Mysterud Atle , Gobakken Terje , Milner Jos M. , Ruud Hans-Petter , Loe Leif Egil
Published: November 2014

Determining the spatial distribution of large herbivores is a key challenge in ecology and management. However, our ability to accurately predict this is often hampered by inadequate data on available forage and structural cover. Airborne laser scanning (ALS) can give direct and detailed measurements of vegetation structure. We assessed the effectiveness of ALS data to predict (1) the distribution of browse forage resources and (2) moose (Alces alces) habitat selection in southern Norway. Using ground reference data from 153 sampled forest stands, we predicted available browse biomass with predictor variables from ALS and/or forest inventory. Browse models based on both ALS and forest inventory variables performed better than either alone. Dominant tree species and development class of the forest stand remained important predictor variables and were not replaced by the ALS variables. The increased explanatory power from including ALS came from detection of canopy cover (negatively correlated with forage biomass) and understory density (positively correlated with forage biomass). Improved forage estimates resulted in improved predictive ability of moose resource selection functions (RSFs) at the landscape scale, but not at the home range scale. However, when also including ALS cover variables (understory cover density and canopy cover density) directly into the RSFs, we obtained the highest predictive ability, at both the landscape and home range scales. Generally, moose selected for high browse biomass, low amount of understory vegetation and for low or intermediate canopy cover depending on the time of day, season and scale of analyses. The auxiliary information on vegetation structure from ALS improved the prediction of browse moderately, but greatly improved the analysis of habitat selection, as it captured important functional gradients in the habitat apart from forage. We conclude that ALS is an effective and valuable tool for wildlife managers and ecologists to estimate the distribution of large herbivores.
Comparing the utility of decision trees and support vector machines when planning inspections of linear sewer infrastructure
Authors: Harvey Robert Richard , McBean Edward Arthur
Published: November 2014

Closed-circuit television inspection technology is traditionally used to identify aging sewer pipes requiring rehabilitation. While these inspections provide essential information on the condition of pipes hidden from day-to-day view, they are expensive and often limited to small portions of an entire sewer system. Municipalities may benefit from utilizing predictive analytics to leverage existing inspection datasets so that reliable predictions of condition are available for pipes that have not yet been inspected. The predictive capabilities of data mining systems, namely support vector machines (SVMs) and decision tree classifiers, are demonstrated using a case study of sanitary sewer pipe inspection data collected by the municipality of Guelph, Ontario, Canada. The modeling algorithms are implemented using open-source software and are tuned to counteract the negative impact on predictive performance resulting from class imbalance common within pipe inspection datasets. The decision tree classifier outperforms SVM for this classification task – achieving an acceptable area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.77 and an overall accuracy of 76% on a stratified test set. Although predicting individual pipe condition is a notoriously difficult task, decision trees are found to be a useful screening tool for planning future inspection-related activities.
The influence of the existing network layout on water distribution system redesign analysis
Authors: Tricarico C. , Morley M. S. , Gargano R. , Kapelan Z. , de Marinis G. , Savić D. A.
Published: November 2014

The methodologies usually adopted in water distribution system redesign problems consider the topology of the network as an input fixed datum; optimisation solely allowing for the duplication/substitution of existing components. In order to contribute to the identification of optimal solutions that may lead to a lower risk of failure to supply the required water, together with a lower redesign cost, this paper proposes a novel methodology which reports the influence of the existing network configuration and its performance. In particular, the redundancy of loops and the robustness of the network topology are investigated by applying an optimisation technique based on a genetic algorithm and by taking into account the random water demand at each node. The methodology presented has been applied to two case studies, in which it considers the influence of the topology on the overall system reliability/risk. The results demonstrate that it is possible to obtain further configurations that are more reliable for a lower redesign cost. The analysis performed highlights the impact of the topology on the search for an optimal solution, which, as a principal conclusion of the work, should be considered among the decision variables taken into account by the optimisation in a redesign problem.
Adaptive water distribution networks with dynamically reconfigurable topology
Authors: Wright Robert , Stoianov Ivan , Parpas Panos , Henderson Kevin , King John
Published: November 2014

This paper presents a novel concept of adaptive water distribution networks with dynamically reconfigurable topology for optimal pressure control, leakage management and improved system resilience. The implementation of District Meter Areas (DMAs) has greatly assisted water utilities in reducing leakage. DMAs segregate water networks into small areas, the flow in and out of each area is monitored and thresholds are derived from the minimum night flow to trigger the leak localization. A major drawback of the DMA approach is the reduced redundancy in network connectivity which has a severe impact on network resilience, incident management and water quality deterioration. The presented approach for adaptively reconfigurable networks integrates the benefits of DMAs for managing leakage with the advantages of large-scale looped networks for increased redundancy in connectivity, reliability and resilience. Self-powered multi-function network controllers are designed and integrated with novel telemetry tools for high-speed time-synchronized monitoring of the dynamic hydraulic conditions. A computationally efficient and robust optimization method based on sequential convex programming is developed and applied for the dynamic topology reconfiguration and pressure control of water distribution networks. An investigation is carried out using an operational network to evaluate the implementation and benefits of the proposed method.
Efficient investigation on fully developed flow in a mildly curved 180° open-channel
Authors: Bai Yuchuan , Song Xiaolong , Gao Shuxian
Published: November 2014

Turbulent flow in meandering open channels is one of the most complicated and unpredictable turbulent flows as the interaction of various forces, such as pressure gradient, centrifugal force, and wall shear stresses severely affect the flow pattern. In order to improve significance in engineering application, understanding the overall flow characteristic is the focus. This paper presents the results of numerical and experimental investigations of flow in a 180° mild bend, which is close to criticality with curvature ratio R/B = 3. Considering the characteristic of various models, three-dimensional (3D) re-normalization group (RNG) k–ε model was adopted to simulate the flow efficiently. Governing equations of the flow were solved with a finite-volume method. The pressure-based coupled algorithm was used to compute the pressure. The flow velocities were measured experimentally with Micro acoustic Doppler velocimeter. Good agreement between the numerical results and measurements indicated that RNG k–ε model can successfully predict this flow phenomenon. The flow pattern in this bend is influenced widely by the secondary flow. The variations of velocity components, streamlines, secondary flow, and wall shear stresses are analysed in the study. Some newly discovered phenomenon in this special state are worth noting.
Rectangular side weirs discharge coefficient estimation in circular channels using linear genetic programming approach
Authors: Uyumaz Ali , Danandeh Mehr Ali , Kahya Ercan , Erdem Hilal
Published: November 2014

Side weirs are diversion structures extensively used in irrigation, flood protection and combined sewer systems. Accurate estimation of the discharge coefficient (Cd) of side weirs is essential to compute the water surface profile over the weirs and to determine the lateral outflow rate from the system. In this paper, we have utilized a linear genetic programming (LGP) technique to develop new empirical formulas for the estimation of Cd of sharp-edged rectangular side weirs located in circular channels. For this aim, we have employed a total of 1,686 laboratory experimental observations in both sub- and supercritical flow regimes in order to train and validate the proposed models. The performance of the LGP-based models was also compared with those of different multilinear and nonlinear regression models in terms of root mean squared errors, mean absolute errors, and determination coefficient. The results indicated that an explicit LGP-based model using only mathematical functions could be employed successfully in Cd estimation in both sub- and supercritical flow conditions. Genetic-based sensitivity analysis among the input parameters demonstrated that Froude number at upstream of the weir has the most impact on the Cd estimation.
Effects of digital elevation model resolution on topography-based runoff simulation under uncertainty
Authors: Cui L. , Li Y. P. , Huang G. H. , Huang Y.
Published: November 2014

Topography plays a critical role in controlling water dispersion and soil movement in hydrologic modeling for water resources management with raster-based digital elevation model (DEM). This study aims to model effects of DEM resolution on runoff simulation through coupling fuzzy analysis technique with a topography based rainfall–runoff model (TOPMODEL). Different levels of DEM grid sizes between 30 m and 200 m are examined, and the results indicate that 30 m DEM resolution is the best for all catchments. Results demonstrate that the DEM resolution could have significant influence on the TOPMODEL rainfall–runoff simulation. Fuzzy analysis technique is used to further examine the uncertain DEM resolution based on considering Nash, sum of squared error, and sum of absolute error values of TOPMODEL. The developed model is calibrated and validated against observed flow during the period 2010–2012, and generally performed acceptably for model Nash–Sutcliffe value. The proposed method is useful for studying hydrological processes of watershed associated with topography uncertainty and providing support for identifying proper water resources management strategy.
Physico-chemical characteristics of gamma irradiation crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol)/magnetite ferrogel composite
Authors: Marinovic-Cincovic Milena , Radosavljevic Aleksandra , Krstic Jelena , Spasojevic Jelena , Bibic Natasa , Mitric Miodrag , Kacarevic-Popovic Zorica
Published: November 2014

Magnetic field sensitive gels, ferrogels are new promising class of
hydrogels. The coupling of hydrogels and magnetic particles has potential
application in soft actuators such as artificial muscles or for hyperthermia
application. Here a composite of magnetite particles (Fe3O4) and poly(vinyl
alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel is developed using gamma irradiation as a
crosslinking agent. PVA and Fe3O4 were chosen because of their
well-established biocompatibility, radiation crosslinking potential (PVA),
mild magnetic properties and the Curie point near desired heating temperature
range (Fe3O4). Physico-chemical characteristics of these systems show the
effect of the presence of particles in the process of radiation-induced
crosslinking. Obtained PVA/Fe3O4 ferrogel composite has greater swelling
capacity, activation energy of dehydration and dehydration rate compared to
PVA hydrogel, crosslinked under the same conditions.
Defining Pre-Katrina New Orleans: The Structural Transformation of Public Education in New Orleans and Historical Memory
Authors: Boselovic Joseph L.
Published: November 2014

Although considerable work has been done around the supposed successes and failures of education reform in post-Katrina New Orleans, concerns about the public/private qualities of new policies are often not discussed explicitly. In kind, this article serves to investigate theoretical conceptions of the public as they relate to education while providing a brief overview of the formation of the system of public education in New Orleans from the Louisiana Purchase through to 2005. Through a better understanding of the historical antecedents to contemporary policies, as well as of the question of their public/private characteristics, an improved understanding of how the public/private characteristics of current reforms relate to lived experiences is possible.
How Policymakers Define ‘Evidence’: The Politics of Research Use in New Orleans
Authors: Jabbar Huriya , La Londe Priya Goel , Debray Elizabeth , Scott Janelle , Lubienski Christopher
Published: November 2014

Nearly ten years after Katrina and the implementation of a host of new and radical education reforms in New Orleans, there remains little evidence about whether the changes have improved school performance. Despite this lack of evidence, the New Orleans model is held up as a reform success, and is being adopted by other cities. In this article the authors ask how policymakers in New Orleans and at the state level define, access and interpret research or evidence on the reforms, and how, if at all, such evidence informs their decision-making. They interviewed key district and state policymakers, as well as representatives from dozens of intermediary organizations in the area, who, they argue, are also shapers of policy. On the demand side, they found that policymakers primarily used personal anecdotes to justify their position and explain the success of reforms, and they relied on blogs or non-peer-reviewed sources for background information. Peer-reviewed research was seldom used, typically passed to policymakers via an echo chamber of intermediary organizations, personal contacts or key partners. Connecting supply to demand, the authors find that intermediary organizations broker research and evidence to advance their policy agendas, and that they serve as de facto policymakers in New Orleans.
Principles of Leading Change: An Inductive Analysis from Post-Katrina New Orleans
Authors: Beabout Brian R.
Published: November 2014

Despite over forty years of research on theories of educational change, little is known of the change theories-in-use of school-based administrators, often tasked with implementing externally imposed reform mandates. Capitalizing on the unique case of post-Katrina schooling, this qualitative study examines the ways in which ten principals spoke about leading change in their schools. In a city where the district has been almost wholly decentralized, these principals are not implementing changes decided upon by superiors, but have significant autonomy in their choice of change goals and change processes. Despite rarely finding unitary theories of change in the words of New Orleans' school leaders, six principles of leading change were identified: collaboration, community connections, generating public support, meeting student needs, setting goals and meeting them, and improving instruction. Conclusions are drawn about leading change at the school-site level, and implications for leader preparation and support are also included.
The Looting of the American Dream: The Post-Katrina Rubble of Public Education in Louisiana
Authors: Fischetti John C. , Kirylo James D.
Published: November 2014

The mishandling of pre- and post-Hurricane Katrina rescue and recovery is stunningly similar to the mishandling by those who have been in charge of Louisiana public education over the past seven years. This includes the devaluing of the teaching profession, the rise of the marketization of education, and the minimizing of the common good. In this article, the authors contend that the ‘reformers’ leading the current political infrastructure have over-extended their power, leaving in their wake a rubble that will impact the lives of Louisiana's citizens well beyond their terms.
Neoliberalism, Democracy and the University as a Public Sphere: An Interview with Henry A. Giroux
Authors: Harper Victoria
Published: November 2014

Truthout contributor, director of Truthout's Public Intellectual Project ( truth-out.org/public-intellectual-project ) and Truthout board member Henry A. Giroux responds to questions about how the excesses of neoliberal politics have reshaped and subverted the democratic mission of higher education.
Striving for Uniformity, Hoping for Innovation and Diversification: A Critical Review concerning the Bologna Process – Providing an Overview and Reflecting on the Criticism
Authors: Wihlborg Monne , Teelken Christine
Published: November 2014

The implementation of the Bologna Process (BP) did not go as smoothly as the Bologna Follow-Up evaluations suggest, and the consequences of the BP for the various European higher education systems and universities are much more diverse than represented in these various studies. Relatively few research and policy documents taking a more critical stance are currently available while a systematic overview of such studies is still lacking. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview and consequently reveal the most prominent views concerning the BP, as well as emphasise the critical developments over a longer period. A longitudinal literature review was carried out, consisting of 161 studies between 2004 and 2013, that resulted in a final selection of 91 studies. The article demonstrates that the studies available in this search show that issues concerning challenges, tensions and critical viewpoints about BP exist, and yet it confirms the need for further research. It is further suggested that demonstration of the impact of the BP discourse would benefit from the adaptation of a continuously critical reflective approach as an ongoing part of the overall discussion about the BP.
Lymphadenopathy in a Series of Egyptian Pediatric Patients and the Role of Pathology in the Diagnostic Workup
Authors: Gwili Noha M. , Hadi Mona A. , Eldin Amina N. , Hassab Hoda M. , Eldin Yasser S. , Fadel Shady H. , Mashali Nagwa A.
Published: November 2014

Assessment of lymphadenopathy in children represents a diagnostic challenge because of the extensive differential diagnoses, including reactive and malignant conditions. Knowledge of the etiologic pattern of lymphadenopathy in a given geographical region is essential for making a confident diagnosis or for suspecting a disease. Hence, the present study was carried out to identify different etiologies of lymphadenopathy in children in our region and to assess parameters commonly associated with malignancy, with an emphasis on the role of pathology. One hundred and twenty patients aged 1 month to 18 years were included in the study. They were sorted into neoplastic and nonneoplastic (infectious and noninfectious) groups. In 56 patients, biopsy (fine needle aspiration cytology [FNAC], core needle, or excision biopsy) was essential to reach the final diagnosis. Sensitivity of FNAC in the differentiation between neoplastic and nonneoplastic lymphadenopathy was 92.3%, and specificity was 90.0%, with a diagnostic accuracy of 91.3%. We concluded that malignancy should be suspected in the following conditions: presence of abdominal or multiple symptoms; symptom duration of 1–6 months; generalized lymphadenopathy; multiple groups of lymph node (LN) involved; LN size > 2 cm; amalgamated, hard, fixed, and nontender LNs; certain abnormal complete blood count findings; blast cells in blood film; and elevated lactate dehydrogenase level. In such cases, LN biopsy is highly recommended. A final diagnosis was achieved after integrating information from history and clinical findings with the laboratory, radiological, pathological, and microbiological findings. Accordingly, an algorithm for primary diagnostic evaluation of children with lymphadenopathy is suggested.
Anatomic and histologic features and ultrasonographic appearance of the collateral ligaments of the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints in cadaveric limbs from horses without lameness
Authors: Pohlin Friederike , Edinger Johannes , Jenner Florien , Egerbacher Monika
Published: November 2014

Objective—To describe the anatomic and histologic features of the collateral ligaments (CLs) of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints in cadaveric limbs obtained from nonlame horses and to compare the histologic findings with the ultrasonographic appearance of the CLs.

Sample—Medial and lateral CLs of the MCP and MTP joints of 28 limbs (16 forelimbs and 12 hind limbs) from 9 adult nonlame horses euthanized for reasons unrelated to the study.

Procedures—26 limbs of 8 horses were examined by ultrasonography immediately after euthanasia. Postmortem gross and histologic examinations were performed for all 28 limbs. Histologic and ultrasonographic images were graded and compared.

Results—Ultrasonographically, the mean ± SD depth and width of the superficial CL were 5.1 ± 0.7 mm and 20.5 ± 1.7 mm, respectively. On histologic examination, only 125 of 319 (39%) specimens obtained from 56 medial and lateral CLs appeared normal. Histopathologic findings varied from mild changes in cellular density and collagen fiber orientation to severe fibrocartilaginous metaplasia. The degree of CL lesion severity increased distally, and the lateral CL was affected more frequently than was the medial CL. Ultrasonographically detectable abnormalities were not correlated with the histologic findings.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In horses, histologic abnormalities within the CLs of the MCP and MTP joints may be an adaptive response to joint hyperextension and compression and might predispose horses to desmopathy and ligament failure in the event of trauma. Ultrasonography did not detect morphologic changes of the CL matrix. For an accurate diagnosis of subclinical lesions, more sensitive imaging techniques (eg, MRI) should be considered.
Clinico-Pathological Study of Lung Carcinoma
Authors: Pradhan SB , Shakya S , Shrestha S
Published: November 2014

Background: Lung cancer is currently the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the world and the number one cause of cancer mortality worldwide.Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was conducted in 55 diagnosed lung carcinoma cases being treated in a Kathmandu based hospital over a period of 18 months from 22nd Oct. 2012 to 21st April 2014.Results: Out of total 55 lung carcinoma cases, 33 patients were male and 22 were female with Male: Female ratio of 1.5:1. The most frequent age group was 71-80 years. Lung cancer was more common among smokers (52.73 % of cases). Out of 47.27% non smokers, 76.92% were female. Squamous cell carcinoma was found to be the most common cancer type, comprising 63.64% of cases followed by adenocarcinoma (29.09% of cases) and small cell carcinoma (7.27% of cases). Among various diagnostic methods, CT guided Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and Pleural fluid cytology was found to be the best methods.Conclusion: Smoking showed a positive correlation among carcinoma of lung patients. Squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma were the most common tumors encountered among the smokers and non-smokers respectively. CT guided Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and Pleural fluid cytology yields the most diagnostic materials.DOI:  http://dx.doi.org/3126/jpn.v4i8.11496   Journal of Pathology of Nepal; Vol4, No.8 (2014) 623-625Background: Lung cancer is currently the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the world and the number one cause of cancer mortality worldwide.Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was conducted in 55 diagnosed lung carcinoma cases being treated in a Kathmandu based hospital over a period of 18 months from 22nd Oct. 2012 to 21st April 2014.Results: Out of total 55 lung carcinoma cases, 33 patients were male and 22 were female with Male: Female ratio of 1.5:1. The most frequent age group was 71-80 years. Lung cancer was more common among smokers (52.73 % of cases). Out of 47.27% non smokers, 76.92% were female. Squamous cell carcinoma was found to be the most common cancer type, comprising 63.64% of cases followed by adenocarcinoma (29.09% of cases) and small cell carcinoma (7.27% of cases). Among various diagnostic methods, CT guided Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and Pleural fluid cytology was found to be the best methods.Conclusion: Smoking showed a positive correlation among carcinoma of lung patients. Squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma were the most common tumors encountered among the smokers and non-smokers respectively. CT guided Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and Pleural fluid cytology yields the most diagnostic materials.DOI: 3126/jpn.v4i8.11496   Journal of Pathology of Nepal; Vol4, No8(2014)
Significance of Quadruple assessment of breast lump–A hospital based study
Authors: Shrestha MK , Ghartimagar D , Ghosh A , Shrestha E , Bolar P
Published: November 2014

Background: Approximately 10% of breast masses are breast cancer. It is important for women with a breast lump to receive appropriate evaluation. Mammography has been the “gold standard” in breast cancer detection for >40 years. Ultrasonography is non-invasive easily available, cheaper and accurate tool while Fine needle aspiration cytology has a high diagnostic accuracy rate in hands of experienced cytopathologist. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective and prospective study of 173 women attending radiology department in Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara for mammography during a period of 18 months from January 2011 to June 2012.The age ranged from 20yrs to 75yrs. BIRADS score was given for both mammography and sonomammography. All malignant and suspicious cases had undergone fine needle aspiration cytology. Cytology reports were correlated with imaging study. Results: The most common age group for the breast lump was 40-49 years showing 65(37.57%) cases. Most lumps were seen on the left side 54.3% (94/ 173) cases and were seen in upper outer quadrant of the breast (74 cases). 11 cases each were given the BIRADS score of 4 in both mammography and sonomammography. Sensitivity and specificity of mammography and sonomammography were compared to cytologyreports. The sensitivity for mammogram was 73.7% while specificity was 96.3%. The sensitivity and specificity for sonomammogram was 78.9% and 95% respectively. Conclusion: Quadruple assessment i.e. clinical assessment, mammography, sonomammography and cytological study are the new “gold standard” in the investigation of breast disease. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v4i8.11499 Journal of Pathology of Nepal; Vol.4,No. 8 (2014) 630-634
Comparative study of aspiration and non-aspiration cytology of palpable breast lumps and correlation with histopathology
Authors: Koirala S
Published: November 2014

Background: Breast lump is one of the most common presentations in surgical outpatient departments with anxiety regarding a possible malignancy. Hence a quick diagnosis of a lump in the breast is essential. Fine needle aspiration cytology is an ideal initial diagnostic modality in breast lumps. There is an alternative method of performing needle aspiration, known as fine needle capillary cytology where the specimen is obtained using just a needle without aspiration.Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross sectional analytical study was carried out in Department of Pathology in National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir Hospital for one year. The objective of this study was to compare aspiration and non-aspiration cytology of palpable breast lumps and correlation with histopathology.Results: The five criteria scored for each technique were background blood, amount of cellular material, cellular degeneration, cellular trauma and architectural preservation. Compared to fine needle aspiration cytology, fine needle capillary cytology yields less bloody smears with minimal degenerative changes and offers more diagnostically superior specimens. Fine needle aspiration cytology, on the other hand, gives a good yield of diagnostic material.Conclusion: Fine needle aspiration cytology and fine needle capillary cytology are quick, easy, safe and cost-effective techniques. . A high sensitivity and specificity of cytological diagnosis in this study proves that it is comparable to final histology report in its diagnostic efficiency. Thus, fine needle aspiration cytology is a very important preliminary diagnostic test in palpable breast lumps and the results show a high degree of correlation with the final histopathology report.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v4i8.11501 Journal of Pathology of Nepal; Vol.4,No. 8 (2014) 639-643
Serum levels of high sensitivity C-Reactive protein and its association with lipidemic status in Bangladeshi healthy adults
Authors: Rehnuma B , Hassan Z , Ibrahim M , Ali L
Published: November 2014

Background: Metabolic diseases are affecting human health all over the world. These chronic disease states are associated with high sensitive CRP. The present study aims to measure hsCRP and lipid levels in a group of healthy adults to work out the normal hsCRP levels and explore its relationship to lipidemic and anthropometric variables.Materials and Methods: A total of 149 adults, age 30-60 yrs, healthy subjects were recruited in this study. Vital statistics were taken along with measurement of blood glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein and hsCRP levels. Data were analyzed using statistical Package for Social Program (SPSS) for Windows version 10.Results: Mean (±SD) hsCRP was 2.46±1.89 (mg/l) with a cut off value of 3mg/l. Of the total 149 subjects 102 (66.4%) and 47 (31.5%) subjects had hsCRP level below and above the cutoff respectively. Triglyceride was significantly higher (p=0.033) and HDL was lower in subjects with high hsCRP. Total cholesterol and LDL was almost similar in both groups. Binary logistic regression showed significant negative association between hsCRP and HDLc (p=0.029) and but the model excluding HDL-c showed significant positive association (p=0.03) with triglyceride.Conclusion: About one-third of healthy Bangladeshi adults may have chronic subclinical inflammation and thus may have a risk of cardiovascular disorders. More than one-third healthy Bangladeshi adults have one or more type of dyslipidemia and the subclinical chronic inflammation in healthy Bangladeshi adults has a positive association with their serum triglyceride and negative association with their HDL-cholesterol levels.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v4i8.11591 Journal of Pathology of Nepal; Vol.4,No. 8 (2014) 644-648
PeutzJeghers syndrome: A case report and literature review
Authors: Lakhey A , Shakya H
Published: November 2014

Peutz–Jeghers Syndrome is an autosomal dominant inheritedhamartomatous polyp. We present a case of a 5-year-old young boywith a history of per rectal bleeding and mass protruding out of the anus. Physical examination revealed presence of mucocutaneous pigmented lesions over the tongue, and few hamartomatous polyps protruding out of the rectum suggesting Peutz–Jeghers syndrome. The presence in early infancy of small, well-demarcated and dark-brown to blue-black lentigines on the lips,buccal mucosa and perioral skin, should alert the clinician to Peutz–Jeghers Syndrome.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v4i8.11597 Journal of Pathology of Nepal; Vol.4,No. 8 (2014) 677-679
Beta thalassemia - a review
Authors: Jha R , Jha S
Published: November 2014

Thalassemia is a globin gene disorder that results in a diminished rate of synthesis of one or more of the globin chains. About 1.5% of the global population (80 to 90 million people) are carriers of beta Thalassemia. More than 200 mutations are described in beta thalassemia. However not all mutations are common in different ethnic groups. The only effective way to reduce burden of thalassemia is to prevent birth of homozygotes. Diagnosis of beta thalassemia can be done by fetal DNA analysis for molecular defects of beta thalassemia or by fetal blood analysis. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the only available curative approach for Thalassemia. Many patients with thalassemia in underdeveloped nations die in childhood or adolescence. Programs that provide acceptable care, including transfusion of safe blood and supportive therapy including chelation must be established.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v4i8.11609 Journal of Pathology of Nepal; Vol.4,No. 8 (2014) 663-671
An experimental study of the precipitation kinetics of pre-rolled Ni-Span-C 902 superalloy
Authors: Godarzi Mohammad Rasool Moazami , Morakabati Maryam , Abbasi Seyed Mahdi , Badri Hassan
Published: November 2014

In the present work, the effects of cold work and aging parameters on the microstructure and precipitation kinetics of Ni-Span-C 902 superalloy were studied. The solution treated alloy was cold-rolled to different deformations from 30 to 60% followed by aging in the temperature range of 450–850°C for different times, from 102 to 105 seconds. The results showed that the 50% cold-rolled alloy attained its maximum hardness by aging at 650°C for 105 seconds. This was concurrent with the fine distributed gamma′ precipitates that appeared in the microstructure. By increasing temperature from 750 to 850°C, overaging occurred due to the increase in gamma′ particle size and the formation of epsilon-phase. The estimated activation energy of the precipitation reaction, based on Johnson–Mehl–Avrami–Kolmogorov analysis, was determined to be 254 kJ · mol−1 for the 50% cold-rolled alloy.
A novel roll-bonding methodology for the cross-scale analysis of phase properties and interactions in multiphase structural materials
Authors: Springer Hauke , Tasan Cem , Raabe Dierk
Published: November 2014

We introduce a new thermo-mechanical approach for producing layered bulk samples built-up from the constituent phases of structural materials for the analysis of multiphase co-deformation phenomena. Following a thermo-mechanically controlled roll-bonding procedure, the intrinsic properties of the microstructural components as well as their mutual mechanical interaction and interfacial phenomena can be systematically investigated in highly controlled model microstructures of reduced complexity. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated on two examples where austenite or martensite layers, respectively, are introduced in a bulk ferritic matrix, representing in either case components of high strength steels. Special emphasis is laid on how the plasticity of martensite within ferrite, as a key parameter required for understanding and optimising dual phase steels, can be investigated following the proposed approach.
An Evolutionary Optimizer of libsvm Models
Authors: Horvath Dragos , Brown J. , Marcou Gilles , Varnek Alexandre
Published: November 2014

This user guide describes the rationale behind, and the modus operandi of a Unix script-driven package for evolutionary searching of optimal Support Vector Machine model parameters as computed by the libsvm package, leading to support vector machine models of maximal predictive power and robustness. Unlike common libsvm parameterizing engines, the current distribution includes the key choice of best-suited sets of attributes/descriptors, in addition to the classical libsvm operational parameters (kernel choice, kernel parameters, cost, and so forth), allowing a unified search in an enlarged problem space. It relies on an aggressive, repeated cross-validation scheme to ensure a rigorous assessment of model quality. Primarily designed for chemoinformatics applications, it also supports the inclusion of decoy instances, for which the explained property (bioactivity) is, strictly speaking, unknown but presumably “inactive”, thus additionally testing the robustness of a model to noise. The package was developed with parallel computing in mind, supporting execution on both multi-core workstations as well as compute cluster environments. It can be downloaded from http://infochim.u-strasbg.fr/spip.php?rubrique178.
Conifer Recruitment in Trembling Aspen (Populus Tremuloides Michx.) Stands along an East-West Gradient in the Boreal Mixedwoods of Canada
Authors: Nlungu-Kweta Pierre , Leduc Alain , Bergeron Yves
Published: November 2014

Ongoing climate change is likely to result in shifts in successional dynamics in boreal mixedwood stands. Using data from provincial forest inventory databases, we examined the occurrence and abundance of the regeneration of various coniferous species (white spruce, black spruce and balsam fir) along an east-west Canadian gradient in aspen-dominated stands. The interpretation of the results was based on environmental conditions, including climate, natural fire regime and human impacts. We found that conifer regeneration was present in aspen stands along the entire gradient, despite differences in climatic conditions and fire regimes between the west (warmer and drier, with large recurrent fires) and east (more humid with relatively long fire cycles). However, abundance and distribution varied from one conifer species to the next. The abundance of white spruce decreased towards the eastern end of the longitudinal gradient, while balsam fir and black spruce abundance decreased towards the west. Although abundance decreased, balsam fir and black spruce regeneration was still present in western Canada. This study shows that it is difficult to interpret the effects of climate change on conifer recruitment without accounting for the superimposed effects of human activities.
Ungulate Impact on Natural Regeneration in Spruce-Beech-Fir Stands in Černý důl Nature Reserve in the Orlické Hory Mountains, Case Study from Central Sudetes
Authors: Vacek Zdeněk , Vacek Stanislav , Bílek Lukáš , Král Jan , Remeš Jiří , Bulušek Daniel , Králíček Ivo
Published: November 2014

The paper presents the results of a study on tree regeneration of forest stands in the Černý důl Nature Reserve, which is situated in the Orlické hory Mountains Protected Landscape area in the Czech Republic. Research was conducted in a spruce-beech stand with an admixture of silver fir, sycamore maple and rowan on two comparative permanent research plots (PRPs) (PRP 1—fenced enclosure and PRP 2—unfenced). Typological, soil, phytosociological and stand characteristics of the two PRPs are similar. The results showed that ungulate browsing is a limiting factor for successful development of natural regeneration of autochthonous tree species. The population of tree species of natural regeneration on the fenced plot (PRP 1) is sufficient in relation to the site and stand conditions. However, natural regeneration on PRP 2 is considerably limited by browsing. Damage is greatest to fir, sycamore maple and rowan; less severe to beech; and the least to spruce.