bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling river discharge rates in California watersheds
Authors: Potter Christopher , Shupe John , Gross Peggy , Genovese Vanessa , Klooster Steven
Published: April 2010

River discharge rates across all California's watershed have been modeled using the NASA version of the Carnegie-Ames-Stanford Approach (CASA) ecosystem model coupled with a surface hydrologic routing scheme previously called the Hydrological Routing Algorithm (HYDRA). To assess CASA-HYDRA's capability to estimate actual water flows in extreme and non-extreme precipitation years, we have organized hundreds of California river gauge records for comparison to monthly model predictions. Previously, CASA-HYDRA snowmelt algorithms were modified with equations from the USDA Snowmelt Runoff Model, which has been designed to predict daily stream flow in mountain basins where snowmelt is a major runoff factor. Based on model predictions of monthly flow rates across 336 stream gauges statewide, the multi-year model-to-measurement correlation between monthly river flow rates was R2=0.72. The model output was 15% higher across all these stream gauges than the measured monthly flow records for 1982–1990. It is plausible that the model would predict higher flow rates statewide than was measured at many gauge locations, due mainly to extensive water diversions for power generation and crop irrigation in the valley growing regions of the state. Predictions for gauges located on the state's North Coast and Sierra regions showed errors distributed fairly evenly throughout the seasons, whereas results for Central Coast and Southern regions showed higher errors mainly during the summer and fall. Future model applications for land cover and climate change in California are outlined.
Application of Variational Analysis of Wind Field Based on Lidar Conical Scans to Air Quality Monitoring
Authors: Chan P. W. , Yu Frank
Published: April 2010

Conical scans of Doppler LIDAR were made at a specific elevation angle to monitor the wind fields in cases of plume dispersion in western Australia. To better visualize the airflow patterns in relation to the plume direction, variational analysis is performed on the radial velocity data of the LIDAR to retrieve the 2D wind fields. Compared to the 4DVAR method, the 2D variational analysis as adopted in the present paper is computationally more efficient yet provides sufficient details of the flow patterns. Examples of the plume dispersion are shown with the 2D analyzed wind fields as presented in the paper. In general, the analyzed wind fields are consistent with the plume directions as observed from the backscattered power data of the LIDAR.
Cognitive Functioning and Academic Performance in Elementary School Children with Anxious/Depressed and Withdrawn Symptoms
Authors: Lundy Shannon M. , Silva Graciela E. , Kaemingk Kristine L. , Goodwin James L. , Quan Stuart F.
Published: April 2010

Rationale:

Few studies have evaluated the relationship between depressive symptomatology and neuropsychological performance in children without symptomatic depression.

Objectives:

This study determined the relationship between anxious/depressed and withdrawn symptoms and performance on cognitive and academic achievement measures.

Methods:

335 Caucasian and Hispanic children aged 6 to 11 years who participated in the Tucson Children’s Assessment of Sleep Apnea (TuCASA) study were administered a comprehensive neuropsychological battery measuring cognitive functioning and academic achievement. Their parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Correlations between performance on the cognitive and academic achievement measures and two Internalizing scales from the CBCL were calculated. Comparisons were made between a “Clinical” referral group (using a T-score of ≥ 60 from the CBCL scales) and a “Normal” group, as well as between Caucasians and Hispanics.

Results:

No differences were found between those participants with increased anxious/depressed or withdrawn symptoms on the CBCL and those without increased symptoms with respect to age, gender, ethnicity, or parental education level. However, significant negative correlations were found between these symptoms and general intellectual function, language, visual construction skills, attention, processing speed, executive functioning abilities, aspects of learning and memory, psychomotor speed and coordination, and basic academic skills.

Conclusions:

These findings support the hypothesis that depressive symptomatology negatively impacts performance on cognitive and academic achievement measures in school-aged children and these findings are not affected by ethnicity. The findings also reinforce the concept that the presence of anxious/depressed or withdrawn symptoms needs to be considered when evaluating poor neuropsychological performance in children.
Glycerol (Byproduct of Biodiesel Production) as a Source for Fuels and Chemicals  Mini Review
Authors: Fan Xiaohu , Burton Rachel , Zhou Yongchang
Published: April 2010

Currently the large surplus of glycerol formed as a by-product during the production of biodiesel offered an abundant and low cost feedstock. Researchers showed a surge of interest in using glycerol as renewable feedstock to produce functional chemicals. This Minireview focuses on recent developments in the conversion of glycerol into valueadded products, including citric acid, lactic acid, 1,3-dihydroxyacetone (DHA), 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD), dichloro-2- propanol (DCP), acrolein, hydrogen, and ethanol etc. The versatile new applications of glycerol in the everyday life and chemical industry will improve the economic viability of the biodiesel industry.
Water Treatment Plant Sludge Discharge to Wastewater Treatment Works: Effects on the Operation of Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket Reactor and Activated Sludge Systems
Authors: Asada Lucia N. , Sundefeld Gilberto C. , Alvarez Carlos R. , Filho Sidney Seckler Ferreira , Piveli Roque P.
Published: April 2010

This experiment examined the effects of the discharge of water treatment plant (WTP) sludge into the following three types of wastewater treatment systems: a pilot‐scale upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor, a pilot‐scale activated sludge system, and a full‐scale activated sludge sequencing batch reactor (SBR). The UASB reactor received 50 mg of suspended solids (SS) of WTP sludge per liter of wastewater in the first phase, and, in the second phase, it received 75 mg SS/L. The pilot‐scale activated sludge system received 25 and 50 mg SS/L in the first and second phases, respectively. The full‐scale WWTP (SBR) received approximately 74 mg SS/L. The results of the experiments showed that, despite some negative effects on nitrification, there were positive effects on phosphorus removal, and, furthermore, there was the addition of solids in all systems.
Occurrence of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates and Their Metabolites in Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants and Receiving Waters
Authors: Klečka Gary M. , Naylor Carter G. , Staples Charles A. , Losey Barbara
Published: April 2010

Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) are surfactants often used in applications that result in their disposal and treatment in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). In this study, three municipal activated sludge WWTPs, receiving primarily residential wastewater, were monitored, with their receiving waters, to determine the occurrence of NPEs and their biodegradation metabolites, including nonylphenol (NP), low‐mole and higher‐mole nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE1, NPE2‐8, and NPE≥9), and nonylphenol ether carboxylates (NPECs). The facilities were moderately sized and operating normally when influent and effluent samples were taken. Treatment efficiencies, taking into account concentrations of the parent ethoxylate and metabolites, ranged from 97.2 to 99.8%. Samples of receiving stream water, sediment, and pore water were collected upstream, downstream at the end of the mixing zones, and farther downstream from the WWTP discharges, to determine the occurrence of NPE and their metabolites and to assess the potential effect on the receiving stream ecosystems. Concentrations of nonylphenol or total nonylphenol equivalents measured upstream (<0.02 to 1.29 µg/L), at the end of the mixing zone (0.2 to 3.15 µg/L), and farther downstream (<0.02 to 1.84 µg/L) were compared with the recently established national ambient water quality chronic criteria of 6.6 µg/L. On the basis of this analysis, the likelihood of adverse effects on aquatic species within the three receiving streams is low.
Use of Biosolids to Enhance Rangeland Forage Quality
Authors: McFarland Michael J. , Vasquez Issaak Romero , Vutran MaiAnh , Schmitz Mark , Brobst Robert B.
Published: April 2010

Biosolids land application was demonstrated to be a potentially cost‐effective means for restoring forage productivity and enhancing soil‐moisture‐holding capacity on disturbed rangelands. By land‐applying aerobically digested, anaerobically digested, composted, and lime‐stabilized biosolids on rangeland test plots at rates of up to 20 times (20X) the estimated nitrogen‐based agronomic rate, forage yields were found to increase from 132.8 kg/ha (118.2 lb/ac) (control plots) to 1182.3 kg/ha (1052.8 lb/ac). Despite the environmental benefits associated with increased forage yield (e.g., reduced soil erosion, improved drainage, and enhanced terrestrial carbon sequestration), the type of forage generated both before and after biosolids land application was found to be dominated by invasive weeds, all of which were characterized as having fair to poor nutritional value. Opportunistic and shallow rooting invasive weeds not only have marginal nutritional value, they also limit the establishment of native perennial grasses and thus biodiversity. Many of the identified invasive species (e.g., Cheatgrass) mature early, a characteristic that significantly increases the fuel loads that support the increased frequency and extent of western wildfires.
Challenging Challenge Questions: An Experimental Analysis of Authentication Technologies and User Behaviour
Authors: Just Mike , Aspinall David
Published: April 2010

To authenticate human users to systems, challenge questions based on personal information are often used, typically when a primary authentication credential, such as a password, is forgotten. This ought to be a trustworthy mechanism, that is both reliable and accurate: personal information should be inherently memorable and not known to others. However, concerns have been raised recently about these assumptions: for example, some commonly used questions may be based on information that is available publicly. A possible improvement, then, is to allow users to choose their own questions. Here we report on an experiment which gathered user chosen questions and a subsequent security and usability analysis of them. Our experiment itself follows a novel method which is designed to engender the trust of participants, so they participate honestly. This methodological innovation demonstrates that it is possible to perform ethical authentication experiments where sensitive information does not have to be collected from users. Our experiments revealed some surprising results. Although subjects sometimes seemed aware of the need for security, they often ‘missed the mark’ by a wide margin; similarly, there are serious concerns over the usability of freely chosen questions with free‐form answers. These results should raise some serious questions for those setting the policy agenda for either testing or building authentication solutions for Internet applications.
Editorial
Authors: Margetts Helen Z
Published: April 2010

This editorial introduces the articles in the first issue of volume two of Policy & Internet, showing how they fit with the range and scope of this new journal, laid out in the first article in 2009.
Passivation of chalcopyrite during the leaching with sulphuric acid solution in presence of sodium nitrate
Authors: Sokic Miroslav , Matkovic Vladislav , Markovic Branislav , Strbac Nada , Zivkovic Dragana
Published: April 2010

In this work, the process of the chalcopyrite leaching in sulphuric acid solution was investigated. Sodium nitrate was used as oxidant in the leaching process. Chemical reactions of leaching and their thermodynamic possibilities are predicted based on the calculated Gibbs energies and analysis of E?pH diagrams. The negative values of the Gibbs energy show that all chemical reactions are thermodynamically feasible at atmospheric pressure and in a temperature range 25-90?C. At high electrode potential and low pH values, Cu2+, Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions exist in water solutions. The increase of temperature reduces the probability of Fe3+ ion existence in the system. The chalcopyrite concentrate, enriched in the ?Rudnik? flotation plant, with 27.08% Cu, 25.12% Fe, 4.15% Zn and 2.28% Pb was used in the work. XRD and DTA analysis of the concentrate reveals that the sample contains mainly the chalcopyrite with small amount of sphalerite. For the description of the reaction of leaching process the leach residuals, obtained at different conditions, were chosen for XRD, TG/DTA and SEM/EDX analyses. The elemental sulphur and chalcopyrite phases identified in leach residuals confirm our prediction that the elemental sulphur is formed during the leaching process. Accordingly, elemental sulphur is the main product of the reaction, while a minor amount of sulphide sulphur is oxidized to sulphate during the leaching. The sulphur formed during the reaction was precipitated at the particle surfaces, and slowed down the leaching rate in the final stage of leaching process. In the initial stage, the reaction rate was controlled by the surface reaction. The mechanism, latter has been changed into a diffusion controlled one.
Quantification and Three-Dimensional Imaging of the Insulitis-Induced Destruction of β-Cells in Murine Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Alanentalo Tomas , Hörnblad Andreas , Mayans Sofia , Karin Nilsson Anna , Sharpe James , Larefalk Åsa , Ahlgren Ulf , Holmberg Dan
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to refine the information regarding the quantitative and spatial dynamics of infiltrating lymphocytes and remaining β-cell volume during the progression of type 1 diabetes in the nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse model of the disease.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Using an ex vivo technique, optical projection tomography (OPT), we quantified and assessed the three-dimensional spatial development and progression of insulitis and β-cell destruction in pancreata from diabetes-prone NOD and non–diabetes-prone congenic NOD.H-2b mice between 3 and 16 weeks of age.

RESULTS

Together with results showing the spatial dynamics of the insulitis process, we provide data of β-cell volume distributions down to the level of the individual islets and throughout the pancreas during the development and progression of type 1 diabetes. Our data provide evidence for a compensatory growth potential of the larger insulin+ islets during the later stages of the disease around the time point for development of clinical diabetes. This is in contrast to smaller islets, which appear less resistant to the autoimmune attack. We also provide new information on the spatial dynamics of the insulitis process itself, including its apparently random distribution at onset, the local variations during its further development, and the formation of structures resembling tertiary lymphoid organs at later phases of insulitis progression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data provide a powerful tool for phenotypic analysis of genetic and environmental effects on type 1 diabetes etiology as well as for evaluating the potential effect of therapeutic regimes.
Monocyte Gene-Expression Profiles Associated With Childhood-Onset Type 1 Diabetes and Disease Risk: A Study of Identical Twins
Authors: Beyan Huriya , Drexhage Roosmarijn C. , van der Heul Nieuwenhuijsen Leonie , de Wit Harm , Padmos Roosmarijn C. , Schloot Nanette C. , Drexhage Hemmo A. , Leslie Richard David
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVE

Monocytes in childhood-onset type 1 diabetes show distinct gene expression. We hypothesize that monocyte activation in monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs discordant for childhood-onset type 1 diabetes could reflect distinct stages of the disease process including diabetes susceptibility (differences between twins, both diabetic and nondiabetic, and control subjects) and/or disease progression (differences between diabetic and nondiabetic twins).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied patterns of inflammatory gene expression in peripheral blood monocytes of MZ twin pairs (n = 10 pairs) discordant for childhood-onset type 1 diabetes, normal control twin pairs (n = 10 pairs), and healthy control subjects (n = 51) using quantitative-PCR (Q-PCR). We tested the 24 genes previously observed by whole genome analyses and verified by Q-PCR in autoimmune diabetes and performed a hierarchical cluster analysis.

RESULTS

Of 24 genes abnormally expressed in childhood-onset type 1 diabetes, we revalidated abnormal expression in 16 of them in diabetic twins including distinct sets of downregulated (P < 0.03) and upregulated (P < 0.02) genes. Of these 16 genes, 13 were abnormally expressed in nondiabetic twins, implicating these genes in diabetes susceptibility (P < 0.044 for all). Cluster analysis of monocyte gene-expression in nondiabetic twins identified two distinct, mutually exclusive clusters, while diabetic twins had a network of positively correlated genes.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with childhood-onset type 1 diabetes show abnormal monocyte gene–expression levels with an altered gene–expression network due to gene-environment interaction. Importantly, perturbed gene–expression clusters were also detected in nondiabetic twins, implicating monocyte abnormalities in susceptibility to diabetes.
Incorporating Type 1 Diabetes Prevention Into Clinical Practice
Authors: Gregory Justin M. , Lilley Jessica S. , Misfeldt Amanda A. , Buscariollo Daniela L. , Russell William E. , Moore Daniel J.
Published: April 2010

IN BRIEF

There are numerous global trials to prevent and reverse type 1 diabetes. Although these efforts are largely directed by specialized investigative teams, enrollment is open to individuals at risk for diabetes who may never encounter a subspecialty provider. Thus, there are exciting new opportunities for primary practitioners to involve their patients in research for diabetes prevention and reversal. This article reviews the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes, factors that determine likelihood of disease, intervention strategies being researched, and the role of primary care providers in disease prevention.
A survey of reasons why veterinarians leave rural veterinary practice in the United States
Authors: Villarroel Aurora , McDonald Stephen R. , Walker William L. , Kaiser Lana , Dewell Reneé D. , Dewell Grant A.
Published: April 2010

Objective—To identify factors associated with veterinarians leaving a career in rural veterinary practice (RVP).

Design—Cross-sectional descriptive study.

Sample Population—Veterinarians from the United States who no longer worked in RVP.

Procedures—Veterinarians in any area of practice were solicited to participate in an online survey through invitation letters sent to various veterinary associations. Those who indicated that they had left RVP were asked to rank the importance of various potential factors in their decision to leave RVP.

Results—805 responses were obtained from veterinarians who had worked in RVP, of which 246 (30.6%) had left RVP. Most (231/246 [93.9%]) of those who reported leaving RVP had been in practice > 5 years, and 75.2% (185/246) had been in practice > 12 years. Eighty-three (33.7%) who left RVP pursued careers in urban areas, 72 (29.3%) entered academia, and 7 (2.8%) retired. Reasons for leaving RVP ranked by the highest proportions of respondents as being of high importance were emergency duty, time off, salary, practice atmosphere, and family concerns. Women ranked factors such as time off, mentorship, practice atmosphere, conflict with staff, and gender issues as being of high importance more often than men did.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that the perceived shortage of veterinarians in RVP may be in part influenced by a lack of retention, particularly among experienced veterinarians. Targeted efforts to tackle issues related to emergency duty, time off, salary, practice atmosphere, and family issues could help alleviate the efflux from RVP.
Association of intestinal disorders in cats with findings of abdominal radiography
Authors: Adams William M. , Sisterman Laura A. , Klauer Julia M. , Kirby Barbara M. , Lin Ting-Li
Published: April 2010

Objective—To compare the radiographic appearance of small and large intestines of cats with various medical conditions and create a quantitative index for interpretation of intestinal diameters on radiographic views of the abdomen.

Design—Retrospective cohort study.

Animals—74 cats that underwent abdominal radiography.

Procedures—Cats were assigned to 1 of 4 diagnosis categories: no gastrointestinal tract disease (n = 20), nonobstructive gastrointestinal tract disease (32), linear foreign body (LFB; 11), and small intestinal mechanical obstruction not caused by an LFB (11). Abdominal radiographs were evaluated without knowledge of history or diagnosis. Maximum and minimum external small intestine diameter (SID) and colon diameter (CD) were compared; dorsoventral and mediolateral measurements of the cranial end plate of L2 (VEL2) and L5 vertebrae were com-pared. Dorsoventral height of VEL2 from lateral radiographic views was used to determine maximum-SID:VEL2 and maximum-CD:VEL2 ratios. Gas patterns were evaluated.

Results—Nonobstructive gastrointestinal tract disease was more likely than obstruction until a maximum-SID:VEL2 ratio > 2.0. At a maximum-SID:VEL2 ratio of 2.5, probability of a disease not related to the intestinal tract was < 4%. At a maximum-SID:VEL2 ratio of 3.0, probability of a mechanical intestinal obstruction was > 70%. When the maximum-CD:VEL2 ratio was 2.0, probability of LFB was 50%; as the maximum-CD:VEL2 ratio increased beyond 2.0, likelihood of LFB decreased. Both gas pattern and CD correlated with diagnosis category.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Normalizing ratios of maximum-SID:VEL2 and maximum-CD:VEL2 obtained from measurements on lateral radiographic views of the abdomen in cats were related to diagnosis category.
Association between outcome and changes in plasma lactate concentration during presurgical treatment in dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus: 64 cases (2002–2008)
Authors: Zacher Laurie A. , Berg John , Shaw Scott P. , Kudej Raymond K.
Published: April 2010

Objective—To determine whether changes in presurgical plasma lactate concentration (before and after initial fluid resuscitation and gastric decompression) were associated with short-term outcome for dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV).

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—64 dogs.

Procedures—Medical records were reviewed, and signalment, history, resuscitative treatments, serial presurgical lactate concentrations, surgical findings, and short-term outcome were obtained for dogs with confirmed GDV.

Results—36 of 40 (90%) dogs with an initial lactate concentration ≤ 9.0 mmol/L survived, compared with only 13 of 24 (54%) dogs with a high initial lactate (HIL) concentration (> 9.0 mmol/L). Within HIL dogs, there was no difference in mean ± SD initial lactate concentration between survivors and nonsurvivors (10.6 ± 2.3 mmol/L vs 11.2 ± 2.3 mmol/L, respectively); however, there were significant differences in post-treatment lactate concentration, absolute change in lactate concentration, and percentage change in lactate concentration following resuscitative treatment. By use of optimal cutoff values within HIL dogs, survival rates for dogs with final lactate concentration > 6.4 mmol/L (23%), absolute change in lactate concentration ≤ 4 mmol/L (10%), or percentage change in lactate concentration ≤ 42.5% (15%) were significantly lower than survival rates for dogs with a final lactate concentration ≤ 6.4 mmol/L (91%), absolute change in lactate concentration > 4 mmol/L (86%), or percentage change in lactate concentration > 42.5% (100%).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Calculating changes in plasma lactate concentration following initial treatment in dogs with GDV may assist in determining prognosis and identifying patients that require more aggressive treatment.
Relationship between plankton assemblages and habitat characteristics of stands of Typha angustifolia and Chara hispida in Lake Wielkowiejskie
Authors: Celewicz-Gołdyn Sofia , Klimko Małgorzata , Kuczyńska-Kippen Natalia , Nagengast Barbara
Published: April 2010

The results of investigations performed in Lake Wielkowiejskie showed the influence of macrophyte architecture, understood as plant density, on the structure of plankton communities as well as the habitat preferences of particular species in both seasonal and spatial aspects.
Improvement of enzyme stability via non-covalent complex formation with dextran against temperature and storage lifetime
Authors: Altikatoglu Melda , Kuzu Huriye
Published: April 2010

Improvement of enzyme stability via non-covalent complex formation with dextran against temperature and storage lifetime

The optimal methodology to prepare the novel modified enzyme, polymer-enzyme complex, was developed to give a high catalytic activity in aqueous solution. The non-covalent complexes of two different enzymes (horseradish peroxidase and glucose oxidase) were prepared with various molar ratios (nD/nE 0,05; 0,1; 1; 5; 10; 15; 20) by using 75kDa dextran. The thermal stabilities of the obtained complexes were evaluated with the activities determined at different temperatures (25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80°C) applying 60 minutes incubation time for pH 7. The complexes with the molar ratio nD/nHRP: 10 and nD/nGOD: 5 showed the highest thermal stability. Its activity was very high (ca. 1,5-fold higher activity than pure enzyme for HRP-dextran complexes) and almost the same between applying one hour incubation time and without incubation, and could also be measured at high temperatures (70, 80 °C). We finally succeeded in preparing dextran-enzyme complexes which showed higher activity than pure enzyme in aqueos solution at all temperatures for pH 7. In addition, the mentioned complexes at pH 7 had very long storage lifetime compared to purified enzyme at +4 °C; which is considered as a good feature for the usage in practice.
The Ti-MWW catalyst - its characteristic and catalytic properties in the epoxidation of allyl alcohol by hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Wróblewska Agnieszka , Fajdek Anna , Milchert Eugeniusz , Grzmil Barbara
Published: April 2010

The Ti-MWW catalyst - its characteristic and catalytic properties in the epoxidation of allyl alcohol by hydrogen peroxide

Ti-MWW, one of the latest titanium-silicalite catalysts, has been prepared by direct hydrothermal synthesis using hexamethyleneimine as a structure-directing agent. The characteristic of the catalyst was performed by means of the following methods: XRD, SEM, IR, UV-vis and X'Ray microanalysis. The catalytic properties of Ti-MWW have been compared with those of the conventional titanium-silicalites TS-1 and TS-2 in the epoxidation of allyl alcohol with hydrogen peroxide. The process has been described by the following main functions: the selectivity of the transformation to glycidol in relation to allyl alcohol consumed, the conversions of the substrates (allyl alcohol and hydrogen peroxide) and the selectivity of the transformation to organic compounds in relation to hydrogen peroxide consumed.
Autumn migration of Marsh Harriers (Circus aeruginosus) across the Central Mediterranean in 2002
Authors: Agostini Nicolantonio , Coleiro Charles , Panuccio Michele
Published: April 2010

Autumn migration of Marsh Harriers (Circus aeruginosus) across the Central Mediterranean in 2002

Observations on the autumn migration of the Marsh Harrier were made at two sites of the central Mediterranean: the Circeo promontory (central Italy) and the island of Malta. The aim was to investigate the passage of birds belonging to different sex and age classes. At the Circeo promontory a total of 787 individuals was counted, 37.5% of which were juveniles. Over the island of Malta the passage of 1535 Marsh Harriers was recorded with an evident peak comprising 906 birds on 13 September. At both sites males outnumbered females, mostly within the first half of September. Because, at least among adults, an imbalance towards females has been reported in the population wintering in central Europe, our results suggest that adult males could have a stronger tendency to migrate over a long distance, crossing the central Mediterranean area in large numbers. Whereas females, being larger than males, are able to tolerate colder temperatures and fast longer. Finally, our counts confirm the increase of the European population of the Marsh Harrier, which has occurred for the last three decades.
Directional behaviour of the Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) studied in two types of orientation cages during autumn migration - a case study
Authors: Zehtindjiev Pavel , Ilieva Mihaela , Ożarowska Agnieszka , Busse Przemysław
Published: April 2010

Directional behaviour of the Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) studied in two types of orientation cages during autumn migration - a case study

Migratory directions of Sedge Warblers tested in the Emlen funnel and Busse's flat cage during autumn migration in the Balkan region were studied. Some methodological aspects of orientation data analysis were discussed as well. According to orientation data at least two populations of the Sedge Warbler migrate in NE Bulgaria: one in SW direction via Greece, crossing the Mediterranean Sea to Libya, and then Central Africa and second one through Turkey, (Cyprus?) and the Middle East to the eastern parts of winter quarters (SE direction). This pattern is clear when a calculation method that assumes reverse and axial behaviour of birds (i.e. reversing vectors from northern sectors) is applied. Nature of "reverse migration" is still not well recognised and seems to be very interesting for further studies.
Movements and settling patterns of Sedge Warblers (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) in the Czech Republic and Slovakia - an analysis of ringing recoveries
Authors: Procházka Petr , Reif Jiří
Published: April 2010

Movements and settling patterns of Sedge Warblers (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) in the Czech Republic and Slovakia - an analysis of ringing recoveries

In total, 1655 ringing recoveries of 1492 Sedge Warblers ringed or recovered in the Czech Republic and Slovakia were analysed in respect of breeding site fidelity, natal philopatry and movements. Out of 128 recoveries of adult birds from the breeding season, 96% came from the same locality showing a considerable breeding site fidelity. Out of 9 recoveries of birds ringed in nests and subsequently recovered during following breeding seasons, 8 settled at their birthplaces, only 1 male was found 26 km away from its native locality. After fledging, some juveniles dispersed in directions different from the migration routes. One young bird was recovered on its juvenile dispersal at the age of 35 days. On their migration to winterquarters, Sedge Warblers headed initially between south-west and south-east. The highest concentration of recoveries was situated in the Pannonian Lowland. Birds from the eastern Baltic region and Scandinavia often migrate through the territory of the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The only winter record came from southern France.
Recording of maternal deaths in an East African university hospital
Authors: BERGSJØ PER , VANGEN SIRI , LIE ROLV TERJE , LYATUU ROWLAND , LIE‐NIELSEN ERIK , ONEKO OLOLA
Published: April 2010

Objective. To trace all maternal deaths at a tertiary East African university hospital with a systematic registration of all births. Design. Descriptive study. Sample. One hundred and nineteen cases of maternal death which occurred in the period from 2000 to 2007 (including). Methods. Identification through the birth registry and separate manual tracing of all case records. Account of practical problems concerning identification of cases and analysis of time trends, mothers' domicile, occurrence by phase of pregnancy, birth and puerperium, and diagnoses. Results. There was considerable under‐reporting of deaths in the medical birth registry. Twenty of 119 mothers died before 23 weeks' gestational age, most of them of unsafe abortion. Other prevalent direct causes of death were hemorrhage, eclampsia and other hypertensive complications. HIV/AIDS was primary cause in 20 cases. Conclusion. Even with relatively complete ascertainment of births, single hospital‐based medical birth registries have limitations in studies of maternal deaths. They may identify risks among women who arrive for delivery at the hospital, but are not well suited for estimation of total maternal mortality within the hospital walls. This would require additional data. Extending the birth registry monitoring system to all health institutions with obstetrical services in a region will give more reliable estimates to be followed over time and serve as a basis for regular auditing, to the benefit of mothers and their children.
Robotic radical parametrectomy in benign disease: report of two cases
Authors: ZAPARDIEL IGNACIO , ZANAGNOLO VANNA , MAGRINA JAVIER F. , MAGTIBAY PAUL M.
Published: April 2010

Radical parametrectomy is rarely performed for benign diseases given the considerable risk of complications, however, some benign conditions require wide excision of the pelvic tissue, including parametria. We report on two cases of robotic radical parametrectomy performed for benign diseases. An electronic search was also carried out in PubMed database online to review this subject. Robotic surgery for radical parametrectomy seems safe and feasible and may be the preferred approach in terms of both lower complication rates, and shorter hospital stay compared to laparotomy, with the same results in terms of improvement of symptoms of chronic pelvic pain, although further studies are needed to confirm this observation.
Can Clinicians Predict Psychosis in an Ultra High Risk Group?
Authors: Nelson Barnaby , Yung Alison R.
Published: April 2010

Aims: Criteria for identifying people likely to develop a first psychotic episode are now used in many clinical services worldwide. In recent years within these services, there has been an increase in the practice of prescribing antipsychotic medication with the aim of reducing symptoms and preventing onset of full-blown disorder. This practice is based on clinical impression of an incipient psychosis, that is, a clinical judgment that a particular patient may soon progress to full-threshold disorder and may therefore benefit from antipsychotics. However, it is unclear how accurate this clinical impression is. If not accurate it could mean that individuals are receiving antipsychotics unnecessarily. In this study, we investigated the predictive validity of clinical impression of whether ultra high risk patients would develop frank psychosis.

Methods: Experienced psychologists rated their clinical impression of incipient psychosis in 168 ultra high risk patients. Ratings were made upon entry to the PACE clinic, a clinical service for ultra high risk patients. Psychosis status over the subsequent 12-month period was established using the Comprehensive Assessment of At Risk Mental States or State medical records.

Results: A total of 8.9% of the sample transitioned to psychosis over the 12-month follow-up period. There was a sensitivity of 0.80, specificity of 0.84, positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.32 and negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.98 for the prediction of psychosis using the clinical impression ratings.

Conclusions: The results indicate that clinical impression is not sufficient for predicting psychosis outcome in ultra high risk cohorts and that ongoing rigorous research into predictors of outcome in such cohorts is required. The results also caution against the prescription of antipsychotic medication based on clinical impression of incipient psychosis. Future work should address the predictive validity of clinical impression with a larger sample and over a longer follow-up period.
Evaluation of Quality Protein Maize (QPM) Genotypes under Rainfed Mid Hill Environments of Nepal
Authors: Upadhyay S. R. , Gurung D. B. , Paudel D. C. , Koirala K. B. , Sah S. N. , Prasad R. C. , Pokhrel B. B. , Dhakal R.
Published: April 2010

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the second most important staple food crop after rice and a major food crop of the resource poor people in the hills of Nepal. Prevailing normal maize (non-QPM) is deficient in two essential amino acids, lysine and tryptophan. The majority of hill farm families are suffering from protein malnutrition as their major diet is maize and cannot afford animal protein. QPM contains opaque-2, a single gene mutation that alters the protein composition of the endosperm portion and nearly double the essential amino acids concentrations than the normal maize grain. The biological value of protein in QPM maize is about 80%, that of milk is about 90% and in normal maize (non-QPM) is about 45% only. A series of experiments were conducted in RCB Design during 2004/2005 summer season and superior genotypes selected and promoted from Observation Nurseries to IYT and CVT (Coordinated Varietal Trial) respectively. CVTs were evaluated across mid-hills of Nepal. Based on four environmental mean results in CVT: the genotype S99TLWQ- HG-AB (QPM maize) produced the highest mean grain yield (4899 kg ha-1) followed by Population 44 C10 (4552 kg ha-1) and Manakamana-3 (4436 kg ha-1) respectively. However, most of the tested QPM genotypes were at par with improved check for grain yield production and significantly highest grain yielder than the farmres’ variety (local check). Concluding results revealed that the genotype S99 TLWQ-HG-AB performed very well across the mid hills. Findings of the present study will help to reduce protein malnutrition problem in the hills of Nepal.Key words: GGE-biplot; Genotype x environment interaction; Normal maize; Open pollinated varieties (OPV); Quality protein maize (QPM).DOI: 10.3126/njst.v10i0.2803Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Volume 10, 2009 December Page: 9-14
Preservation of In Vitro Grown Shoot Tips of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) by Different Methods of Cryopreservation
Authors: Dhital Shambhu P. , Manandhar Hira K. , Lim Hak T.
Published: April 2010

Cryopreservation has been recognized as a practical and efficient tool for long-term storage of vegetatively propagated plants. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of sucrose concentration, hardening temperature and different cryopreservation methods on the survival rate of potato shoot tips after cryopreservation. Excised shoot tips of in vitro plantlets of potato cultivars, Atlantic and Superior were cryopreserved by vitrification, encapsulationvitrification and encapsulation-dehydration. Cryopreservation by vitrification method was used to determine the optimum concentration of sucrose and cold hardening temperature during sub-culturing period to the donor plantlets. Nine-percent sucrose gave 46.7% survival in Atlantic and 40% in Superior. The most optimum hardening temperature for 50% survival in Atlantic and 43.3% in Superior was 10°C. In the case of comparative study of three different cryopreservation methods, the highest survival (52%) as well as regeneration (46%) were observed when the shoot tips were cryopreserved by encapsulation-vitrification method, and the lowest survival (36%) and regeneration (28%) from the vitrification. Plant and tuber morphology of potato regenerated after cryopreservation were similar to those of the non-cryopreserved in vitro plantlets (control). Thus, this study demonstrated that encapsulation-vitrification method was the most effective one among other methods for higher survival as well as regeneration in in vitro shoot tips of potato.Key words: Cryopreservation; Dehydration; Encapsulation; Potato; Regeneration; VitrificationDOI: 10.3126/njst.v10i0.2804Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Volume 10, 2009 December Page: 15-20
Study on Floral Biology of Gladiolus Genotypes
Authors: Poon Tul Bahadur , Rao T. M. , Kumar D. P. , Venugopalan R. , Dhananjaya M. V.
Published: April 2010

This study was conducted in the field of Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bangalore, India. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with different genotypes replicated three times. Observations were recorded for sixteen floral characters. Among different genotypes, viz., ‘Arka Kesar', ‘H.S.84-7-11' and ‘Shobha' were early in respect of days to spike emergence, full spike emergence, the first bud showing color, basal bud loosening and flowering. Duration of spike emergence to flowering was long in ‘Psittacinus hybrid' (14.18 days),' H.S.87-22-11'(13.17 days) and ‘Dhiraj' (13.13 days). Duration of first floret bud loosening to complete opening of florets was short in ‘Shobha' (21 hours 31 minutes), ‘H.S.84-7-11'(21 hours 53 minutes) and ‘Darshan ‘(21 hours 58 minutes). Duration of initiation and completion of anther dehiscence was long in ‘Psittacinus hybrid ‘ (5 hours 19 minutes) and ‘H.S. 82-11-27' (5 hours 7 minutes). Duration of initiation to completion of stigma receptivity was long in ‘H.S. 87-22-1' (4 days 1 hour 37 minutes), ‘Tilak' (4 days 1 hour) and ‘H.S.87-1-1'(3 days 22 hours 59 minutes).Key words: Anther dehiscence; Gladiolus; Spike; Stigma receptivityDOI: 10.3126/njst.v10i0.2821Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Volume 10, 2009 December Page: 37-43
Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Leaf Nutrient Status of Walnut (Juglans regia L.)
Authors: Bhattarai B. P. , Tomar C. S.
Published: April 2010

The study was conducted at 10 - years- old walnut orchard at Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni-Solan(H.P.) to find out the effect of integrated nutrient management on leaf nutrient status of walnut (Juglans regia L.). There were 13 different treatment combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers. Treatments were applied on per tree basis. Among the treatments recommended dose of NPK +50kg vermicompost and three fourth recommended dose of NPK+68.75kg vermicompost were effective for improvement of leaf nutrient status.Key words: NPK; Neem cake; Vermicompost; Leaf nutrientDOI: 10.3126/njst.v10i0.2825Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Volume 10, 2009 December Page: 63-67
Genetic Fingerprinting of Bacillus thuringiensis Isolates by Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA Polymerase Chain Reaction (RAPD-PCR)
Authors: Sahukhal Gyan Sundar , Shrestha Upendra Thapa , Lekhak Binod
Published: April 2010

Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) is a method of producing a genetic fingerprint of a particular species without its prior genetic information. Relationship between species may be determined by comparing their unique fingerprint information. B. thuringiensis was isolated from soil samples of Khumbu base camp of Everest region, Nepal. Crystal protein (delta endotoxin) producing strains (46 from Phereche and 40 from Sagarmatha national park) were tested against a series of 100 decamer RAPD primers (codes 201-300, obtained from University of British Columbia) by RAPD PCR. Primer 284 was found the best among the tested primers and the reaction condition for PCR was optimized with a PCR buffer containing 10mM Tris HCl, 50 mM KCl, 3 mM MgCl2 with pH 8.3.; 200ìm dNTPs each, 1U Taq polymerase , 40 pmol decamer primers, 20 ng template DNA and 1% DMSO as a final concentrations in 25ìl reaction mixture. The thermal programme was programmed as initial denaturation temperature at 94°C for 5 min followed by 35 cycles with denaturation at 94°C for 1 min, annealing at 36°C for 1 min and extension at 72°C for 2 mins with final extension temperature at 72°C for 10 min. Higher polymorphic fragments were found in the range between 700-900 bp. Next to it, the range of 400-700 and 1200-1600 bp were, too, highly polymorphic among the isolates. The discriminatory capacity (D) of the RAPD-PCR was found to be 0.9901. The isolates of cold tolerant B. thuringiensis from high altitude regions were found rich in genomic polymorphism.Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Volume 10, 2009 December Page: 97-103
Categorical Regression Models with Optimal Scaling for Predicting Indoor Air Pollution Concentrations inside Kitchens in Nepalese Households
Authors: Shrestha Srijan Lal
Published: April 2010

Indoor air pollution from biomass fuels is considered as a potential environmental risk factor in developing countries of the world. Exposure to these fuels have been associated to many respiratory and other ailments such as acute lower respiratory infection, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, lung cancer, cataract, adverse pregnancy outcomes, etc. The use of biomass fuels is found to be nearly zero in the developed countries but widespread in the developing countries including Nepal. Women and children are the most vulnerable group since they spend a lot of time inside smoky kitchens with biomass fuel burning, inefficient stove and poor ventilation particularly in rural households of Nepal. Measurements of indoor air pollution through monitoring equipment such as high volume sampler, laser dust monitor, etc are expensive, thus not affordable and practicable to use them frequently. In this context, it becomes imperative to use statistical models instead for predicting air pollution concentrations in household kitchens. The present paper has attempted to contribute in this regard by developing some statistical models specifically categorical regression models with optimal scaling for predicting indoor particulate air pollution and carbon monoxide concentrations based upon a cross-sectional survey data of Nepalese households. The common factors found significant for prediction are fuel type, ventilation situation and house types. The highest estimated levels are found to be for those using solid biomass fuels with poor ventilation and Kachhi houses. The estimated PM10 and CO levels are found to be 3024 μg/m3 and 24115 μg/m3 inside kitchen at cooking time which are 5.2 and 40.40 times higher than the lowest predicted values for those using LPG / biogas and living in Pakki houses with improved ventilation, respectively.Key words: Biomass fuel; Categorical regression; Indoor air pollution; Optimal scaling; Respiratory ailmentsDOI: 10.3126/njst.v10i0.2962Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 10, 2009 Page: 205-211
Fish Diversity of Tamor River and its Major Tributaries of Eastern Himalayan Region of Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Jiwan , Singh Dharani Man , Saund Tej Bahadur
Published: April 2010

A total of 30 fish species from different sampling stations were recorded. Psilorhynchoides pseudecheneis, endemic fish of Nepal, was recorded from all seven stations, which can be considered as a common species of the study area. Recorded fish species were classified into two orders and five families. Order Cypriniformes comprised of four families: Cyprinidae, Cobitidae, Balitoridae and Psilorhynchidae with 26 species while order Siluriformes comprised of one family: Sisoridae and four species. Cyprinidae, Cobitidae, Balitoridae and Psilorhynchidae comprised 61%, 13%, 10% and 3% respectively while Sisoridae comprised of 13% fish species. The common species of Tamor river were Psilorhynchoides pseudecheneis followed by Barilius shacra, Barilius bendelisis, Barilius barila, Schizothoraichthys labiatus, Schizothoraichthys progastus, Schizothorax richardsonii, Neolissochilus hexagonolepis and Garra annandalei. Most of the species collected during the field survey have economic value as food, medicinal, recreation and aesthetic purposes. The water quality parameters i.e. air temperature (22-26.3°C), water temperature (16.0-19.0°C), DO (9.7-10 ppm), pH (7.3-7.5), alkalinity (17.1 mg/l), total hardness (28.5-34.2 mg/l), CO2 (5 mg/l) and conductivity (37.7-56.7 μs/cm) were found within the suitable range for cold water fishes.Key words: Eastern Himalayas region; Tamor river; Fish diversity; Fish dominancy; Physico-chemical parametersDOI: 10.3126/njst.v10i0.2964Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 10, 2009 Page: 219-223