bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Phenotype Distribution of Paraoxonase-1 in Patients with Multiple Myeloma, Bladder, and Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ellidag Hamit Yasar , Eren Esin , Aydin Ozgur , Neselioglu Salim , Yilmaz Necat
Published: November 2013

Background: Human serum paraoxonase-1 (PON1) shows wide variation among different ethnic groups around the world. The aim of the present study was to determine the phenotype distribution and enzymatic activity of PON1 and ARE (arylesterase) in colorectal cancer (CRC), bladder cancer (BC) and multiple myeloma (MM) patients compared to healthy subjects.

Methods: A total of 160 subjects (40 CRC patients, 40 BC patients, 40 MM patients and 40 healthy controls) were admitted to the study. The phenotype distribution of PON1 was determined by using the dual substrate (paraoxon and phenylacetate) method.

Results: PON 1 and ARE activities were significantly lower in the cancer patients compared to the control group. The following phenotype distributions were assessed in the cancer and control groups: MM: 52.5% (QQ), 40% (QR), 7.5% (RR); CRC: 52.5% (QQ), 40% (QR), 7.5% (RR); BC: 55% (QQ), 35% (QR), 10% (RR); and controls: 40% (QQ), 57.5% (QR), 2.5% (RR).

Conclusions: We found that MM, CRC and BC patients were associated with lower PON1, ARE and stPON1 enzyme activities compared to the healthy subjects. However, PON1 phenotypes were similar between the cancer groups and control group.
The Comparison of Glycated Hemoglobin and Homeostasis Model Assessment Values to 30, 60 and 90-Min Glucose Levels During OGTT in Subjects with Normal Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Ercan Şerif , Yücel Nihal , Orçun Asuman
Published: November 2013

Background: The subjects with impaired glucose tolerance have an increased risk for future type 2 diabetes (T2DM); however, a significant number of individuals who develop T2DM have normal glucose tolerance (NGT) at baseline. The study aims to compare glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) levels to 30, 60 and 90-min glucose levels in subjects with NGT.

Methods: A 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120-min was performed in 1118 subjects without known T2DM. Blood samples were also drawn for fasting insulin and HbA1C levels.

Results: Forty percent of the subjects with NGT had increased post-challenge values above the determined optimal glucose levels (10.2, 10.3 and 8.9 mmol/L at 30, 60 and 90-min, respectively). Compared to the subjects with NGT whose glucose levels were below the determined optimal values at 30, 60 and 90-min, we found significantly elevated HbA1C and HOMA-IR levels in the subjects with NGT whose glucose levels were above the determined optimal values (p<0.001).

Conclusions: We conclude that the subjects with NGT have different HbA1C and HOMA-IR levels considering glucose levels measured earlier than at 2-h during OGTT. Further well-designed prospective studies are needed to define the significance of 30-min, 60-min and 90-min glucose levels in the prediction of disease in subjects with T2DM.
Aspects of Responsive Design with Applications to the Swedish Living Conditions Survey
Authors: Lundquist Peter , Särndal Carl-Erik
Published: November 2013

In recent literature on survey nonresponse, new indicators of the quality of the data collection have been proposed. These include indicators of balance and representativity (of the set of respondents) and distance (between respondents and nonrespondents), computed on available auxiliary variables. We use such indicators in conjunction with paradata from the Swedish CATI system to examine the inflow of data (as a function of the call attempt number) for the 2009 Swedish Living Conditions Survey (LCS). We then use the LCS 2009 data file to conduct several “experiments in retrospect”. They consist in interventions, at suitable chosen points and driven by the prospects of improved balance and reduced distance. The survey estimates computed on the resulting final response set are likely to be less biased. Cost savings realized by fewer calls can be redirected to enhance quality of other aspects of the survey design.
Utilising Expert Opinion to Improve the Measurement of International Migration in Europe
Authors: Wiśniowski Arkadiusz , Bijak Jakub , Christiansen Solveig , Forster Jonathan J. , Keilman Nico , Raymer James , Smith Peter W.F.
Published: November 2013

In this article, we first discuss the need to augment reported flows of international migration in Europe with additional knowledge gained from experts on measurement, quality and coverage. Second, we present our method for eliciting this information. Third, we describe how this information is converted into prior distributions for subsequent use in a Bayesian model for estimating migration flows amongst countries in the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA). The article concludes with an assessment of the importance of expert information and a discussion of lessons learned from the elicitation process.
Informationally incomplete quantum tomography
Authors: Teo Yong Siah , Řeháček Jaroslav , Hradil Zdenĕk
Published: November 2013

In quantum-state tomography on sources with quantum degrees
of freedom of large Hilbert spaces, inference of
quantum states of light for instance, a complete characterization
of the quantum states for these sources is often not feasible
owing to limited resources. As such, the concepts of informationally
incomplete state estimation becomes important.
These concepts are ideal for applications to quantum channel/
process tomography, which typically requires a much larger
number of measurement settings for a full characterization
of a quantum channel. Some key aspects of both quantumstate
and quantum-process tomography are arranged together
in the form of a tutorial review article that is catered to
students and researchers who are new to the field of quantum
tomography, with focus on maximum-likelihood related techniques
as instructive examples to illustrate these ideas.
Mediastinal teratoma with hydrops fetalis in a newborn and development of chronic respiratory insufficiency
Authors: Simoncic Milanka , Kopriva Silvo , Zupancic Ziva , Jerse Maja , Babnik Janez , Srpcic Matevz , Grosek Stefan
Published: November 2013

Background. Mediastinal fetal teratoma can be detected as a mass in the chest during a routine prenatal ultrasound screening. Because of the pressure on mediastinal structures it can be the cause of non-immune hydrops fetalis and polyhydramnion. The development of hydrops fetalis leads to fetal death or premature delivery in most reported cases. Early surgical removal is important, but, the result of treatment depends on the stage of development of mediastinal organs and complications in the postoperative period.

Case report. A 31-year-old gravida carrying twins, with spontaneous membrane rupture at 32 weeks gestation underwent urgent caesarean section after antenatal ultrasound revealed severe polyhydramnion and hydrops fetalis in geminus A. The child was intubated immediately after birth due to severe respiratory distress. Ultrasound and X-ray revealed a tumour mass in the right hemithorax. Tumour resection was performed at the age of 7 days. Histology examination revealed an encapsulated immature teratoma. The postoperative course was complicated with respiratory insufficiency which turned into chronic at the age of eight months.

Conclusion. This is the fifth reported child with fetal mediastinal teratoma and severe hydrops fetalis that survived the neonatal period. Additional diagnostic search revealed abnormal course of both pulmonary arteries, which was probably one of the main causes of respiratory insufficiency
CFD Proposals for the Layout of Air Vents for Realization of Underfloor Air Cavity Created from Special Fittings
Authors: Renčko Tomáš , Sedláková Anna
Published: November 2013

In basement acting humidity can be removed using ventilated flooring created from special fittings. Particular attention should be paid to the design layout of inlet and outlet of openings. The aim of the correct proposal is the even distribution of air flow over the whole surface of the cavity. To achieve this state and to objective evaluate the air flow in the gaps, which are made up of shaped objects, the work uses CFD simulations. Based on computational simulations, structural designs of underfloor air cavities created using special fittings are designed. As results are the proposals for the layout of air vents for historic buildings for realization in Kosice.
Environmental Evaluation of Building Materials of 5 Slovak Buildings
Authors: Porhincak Milan , Estokova Adriana
Published: November 2013

Building activity has recently led to the deterioration of environment and has become unsustainable. Several strategies have been introduced in order to minimize consumption of energy and resulting CO2 emissions having their origin in the operational phase. But also other stages of Life Cycle should are important to identify the overall environmental impact of construction sector. In this paper 5 similar Slovak buildings (family houses) were analyzed in terms of environmental performance of building materials used for their structures. Evaluation included the weight of used materials, embodied energy and embodied CO2 and SO2 emissions. Analysis has proven that the selection of building materials is an important factor which influences the environmental profile. Findings of the case study indicated that materials like concrete, ceramic or thermal insulation materials based on polystyrene and mineral wool are ones with the most negative environmental impact.
Multicriteria Decision Analysis of Material Selection of High Energy Performance Residential Building
Authors: Čuláková Monika , Vilčeková Silvia , Katunská Jana , Krídlová Burdová Eva
Published: November 2013

In world with limited amount of energy sources and with serious environmental pollution, interest in comparing the environmental embodied impacts of buildings using different structure systems and alternative building materials will be increased. This paper shows the significance of life cycle energy and carbon perspective and the material selection in reducing energy consumption and emissions production in the built environment. The study evaluates embodied environmental impacts of nearly zero energy residential structures. The environmental assessment uses framework of LCA within boundary: cradle to gate. Designed alternative scenarios of material compositions are also assessed in terms of energy effectiveness through selected thermal-physical parameters. This study uses multi-criteria decision analysis for making clearer selection between alternative scenarios. The results of MCDA show that alternative E from materials on nature plant base (wood, straw bales, massive wood panel) present possible way to sustainable perspective of nearly zero energy houses in Slovak republic
Optimization of the Energy Performance of a Low Energy House Based on Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Sedláková Anna , Geletka Vladimír
Published: November 2013

For buildings with for heating requirements, energy balance is based on the difference between two similarly large numbers (heat gain and heat loss) in which the calculation becomes increasingly sensitive to changes in parameters. The output of the hourly simulation method illustrates the temperature in “free-floating” mode, which unlike the requirement for heating provides better information on the thermal behavior of the building itself in order to model the dynamic response of the object to certain changes in the input data. For the purpose of the evaluation the minimum and maximum acceptable temperature and the area within the boundaries called comfort zone. In this paper a low energy house is evaluated in terms of energy performance and thermal comfort, where some parameters are altered in order to determine its sensitivity to fluctuations. The methodology is based on a sensitivity analysis (SA) and Monte Carlo simulation based on a stochastic random selection. Thermal comfort is evaluated using an adaptive thermal comfort.
Timon of Athens (1606?) and Timon (1602?): Rhetorical and Ritualistic Violence
Authors: Orman Steve
Published: November 2013

This article seeks to explore representations of theatrical anger in William Shakespeare and Thomas Middleton’s Timon of Athens (1606?) and a play written by students from one of the Inns of Court, the Inner Temple, entitled Timon, written and performed at the Inn circa 1602. The article is concerned with two types of violence exhibited in both plays; rhetorical violence and ritualistic violence. Early modern rhetorical violence is self-consciously performative and manipulative compared to ritualistic violence which is unbridled and emasculating; a bodily performance that cannot be controlled via self-regulation. By exploring cultural perceptions of anger, this article attempts to account for the range of violence performed by the two Timons.
On the Fauna of Gamasid Mites of The Genera Anystipalpus and Antennoseius (Mesostigmata, Ascidae) of The Eastern Ukraine
Authors: Trach V. A.
Published: November 2013

The local fauna of mites of the genera Anystipalpus and Antennoseius in “Streltsovskaya steppe” branch of Lugansk Nature Reserve was studied. The aspects of phoresy mites on carabids and the quantitative data of phoresy are reviewed. 334 specimens of 36 carabid species were examined. Seven species of mites of these genera (Anystipalpus livshitsi, A. stepposus, Antennoseius bullitus, A. dungeri, A. kamalii, A. pannonicus, A. ponticus) were found on 16 species of carabids. A. kamalii are recorded for the first time for Europe and Ukraine. A. livshitsi collected from 13 species of carabids, other species of mites were found on 1-6 species of beetles. The index of dominance of certain species of mites is 0.2-81.4 %, the index of occurrence - 0.4-20.6 %. The maximum values of the intensity of mites invasion (phoresy) was observed for A. livshitsi (8.0) and A. bullitus (8.2). Up to 72 mite specimens were observed on one specimen of beetle. Simultaneous phoresy (synphoresy) of mites of these genera are registered for the first time. It is suggested that mites are weakly associated with certain taxa of ground beetles, and more associated with certain size group of carabids and probably with their habitats
Aphidiid Wasps (Hymenoptera, Aphidiidae) Parasitizing Aphids on Herbaceous Legumes (Fabaceae) in the Central Wood-and-Steppe Zone of Ukraine
Authors: Kaliuzhna M. O. , Zubenko O. G.
Published: November 2013

Species composition and host associations of the aphidiid wasps infesting aphids in Kyiv, Cherkasy, Poltava and Kirovohrad Regions of the Central Wood-and-Steppe Zone of Ukraine were studied during 2010-2011, mainly on meadows. Nine species of aphids were found on 36 plant species, of them 7 species were infested by aphidiids. Six species of parasites were reared: Lysiphlebus fabarum (Marshall), L. confusus Tremblay et Eady, L. fritzmuelleri Mackauer, Lipolexis gracilis Förster, Binodoxys acalephae (Marshall), B. angelicae (Haliday). The most widespread species were L. fabarum and L. confusus. The rate of aphids colony infestation according to weather conditions and association with host plants are discussed. An illustrated key to the found species is given.
Morphological Features of Cephalic Skeleton of the Adult Black Sea Turbot (Kalkan) Scophthalmatus Maximus Var. Maeotica (Pleuronectiformes, Scophthalmidae)
Authors: Yelnikov D. V. , Khanaychenko A. N.
Published: November 2013

For the first time the full description of neural and visceral cephalic skeleton of adult Black Sea turbot (kalkan), Scophthalmus maximus (Pallas) has been carried out. The detailed outline of the norm of development of cephalic skeleton in adult Black Sea turbot with up-to-date nomenclature of bone elements is offered as a basis to conduct further studies on variability of skeleton elements and abnormalities among the Black Sea turbot morphotypes from natural populations and artificially reared specimens.
Molecular Characterization of Dactylogyroides Tripathii (Monogenea, Dactylogyridae) Using Long Subunit rDNA From North East Region of India
Authors: Chiary H. R. , Chaudhary A. , Singh H. S.
Published: November 2013

The present study describes the molecular characterization of the monogenea Dactylogyroides tripathii (Tripathi, 1959) Gussev, 1973 infecting the gill filaments of fish, Puntius ticto from River Brahmaputra, Guwahati, Assam, India. This study shows the D. tripathii species identification resulted from the use of molecular data, particularly the 28S rDNA gene. We compared the 28S partial rDNA sequence of D. tripathii with same gene region of the other species of monogeneans available in GenBank. With this comparison, we determined that the sequence had a similarity with one available species of the genus Dactylogyroides Gussev, 1963 i. e., D. longicirrus and also with the species of Dactylogyrus from which this genus was distinguished.
Cross-Level Measurement Invariance in School and Classroom Environment Surveys
Authors: Schweig Jonathan
Published: November 2013

Measures of classroom and school environments are central to policy efforts that assess school and teacher quality. These measures are often formed by aggregating individual survey responses to form group-level measures, and assume an invariant measurement model holds across the individual and group levels. This article explores the tenability of this assumption by applying multilevel factor analysis to two well-known surveys: the Working Conditions Survey, which assesses school environments, and the Tripod Classroom Environment Survey. The examples illustrate the consequences of using common factor analytic methods that assume cross-level invariance, and demonstrate how distorted perceptions of factorial structure can influence inferences about the relationship between working conditions and teacher mobility.
Measuring Test Measurement Error
Authors: Boyd Donald , Lankford Hamilton , Loeb Susanna , Wyckoff James
Published: November 2013

Test-based accountability as well as value-added asessments and much experimental and quasi-experimental research in education rely on achievement tests to measure student skills and knowledge. Yet, we know little regarding fundamental properties of these tests, an important example being the extent of measurement error and its implications for educational policy and practice. While test vendors provide estimates of split-test reliability, these measures do not account for potentially important day-to-day differences in student performance. In this article, we demonstrate a credible, low-cost approach for estimating the overall extent of measurement error that can be applied when students take three or more tests in the subject of interest (e.g., state assessments in consecutive grades). Our method generalizes the test–retest framework by allowing for (a) growth or decay in knowledge and skills between tests, (b) tests being neither parallel nor vertically scaled, and (c) the degree of measurement error varying across tests. The approach maintains relatively unrestrictive, testable assumptions regarding the structure of student achievement growth. Estimation only requires descriptive statistics (e.g., test-score correlations). With student-level data, the extent and pattern of measurement-error heteroscedasticity also can be estimated. In turn, one can compute Bayesian posterior means of achievement and achievement gains given observed scores—estimators having statistical properties superior to those for the observed score (score gain). We employ math and English language arts test-score data from New York City to demonstrate these methods and estimate the overall extent of test measurement error is at least twice as large as that reported by the test vendor.
Invasive Alien Species: A Menace to Biodiversity
Authors: Shrestha S. M.
Published: November 2013

Not available.Banko JanakariVol. 21, No. 2, 2011Page: 1-2DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/banko.v21i2.9123Uploaded date: November 10, 2013
Modelling height-diameter relationship for Pinus wallichiana trees for Lete and Kunjo of Mustang district
Authors: Wagle B. H. , Sharma R. P.
Published: November 2013

Quantifi cation of height-diameter relationship helps in better understanding of stand dynamics. Height-diameter models can be used as necessary inputs to growth and yield models and growth simulation systems. The researchers developed height-diameter models with 364 Blue pine (Pinus wallichiana) tree data from Lete and Kunjo Village Development Committees (VDCs) of Mustang district. Eighteen non-linear models were calibrated, among which, Weibull model described the largest proportion of height variation (R2 adj = 0. 9362). Gunary and Chapman-Richards’ models also appeared almost identical to Weibull model in terms of fi t statistics and graphical appearance. The researchers recommend Weibull model for predicting total heights of Blue pine trees for the VDCs covered by the study.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/banko.v21i2.9125Banko Janakari Vol. 21, NO. 2, 2011 Page: 13-23 Uploaded date: 10 November, 2013
Distribution and availability of raw materials for production of Nepali handmade paper from Daphne species in Darchula district, Nepal
Authors: Kharal D. K. , Oli B. N. , Poudel I.
Published: November 2013

The study, conducted in 2005 in Darchula district of the far western region of Nepal, aimed at assessing the distribution of Lokta plants (Daphne species) and the sustainable availability of their bark as a raw material for Nepali handmade paper. Stratifi ed random sampling design was adopted for collecting primary data from 340 circular shaped sample plots. The study revealed asymmetric distribution and production of Lokta in different Range post areas of Darchula district. While the tree diameter at 30 cm from base (D30) varied from 1 to 18 cm, the maximum tree height varied from 2.1 to 6 m. On the basis of diameter class, about 87 % of the bark weight was found to be of exploitable category. For the entire district of Darchula, the annual yield of Lokta bark for six years rotation amounted only to about two-third of the four years rotation. The study concludes that the stock of Lokta bark that prevails in the district can sustain promotion of Nepali paper production enterprises.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/banko.v21i2.9126Banko Janakari Vol. 21, NO. 2, 2011 Page: 24-30 Uploaded date: 10 November, 2013
Using Landsat data for assessing forest cover change and fragmentation in Laljhadi corridor of Kanchanpur district, Nepal
Authors: Aryal R. R. , Shrestha H. L. , Khanal S.
Published: November 2013

The study, carried out at Laljhadi corridor in Kanchanpur district of Nepal, aimed at assessing forest cover change and fragmentation using multi-temporal Landsat data. Post classifi cation change detection was applied on temporal forest cover class datasets obtained by supervised classifi cation technique with maximum likelihood algorithm. The overall change analysis indicated a decreasing trend in forest cover. Statistics on selected landscape metrics were generated to quantify the change in spatial structure resulting from fragmentation. The analysis of the landscape metrics depicted increase in fragmentation over the analysis time period along with progression of deforestation.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/banko.v21i2.9142Banko Janakari Vol. 21, No. 2, 2011 Page: 40-44 Uploaded date: November 11, 2013
Carissa spinarum L. (Apocynaceae): A new addition to the fl ora of Nepal
Authors: Khatri S. , Kurmi P. P. , Bhatt G. D.
Published: November 2013

The genus Carissa L. consists about 30 species distributed in the tropics and subtropics of Africa, Asia and Australia (Shu, 1995). Five species are reported from India, four from China and two from Bhutan (Hooker, 1882; Shu, 1995 and Watson, 1999). In Nepal, Carissa represent one species namely Carissa carandus L. (Chater, 1982; Joshi, 1997; Press et al., 2000 and Bista et al., 2001). Carissa spinarum L. has been so far not reported from Nepal. This herbarium specimens was collected by Puran P. Kurmi from Udayapur at Udayapur Village Development Committee (VDC) of Kapilvastu district at an altitude of 150m. It has been identifi ed as Carissa spinarum L. and therefore, it is found to be a new addition to the fl ora of Nepal. This species is distinguished from the others by its secondary veins conspicuous on adaxial leaf surface; branches and abaxial leaf surface puberulent.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/banko.v21i2.9144Banko Janakari Vol. 21, No. 2, 2011 Page: 55-56 Uploaded date: November 11, 2013
Illusionary Order: Online Databases, Optical Character Recognition, and Canadian History, 1997–2010
Authors: Milligan Ian
Published: November 2013

Abstract:

It all seems so orderly and comprehensive. Instead of firing up the microfilm reader to navigate the Globe and Mail or the Toronto Star, one needs only to log into online newspaper databases. A keyword search, for a particular event, person, or cultural phenomenon, brings up a list of research findings. Previously impossible research projects can now be attempted. This process has fundamentally reshaped Canadian historical scholarship. We can see this in Canadian history dissertations. In 1998, a year with 67 dissertations, the Toronto Star was cited 74 times. However it was cited 753 times in 2010, a year with 69 dissertations. Similar data appears in the Canadian Historical Review (CHR), a prestigious peer-reviewed journal. Databases are skewing our research. We are witnessing the application of commercial Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology – originally and primarily designed for the efficient digitization of large reams of corporate and legal documents, conventionally formatted – to historical sources. The results are, unsurprisingly, a mixed bag. In this article, I make two arguments. Firstly, online historical databases have profoundly shaped Canadian historiography. In a shift that is rarely – if ever – made explicit, Canadian historians have profoundly reacted to the availability of online databases. Secondly, historians need to understand how OCR works, in order to bring a level of methodological rigor to their work that use these sources.
Transit Impact Fee
Authors: Mathur Shishir , Smith Adam
Published: November 2013

This paper reviews four transit impact fee programs in use across the United States to examine the robustness of state and local enabling statutes and the strategies used to minimize the horizontal and vertical inequities of the fees. The paper finds that although impact fees are used primarily to fund capital expenses nationwide, three of the four case study jurisdictions also use the fee to fund operating, maintenance, and administrative expenses. Furthermore, clear language concerning the eligible uses should help provide robust legal protection if the fee is challenged in court. Finally, although the nexus and rough proportionality requirements ensure that the fee creates minimal horizontal inequities, no such legal requirements exist regarding the fee's vertical equity impacts. This lack of legal requirement is reflected in the uneven use of vertical inequity mitigation strategies adopted by the case study jurisdictions.
Key Considerations for States Seeking to Implement Public–Private Partnerships for New Highway Capacity
Authors: DeCorla-Souza Patrick , Mayer Jennifer , Jette Aaron , Buxbaum Jeffrey
Published: November 2013

Implementation of a public–private partnership (PPP) for new highway capacity by a public agency involves issues from enabling legislation through identification, evaluation, negotiation, and management of PPP projects. Public agencies will need (a) a legal framework to establish and enforce long-term PPP agreements; (b) policies, processes, and tools to guide policy decisions; (c) technical skills to identify, develop, and evaluate PPP projects and to negotiate agreements; and (d) skilled staff to manage and oversee projects over the long term. This paper explores key considerations involved in implementing a PPP project at a state department of transportation or other public agency. Public agencies seeking to facilitate the delivery and stewardship of PPP projects may consider whether to establish a PPP program or develop PPP projects on a project-by-project basis. PPP programs establish policies and processes that enable the fair and efficient evaluation, procurement, and oversight of PPP projects. Specifically, PPP programs include planning processes that facilitate the selection of appropriate projects as potential PPPs; evaluation processes that assist decision makers in structuring commercially viable PPP agreements that achieve policy goals, optimally allocate risks, and bring value to the investment; fair and competitive procurement processes that allow the public agency to select the best partner and negotiate a final agreement that is transparent and protects the public interest; and processes that help the public sector take on the new role of performance-based contract manager.
Fuel Tax Evasion via the Fuel Tax Refund Process
Authors: Church Brian V. , McGowen Pat , Abernathy Craig
Published: November 2013

Despite data that estimate the amount of fuel tax evasion, few papers have examined fuel tax evasion through the fuel tax refund process. This paper presents data analysis indicating that the fuel tax refund process, though susceptible to errors, is not a common means of evasion. Motor fuel taxes are excise taxes meant to benefit transportation infrastructure. However, some fuel use occurs off the roadway. For example, a farm tractor expends fuel while plowing a field; well-drilling trucks expend fuel while drilling a well; and truck refrigeration units with separate fuel tanks expend fuel powering the refrigerator pump. Arguably, users should not have to pay an excise tax for fuel used for off-road purposes. For diesel, at least, the federal government created tax-exempt, dyed diesel. However, some users are not able to purchase dyed diesel, or they require another type of fuel. The federal government and some state governments provide processes for these off-road users to obtain tax credits or refunds when tax-exempt fuel is unavailable, but these processes are susceptible to errors, omissions, and evasion. This paper examines data from 3 years for three types of refunds in Montana, but the results have implications for all states. The data indicate that mathematical errors and errors relating to the forms required to file for refunds most commonly plague the refund process. The data do not indicate that much evasion is occurring within the fuel tax refund process.
Responses, Movements, and Survival of Relocated Box Turtles during Construction of the Intercounty Connector Highway in Maryland
Authors: Farnsworth Scott D. , Seigel Richard A.
Published: November 2013

A comparison was done of three relocation techniques to mitigate the impacts of construction of a major highway on eastern box turtles (Terrapene c. carolina) in Maryland. Movement patterns, home range size, and the survival of turtles from three treatment groups between 2008 to 2011 were compared: turtles native to the study site and not moved during the study (native turtles), turtles native to the site but that were removed from the limit of disturbance (LOD) of the highway and relocated within 500 m of their original location (on-site relocations), and turtles that came from areas at least 5 km from the study area and that were relocated within 250 m of the LOD (off-site turtles). Turtles in the off-site group had larger home ranges and moved longer distances than either on-site or native turtles. However, off-site–relocated turtles did not make permanent movements off the study area nor have difficulty finding suitable sites for overwintering. No statistically significant differences in survival were found in the three treatment groups. However, overall survival rates were <65% over the study's 3 years, considerably lower than rates seen in other box turtle populations, perhaps because of an emerging pathogen, Ranavirus, causing numerous deaths of box turtles. Recommendations for best practices emphasized the need for more effective wildlife exclusion fences to be built and maintained earlier in construction. Failure to create and maintain such a barrier led to numerous trespass events, where turtles moved onto the LOD and would likely have been killed without researchers’ intervention.
Fish-Paddy Crop Rotation Practice In South- West Coastal Region Of Bangladesh: A Profitable Technology For The Poor Farmers
Authors: Roy Anupam Kumar , Ghosh Alokesh Kumar , Arafat Sheikh Tareq , Huq Khandaker Anisul
Published: November 2013

The study was conducted at the farmers pond at Sadar Upazilla of Bagerhat District, South-west coastal region of Bangladesh during the period from May 2006 to April 2007 to understand the present status of crop rotation practice and assess the production and cost benefit ratio of the existing culture practices. Two treatments viz., the crop rotation with paddy (T1) and the shrimp-prawn-fish culture (T2) were used in the studies. Shrimp (Penaeus monodon), prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), and catla (Catla catla) were stocked at 20000, 10000, and 250 individuals/ha, respectively, in both treatments. In T1, aquaculture phase was from May to December 2006, and the episode of paddy (BRRI dhan 28) cultivation was initiated after full harvest of aqua products and continued till April. Similar farm inputs were given for the common components in both the treatments. Shrimps were harvested four months following stocking in both T1 and T2 treatments.. In T1, production of shrimp, prawn, and catla were 347.20, 355.35, and 140.4 kg/ha, respectively and in T2, productions were 354.38, 432.37, and 204.7 kg/ha, respectively. In T1, total paddy production was 6200 kg/ha. Net benefit in T1 and T2 was Tk. 300,477 and Tk. 262,561/ha, respectively. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v38i3.16924 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 38(3): 389-399, September 2013
Split application of inorganic fertilizers in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)-hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) Intercropping system
Authors: Islam MN , Akhteruzzaman M , Alom MS
Published: November 2013

The experiment was conducted at the research field of Agronomy Division, BARI, Joydebpur, Gazipur during the rabi season of 2009-10 and 2010-11 to find out economic fertilizer dose along with time of split application of fertilizers to potato-hybrid maize intercropping system for higher productivity. Six treatment combinations were derived through combining two fertilizer doses F1= 255-55-140-40-6-2 and F2=320-73-170-50-6-2 kg/ha NPKSZnB and three levels of split applications viz., S1= 1/3 N and full of PKSZnB (basal as broadcast) + 1/3 N top dressed at 30 DAP (days after planting) of potato + 1/3 N top dressed after potato harvest, S2= 1/3 N & ½ of PKSZnB (basal in potato rows) + ½ of PKSZnB (basal for maize) + 1/3 N top dressed at 30 DAP of potato + 1/3 N top dressed after potato harvest and S3= ¼ N & ½ of PKSZnB (basal in potato rows) + ½ of PKSZnB (basal for maize) + ¼ N top dressed at 30 DAP of potato + ¼ N top dressed at 60 DAP of potato to maize rows only + ¼ N top dressed after potato harvest. Sole crops of hybrid maize and potato with recommended fertilizer dose of 255-55-140-40-6-2 and 135-30-135-15-4-0.5 kg/ha NPKSZnB were included for comparison. The highest tuber yield of potato (24.24 t/ha) and grain yield of maize (9.48 t/ha) were obtained from respective sole crops with recommended fertilizer management. The highest potato equivalent yield (30.26 t/ha), gross return (Tk. 363120/ha), gross margin (Tk. 258620/ha), and benefit cost ratio (3.47) were obtained from F1S3. The results revealed that fertilizer dose of 255-55-140-40-6-2 kg/ha NPKSZnB along with its split application, ¼ N and ½ of PKSZnB (basal in potato rows) + ½ of PKSZnB (basal for maize) + ¼ N top dressed at 30 DAP of potato + ¼ N top dressed at 60 DAP of potato to maize rows only + ¼ N top dressed after potato harvest, might be economically profitable for potato hybrid maize intercropping system. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v38i3.16971 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 38(3): 447-453, September 2013
Micropropagation of Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) through runner culture
Authors: Ashrafuzzaman M , Faisal SM , Yadav D , Khanam D , Raihan F
Published: November 2013

In vitro propagation of strawberry was conducted at the Biotechnology Lab. of BARI, Joydebpur, Gazipur. For shoot induction, five BAP concentrations viz., 0.0 (Control), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mg/l and for root induction four IBA concentrations viz., 0.0 (Control), 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg/l were used. The highest average number of shoots (7) and the highest average length (3.34 cm) of shoot was observed at the concentration of 0.5 mg/l BAP. The highest average number of leaves (5) was also observed at the same concentration. Among the five rooting concentrations, IBA @ 0.5 mg/l showed the best performance in all the parameters studied. The highest number (6) of roots/culture and the longest (3.05 cm) roots were also obtained from this concentration. Half strength MS media without IBA concentration did not show any response regarding root induction. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v38i3.16973 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 38(3): 467-472, September 2013
Fertilizer management in hybrid maize (Zea mays l.)-mukhikachu (Colocasia esculenta) relay cropping system
Authors: Islam MN , Akhteruzzaman M , Alom MS , Sarker MAI , Mannaf MA
Published: November 2013

The experiment was conducted at the research field of Agronomy Division, BARI, Joydebpur, Gazipur and ARS, Burirhat, Rangpur during consecutive two years of 2009-10 and 2010-11 to find out optimum fertilizer dose for hybrid maize-mukhikachu relay cropping system. Five fertilizer combinations viz, Recommended fertilizer of hybrid maize (RFM) + 112 kg N/ha, RFM + 25% recommended fertilizer of mukhikachu (RFK), RFM + 50% RFK, RFM + 75% RFK and RFM + 100% RFK were tested on hybrid maize-mukhikachu relay cropping system. Sole crops of hybrid maize (cv. BARI Hybrid Maize-5) and mukhikachu (cv. Bilashi) with their respective recommended fertilizer dose (maize: 255-55-140-40-6-2 kg/ha NPKSZnB and mukhikachu: 112-32-95-22 kg/ha NPKS) were included for comparison. Grain yield of sole maize with recommended fertilizer practice was identical with other fertilizer combinations at both the locations. Yield and yield components of mukhikachu under different fertilizer management practices increased with the increase of fertilizer levels up to RFM + 50% RFK and then decreased at both the locations. Edible yield of sole kachu with recommended fertilizer practice was the highest but it was identical to RFM + 50% RFK at both the locations. The highest maize equivalent yield (Joy: 24.26 t/ha, Buri: 31.56 t/ha) and gross return (Joy: Tk 291120/ha, Buri: Tk 378720/ha) was recorded in RFM + 50% RFK. But the highest gross margin (Joy: Tk 207035/ha, Buri: Tk 291570/ha) was obtained from RFM + 25% RFK at Joydebpur and from RFM + 50% RFK at Burirhat. The highest benefit cost ratio (Joy: 3.69, Buri: 4.64) was found from RFM + 112 kg N/ha at both the locations. The results revealed that recommended fertilizer dose (255-55-140-40-6-2kg/ha NPKSZnB) of hybrid maize plus 112 kg N/ha (extra) might be economically profitable for hybrid maize mukhikachu relay cropping system at both the locations. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v38i3.16975 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 38(3): 481-489, September 2013
Panikachu (Calocasis esculenta L. Schott) cultivation in some selected areas of Bangladesh: an agro-economic profile
Authors: Haque MA , Miah MA Monayem , Hossain S , Luna AN
Published: November 2013

Panikachu is a nutritious vegetable contributing to the total supply of vegetables during the summer in Bangladesh. Many farmers cultivate this crop from their innovative ideas. Researchers are unable to formulate adequate research design for its varietal improvement and technology packages. Therefore, the study was conducted in two panikachu growing districts, namely Joypurhat and Jessore during February 2011 to know the profitability of panikachu cultivation. In total, 100 panikachu farmers were selected of which 50 farmers from each area were selected randomly to collect primary data. The results indicated that the costs of panikachu cultivation were Tk. 2,67,726 and Tk. 1,84,530 per hectare on total cost and variable cost basis, respectively. The major share of total cost was for human labour (45%), land use (17%), and fertilizer (15%). The yield for rhizome and stolon were 24.94 tons and 23.29 tons per hectare. The gross margin and net returns were Tk. 2,06,058 and Tk. 1,22,862 per hectare. The benefit cost ratios was 1.46. Human labour, manure, urea, TSP, MoP, insecticides, and irrigation had positive effect on the yield of panikachu. Lack of technical knowledge about improved cultivation practices, non-availability of HYV seedling, and low price of product were major constraints to panikachu cultivation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v38i3.16977 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 38(3): 505-513, September 2013
Student Expectations from Participating in a Small Spacecraft Development Program
Authors: Straub Jeremy , Whalen David
Published: November 2013

The number of small spacecraft development programs in the United States and worldwide have increased significantly over the course of the last 10 years. This paper analyzes reasons for the growth in these programs by assessing what student participants hope to gain from their participation. Participants in the OpenOrbiter Small Spacecraft Development Initiative at the University of North Dakota were surveyed at the beginning of an academic year to determine why they were planning to participate in the program again or join and participate for the first time. This paper presents the results of this survey.
Development of Brain EEG Connectivity across Early Childhood: Does Sleep Play a Role?
Authors: Kurth Salome , Achermann Peter , Rusterholz Thomas , LeBourgeois Monique
Published: November 2013

Sleep has beneficial effects on brain function and learning, which are reflected in plastic changes in the cortex. Early childhood is a time of rapid maturation in fundamental skills—e.g., language, cognitive control, working memory—that are predictive of future functioning. Little is currently known about the interactions between sleep and brain maturation during this developmental period. We propose coherent electroencephalogram (EEG) activity during sleep may provide unique insight into maturational processes of functional brain connectivity. Longitudinal sleep EEG assessments were performed in eight healthy subjects at ages 2, 3 and 5 years. Sleep EEG coherence increased across development in a region- and frequency-specific manner. Moreover, although connectivity primarily decreased intra-hemispherically across a night of sleep, an inter-hemispheric overnight increase occurred in the frequency range of slow waves (0.8–2 Hz), theta (4.8–7.8 Hz) and sleep spindles (10–14 Hz), with connectivity changes of up to 20% across a night of sleep. These findings indicate sleep EEG coherence reflects processes of brain maturation—i.e., programmed unfolding of neuronal networks—and moreover, sleep-related alterations of brain connectivity during the sensitive maturational window of early childhood.
White Matter Loss in a Mouse Model of Periventricular Leukomalacia Is Rescued by Trophic Factors
Authors: Espinosa-Jeffrey Araceli , Barajas Socorro , Arrazola Alfonso , Taniguchi Alana , Zhao Paul , Bokhoor Payam , Holley Sandra , Dejarme Don , Chu Brian , Cepeda Carlos , Levine Michael , Gressens Pierre , Feria-Velasco Alfredo , De Vellis Jean
Published: November 2013

Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is the most frequent cause of cerebral palsy and other intellectual disabilities, and currently there is no treatment. In PVL, glutamate excitotoxicity (GME) leads to abnormal oligodendrocytes (OLs), myelin deficiency, and ventriculomegaly. We have previously identified that the combination of transferrin and insulin growth factors (TSC1) promotes endogenous OL regeneration and remyelination in the postnatal and adult rodent brain. Here, we produced a periventricular white matter lesion with a single intracerebral injection of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA). Comparing lesions produced by NMDA alone and those produced by NMDA + TSC1 we found that: NMDA affected survival and reduced migration of OL progenitors (OLPs). In contrast, mice injected with NMDA + TSC1 proliferated twice as much indicating that TSC1 supported regeneration of the OLP population after the insult. Olig2-mRNA expression showed 52% OLP survival in mice receiving a NMDA injection and increased to 78% when TSC1 + NMDA were injected simultaneously and ventricular size was reduced by TSC1. Furthermore, in striatal slices TSC1 reduced the inward currents induced by NMDA in medium-sized spiny neurons, demonstrating neuroprotection. Thus, white matter loss after excitotoxicity can be partially rescued as TSC1 conferred neuroprotection to preexisting OLP and regeneration via OLP proliferation. Furthermore, we showed that early TSC1 administration maximizes neuroprotection.
Static Three-Dimensional Fuzzy Routing Based on the Receiving Probability in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Samadi Gharajeh Mohammad , Khanmohammadi Sohrab
Published: November 2013

A Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is a collection of low-cost, low-power and large-scale wireless sensor nodes. Routing protocols are an important topic in WSN. Every sensor node should use a proper mechanism to transmit the generated packets to its destination, usually a base station. In previous works, routing protocols use the global information of the network that causes the redundant packets to be increased. Moreover, it leads to an increase in the network traffic, to a decrease in the delivery ratio of data packets, and to a reduction in network life. In this paper, we propose a new inferential routing protocol called SFRRP (Static Three-Dimensional Fuzzy Routing based on the Receiving Probability). The proposed protocol solves the above mentioned problems considerably. The data packets are transmitted by hop-to-hop delivery to the base station. It uses a fuzzy procedure to transmit the sensed data or the buffered data packets to one of the neighbors called selected node. In the proposed fuzzy system, the distance and number of neighbors are input variables, while the receiving probability is the output variable. SFRRP just uses the local neighborhood information to forward the packets and is not needed by any redundant packet for route discovery. The proposed protocol has some advantages such as a high delivery ratio, less delay time, high network life, and less network traffic. The performance of the proposed protocol surpasses the performance of the Flooding routing protocol in terms of delivery ratio, delay time and network lifetime.