bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Directional connectivity in hydrology and ecology
Authors: Larsen Laurel G. , Choi Jungyill , Nungesser Martha K. , Harvey Judson W.
Published: June 2012

Quantifying hydrologic and ecological connectivity has contributed to understanding transport and dispersal processes and assessing ecosystem degradation or restoration potential. However, there has been little synthesis across disciplines. The growing field of ecohydrology and recent recognition that loss of hydrologic connectivity is leading to a global decline in biodiversity underscore the need for a unified connectivity concept. One outstanding need is a way to quantify directional connectivity that is consistent, robust to variations in sampling, and transferable across scales or environmental settings. Understanding connectivity in a particular direction (e.g., streamwise, along or across gradient, between sources and sinks, along cardinal directions) provides critical information for predicting contaminant transport, planning conservation corridor design, and understanding how landscapes or hydroscapes respond to directional forces like wind or water flow. Here we synthesize progress on quantifying connectivity and develop a new strategy for evaluating directional connectivity that benefits from use of graph theory in ecology and percolation theory in hydrology. The directional connectivity index (DCI) is a graph‐theory based, multiscale metric that is generalizable to a range of different structural and functional connectivity applications. It exhibits minimal sensitivity to image rotation or resolution within a given range and responds intuitively to progressive, unidirectional change. Further, it is linearly related to the integral connectivity scale length—a metric common in hydrology that correlates well with actual fluxes—but is less computationally challenging and more readily comparable across different landscapes. Connectivity‐orientation curves (i.e., directional connectivity computed over a range of headings) provide a quantitative, information‐dense representation of environmental structure that can be used for comparison or detection of subtle differences in the physical‐biological feedbacks driving pattern formation. Case‐study application of the DCI to the Everglades in south Florida revealed that loss of directional hydrologic connectivity occurs more rapidly and is a more sensitive indicator of declining ecosystem function than other metrics (e.g., habitat area) used previously. Here and elsewhere, directional connectivity can provide insight into landscape drivers and processes, act as an early‐warning indicator of environmental degradation, and serve as a planning tool or performance measure for conservation and restoration efforts.
Detecting dynamical changes in nonlinear time series using locally linear state‐space models
Authors: Ives Anthony R. , Dakos Vasilis
Published: June 2012

Interest is growing in methods for predicting and detecting regime shifts—changes in the structure of dynamical processes that cause shifts among alternative stable states. Here, we use locally linear, autoregressive state‐space models to statistically identify nonlinear processes that govern the dynamics of time series. We develop both time‐varying and threshold models. In time‐varying autoregressive models with p time lags, AR(p), and vector autoregressive models for n‐dimensional systems of order p = 1, VAR(1), we assume that coefficients vary with time. We can infer an approaching regime shift if the coefficients indicate critical slowing down of the local dynamics of the system. In self‐excited threshold models, we assume that the time series is governed by two autoregressive processes; the state variable switches between them when the time series crosses a threshold value. We use the existence of a statistically significant threshold as an indicator of alternative stable states. All models are fit to data using a state‐space form that incorporates measurement error, and maximum likelihood estimation allows for statistically testing alternative hypotheses about the processes governing dynamics. Our model‐based approach for forecasting regime shifts and identifying alternative stable states overcomes limitations of other common metric‐based approaches and is a useful addition to the toolbox of methods for analyzing nonlinear time series.
Lightweight Rolling Effects on Anthracnose of Annual Bluegrass Putting Greens
Authors: Roberts Joseph A. , Murphy James A. , Clarke Bruce B.
Published: June 2012

Lightweight rolling can be effectively used to increase ball roll distance (BRD) and influence anthracnose development on annual bluegrass (ABG) [Poa annua L. f. reptans (Hausskn) T. Koyama] putting green turf. The objective of this 3‐yr field trial was to evaluate the influence of roller type (i.e., sidewinder, triplex mounted vibratory, and nonrolled) and location (center or perimeter) of equipment traffic on anthracnose severity, turf quality, and BRD of ABG turf maintained at 3.2 mm. Both roller types either had no effect or reduced disease 3 to 13% compared to nonrolled turf under moderate disease pressure in 2006, 2007, and 2008. Disease severity was not different between the roller types on most dates; however, the heavier sidewinder roller did result in less disease than the triplex mounted vibratory roller on 4 of 13 rating dates in 2007 and 2008. Interestingly, perimeter plots had slightly less disease compared to center plots on 6 of 13 rating dates. The current study shows that the practice of rolling does not explain field observations that greater anthracnose can often occur and is most severe within the perimeter of putting greens. Alternatively, this research indicates that rolling can be used to increase BRD and improve turf quality without exacerbating the severity of anthracnose disease on ABG putting green turf.
Agronomic Responses of Corn Hybrids to Row Width and Plant Density
Authors: Van Roekel Ryan J. , Coulter Jeffrey A.
Published: June 2012

Increased corn (Zea mays L.) seed costs and hybrids with greater stress tolerance than in the past make it important to know if the optimum plant density for corn grain yield differs with hybrid relative maturity (RM) or row width. In 2009 and 2010 at two locations in southern Minnesota, agronomic responses of corn to plant densities ranging from 40,700 to 108,700 plants ha−1 were evaluated for 95‐, 101‐, and 105‐d RM hybrids in 51‐ and 76‐cm row widths. Stalk diameter, intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (IPAR) and leaf area index (LAI) at silking, root and stalk lodging, grain yield, and yield components did not differ with row width, and the response of these variables to plant density was not affected by hybrid or row width. Yield of the 105‐d RM hybrid was 13% higher than that of the 95‐d RM hybrid due to greater kernel number despite lower kernel weight, but was similar to the 101‐d RM hybrid. There was a quadratic‐plateau response of grain yield to plant density, with the plateau occurring at 84,500 plants ha−1. Net return was not affected by row width, hybrid, or 23 of 25 scenarios for seed cost and grain price. The economically optimum plant density was 62,200 plants ha−1 for US$350 per 80,000 seeds and US$120 Mg−1, and 87,000 plants ha−1 for US$150 per 80,000 seeds and US$280 Mg−1. These results demonstrate that grain yield can be maximized with mid‐ and late‐RM hybrids and plant densities ≥84,500 plants ha−1 in either 51‐ or 76‐cm rows.
Bermudagrass and Seashore Paspalum Establishment from Seed Using Differing Irrigation Methods and Water Qualities
Authors: Schiavon Marco , Leinauer Bernd , Serena Matteo , Sallenave Rossana , Maier Bernd
Published: June 2012

Two approaches, irrigation with impaired waters, and use of subsurface drip irrigation, have been identified as strategies to reduce the use of potable water for landscape irrigation. A study was conducted at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces in 2008 and 2009 to investigate the establishment of Princess 77 bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.)] and Sea Spray seashore paspalum [Paspalum vaginatum (Sw.)] seeded in March (dormant) or June (traditional). The grasses were irrigated at 98% reference evapotranspiration with saline [electrical conductivity (EC) = 2.3 dS m−1] or potable (EC = 0.6 dS m−1) water from either a sprinkler or a subsurface‐drip system. Establishment did not differ between the two grasses regardless of seeding date, irrigation type, or water quality. Generally, grasses that were seeded dormant reached 75% cover faster and exhibited greatest ground cover at the end of both growing seasons. When data were averaged over water qualities and seeding dates, sprinkler irrigation resulted in greater ground cover (90% in 2008 and 92% in 2009) than drip irrigation (58% in 2008 and 80% in 2009) at the end of both research periods. Highest EC levels at rootzone depths of 0 to 10 cm were observed in November 2009 on plots drip irrigated with saline water, averaging 4.4 dS m−1 compared to 2.3 dS m−1 on sprinkler irrigated plots. Our results indicate that when using subsurface‐drip irrigation, early seeding is required to successfully establish seashore paspalum and bermudagrass from seed in one growing season.
Yield and Potassium Balance in a Wheat–Maize Cropping System of the North China Plain
Authors: He Chun-e , Ouyang Zhu , Tian Zhen-rong , Schaffer Harwood D.
Published: June 2012

This study examined the effects of long‐term K fertilization on crop yields and K use efficiency and balance under a wheat (Triticum aestivumL.)–maize (Zea maysL.) cropping system in the Fluvo‐Aquic soil of Yucheng Comprehensive Experiment Station in the North China Plain (NCP). Results showed that the native K supply could maintain annual grain yields at stable levels at 10.7 Mg ha−1for >19 yr with applications of N and P alone. The application of K alone significantly improved maize yield by 46% but wheat showed no response. The agronomic efficiency, physiological efficiency, and partial factor productivity but not apparent use efficiency of wheat were significantly lower than the average values previously reported. In addition, only 43% of K found in the aboveground biomass of wheat and maize came from an annual application of fertilizer. The application of K caused a large K surplus, even with balanced fertilization, in which 33% of applied K was left in the soil, mostly in the 0– to 20‐cm depth due to its surface application. The data indicated that the native K supply in the NCP might sustain normal wheat yields for about 10 to 30 yr. Generally, in a Fluvo‐Aquic soil with a high content of soil available K, soil K can be used. In this study, 471 kg ha−1yr−1K input was excessive for the growth of maize and wheat, and at least 120 to 150 kg ha−1yr−1K could be saved with the use of balanced fertilization.
Estimating Factor Contributions to Soybean Yield from Farm Field Data
Authors: Villamil María B. , Davis Vince M. , Nafziger Emerson D.
Published: June 2012

Illinois ranks second in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production in the United States with an annual crop value of some $4 billion. To discover what management practices, soil parameters, and environmental conditions enable higher soybean yields, the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) started in 2010 a state‐wide “Yield Challenge” (YC) program. Enrolled producers established a “challenge” plot and adjoining “standard” practices plot, and agreed to share crop management information, soil samples, and yield data. Our work describes data analyses and findings using data generated under this program. Yields differed between standard and challenge plots across the state, with foliar applications of fungicide and or insecticide resulting in significant yield increases. Using principal component analyses and multiple regression tools, we were able to explain about 54% of the variation in soybean yield for the state in 2010. Within the available data range, delays in planting date and increased row spacing both reduced soybean yields, and tilled fields yielded more than no– tilled soybean fields. We uncovered a negative trend between soybean yield and PC1, formed by soil cation exchange capacity (CEC), dominant cations, and soil organic matter (SOM), likely due to the drainage characteristics of the plots. Yields were also decreased with increasing values of PC3, a variable that includes soil pH, Mn levels, and soybean cyst nematode (SCN) egg count. On the other hand, higher soil test values of P, Zn, Fe, and K, included in PC2, were related to higher soybean yields. We see this as a promising start to identifying management factors that may be addressed as we continue the search for higher soybean yields.
Novel Role of the IGF-1 Receptor in Endothelial Function and Repair
Authors: Imrie Helen , Viswambharan Hema , Sukumar Piruthivi , Abbas Afroze , Cubbon Richard M. , Yuldasheva Nadira , Gage Matthew , Smith Jessica , Galloway Stacey , Skromna Anna , Rashid Sheik Taqweer , Futers T. Simon , Xuan Shouhong , Gatenby V. Kate , Grant Peter J. , Channon Keith M. , Beech David J. , Wheatcroft Stephen B. , Kearney Mark T.
Published: June 2012

We recently demonstrated that reducing IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) numbers in the endothelium enhances nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and endothelial cell insulin sensitivity. In the present report, we aimed to examine the effect of increasing IGF-1R on endothelial cell function and repair. To examine the effect of increasing IGF-1R in the endothelium, we generated mice overexpressing human IGF-1R in the endothelium (human IGF-1R endothelium-overexpressing mice [hIGFREO]) under direction of the Tie2 promoter enhancer. hIGFREO aorta had reduced basal NO bioavailability (percent constriction to NG-monomethyl-l-arginine [mean (SEM) wild type 106% (30%); hIGFREO 48% (10%)]; P < 0.05). Endothelial cells from hIGFREO had reduced insulin-stimulated endothelial NO synthase activation (mean [SEM] wild type 170% [25%], hIGFREO 58% [3%]; P = 0.04) and insulin-stimulated NO release (mean [SEM] wild type 4,500 AU [1,000], hIGFREO 1,500 AU [700]; P < 0.05). hIGFREO mice had enhanced endothelium regeneration after denuding arterial injury (mean [SEM] percent recovered area, wild type 57% [2%], hIGFREO 47% [5%]; P < 0.05) and enhanced endothelial cell migration in vitro. The IGF-1R, although reducing NO bioavailability, enhances in situ endothelium regeneration. Manipulating IGF-1R in the endothelium may be a useful strategy to treat disorders of vascular growth and repair.
Catalase Prevents Maternal Diabetes–Induced Perinatal Programming via the Nrf2–HO-1 Defense System
Authors: Chang Shiao-Ying , Chen Yun-Wen , Zhao Xin-Ping , Chenier Isabelle , Tran Stella , Sauvé Alexandre , Ingelfinger Julie R. , Zhang Shao-Ling
Published: June 2012

We investigated whether overexpression of catalase (CAT) in renal proximal tubular cells (RPTCs) could prevent the programming of hypertension and kidney disease in the offspring of dams with maternal diabetes. Male offspring of nondiabetic and diabetic dams from two transgenic (Tg) lines (Hoxb7-green fluorescent protein [GFP]-Tg [controls] and Hoxb7/CAT-GFP-Tg, which overexpress CAT in RPTCs) were studied from the prenatal period into adulthood. Nephrogenesis, systolic blood pressure, renal hyperfiltration, kidney injury, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were assessed. Gene expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), nuclear factor erythroid 2p45–related factor-2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) was tested in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Renal dysmorphogenesis was observed in offspring of Hoxb7-GFP-Tg dams with severe maternal diabetes; the affected male offspring displayed higher renal ROS generation and developed hypertension and renal hyperfiltration as well as renal injury with heightened TGF-β1 expression in adulthood. These changes were ameliorated in male offspring of diabetic Hoxb7/CAT-GFP-Tg dams via the Nrf2–HO-1 defense system. CAT promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation and HO-1 gene expression, seen in both in vitro and in vivo studies. In conclusion, CAT overexpression in the RPTCs ameliorated maternal diabetes–induced perinatal programming, mediated, at least in part, by triggering the Nrf2–HO-1 defense system.
Low molecular mass chitosan as carrier for a hydrodynamically balanced system for sustained delivery of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride
Authors: Verma Anurag , Bansal Ashok , Ghosh Amitava , Pandit Jayanta
Published: June 2012

Low molecular mass chitosan as carrier for a hydrodynamically balanced system for sustained delivery of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride

Chitosan has become a focus of major interest in recent years due to its excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability and non-toxicity. Although this material has already been extensively investigated in the design of different types of drug delivery systems, it is still little explored for stomach specific drug delivery systems. The objective of the present investigation was to explore the potential of low molecular mass chitosan (LMCH) as carrier for a hydrodynamically balanced system (HBS) for sustained delivery of water soluble drug ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CP). Various formulations were prepared by physical blending of drug and polymer(s) in varying ratios followed by encapsulation into hard gelatin capsules. All the formulations remained buoyant in 0.1 mol L-1 HCl (pH 1.2) throughout the experiment. Effect of addition of xanthan gum (XG) or ethyl cellulose (EC) on drug release was also investigated. Zero order drug release was obtained from the formulations containing LMCH alone or in combination with XG, and in one instance also with EC. Our results suggest that LMCH alone or in combination with XG is an excellent material for stomach specific sustained delivery of CP from hydrodynamically balanced single unit capsules.
Preliminary antifungal and cytotoxic evaluation of synthetic cycloalkyl[b]thiophene derivatives with PLS-DA analysis
Authors: Souza Beatriz , De Oliveira Tiago , Aquino Thiago , de Lima Maria , Pitta Ivan , Galdino Suely , Lima Edeltrudes , Gonçalves-Silva Teresinha , Militão Gardênia , Scotti Luciana , Scotti Marcus , Mendonça Francisco
Published: June 2012

Preliminary antifungal and cytotoxic evaluation of synthetic cycloalkyl[b]thiophene derivatives with PLS-DA analysis

A series of 2-[(arylidene)amino]-cycloalkyl[b]thiophene-3-carbonitriles (2a-x) was synthesized by incorporation of substituted aromatic aldehydes in Gewald adducts (1a-c). The title compounds were screened for their antifungal activity againstCandida kruseiandCriptococcus neoformansand for their antiproliferative activity against a panel of 3 human cancer cell lines (HT29, NCI H-292 and HEP). For antiproliferative activity, the partial least squares (PLS) methodology was applied. Some of the prepared compounds exhibited promising antifungal and proliferative properties. The most active compounds for antifungal activity were cyclohexyl[b]thiophene derivatives, and for antiproliferative activity cycloheptyl[b]thiophene derivatives, especially 2-[(1H-indol-2-yl-methylidene)amino]- 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-cyclohepta[b]thiophene-3-carbonitrile (2r), which inhibited more than 97 % growth of the three cell lines. The PLS discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) applied generated good exploratory and predictive results and showed that the descriptors having shape characteristics were strongly correlated with the biological data.
The Assessment of Health Care System Operation Efficiency Based on the Example of Poviats of Łódź and West Pomeranian Voivodships
Authors: Rozpędowska-Matraszek Danuta
Published: June 2012

The Assessment of Health Care System Operation Efficiency Based on the Example of Poviats of Łódź and West Pomeranian Voivodships

The operation of health care in poviats allows to determine the role of the health care system in the region. The subjects of the analysis are poviats of Łódź and West Pomeranian voivodships characterised by different economic development levels. The analysis uses such tools as agglomerative methods of clustering and econometric models estimated on the basis of panel data. Similar groups of poviats were selected based on their health care system operation levels and econometric analysis was performed concerning factors significantly affecting accessibility of health care in the poviats.
Dilemmas of Economic Measurements in Weak Scales
Authors: Wiśniewski Jerzy
Published: June 2012

Dilemmas of Economic Measurements in Weak Scales

The attempts to measure economic phenomena and processes of qualitative nature have become commonplace among scholars engaged in empirical research. The use of measurement in the nominal and ordinal scales, however, requires a thorough knowledge of the meaning of numbers generated in the course of such operations. It is also necessary to have knowledge of acceptable statistical and econometric tools to be used in such research. Unfortunately, researchers often apply methods that are not acceptable for the numbers in the weak scales. As a result they "soup up" the outcome of their empirical research, instead of achieving a substantive truth. This article is devoted to the possibilities of statistical analysis of numbers resulting from the weak scale measurement.
Development of selected motor skills in boys and girls in relation to their rate of maturation – a longitudinal study
Authors: Sokołowski Bartłomiej , Chrzanowska Maria
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine the process of how motor skills were developed and shaped in boys and girls in relation to their rate of maturation, based on the use of peak height velocity (PHV), which measures biological maturity.

Methods

This study made use of a longitudinal study researching the physical fitness of boys and girls from Kraków, Poland during the years 1980–1990. From the original sample population, 296 boys and 196 girls were selected for further analysis. Physical fitness tests were administered over the subsequent decade, measuring the following motor skills: speed, explosive strength of the lower limbs, static strength of the right and left hand, agility, dynamic strength of the abdominal muscles, static endurance of the upper limbs and shoulders, and flexibility. On the basis of the median and PHV age quartiles for both sexes, the examined individuals were divided into two cohorts: early maturers and late maturers. The mean values and standard deviations of the physical fitness test results were calculated based on biological age. Afterwards, the means and standard deviations of each tested motor skill of the early maturers were standardized into means and standard deviations of the late maturers.

Results

The motor skills best performed in all age groups and in both sexes by early maturers were in tests of static strength of the hands. In the group of boys, early maturers in all age groups also performed the best in tests of speed and explosive strength of the lower limbs. Late-maturing girls were positively differentiated in each age group in tests of static strength of the upper limbs and shoulders, and in the dynamic strength of the abdominal muscles.

Conclusions

The rate of maturation was found to significantly influence the results of fitness tests, particularly in the case of boys.
Pain and suffering in sport
Authors: Jirásek Ivo , Hurych Emanuel
Published: June 2012

Pain is an authentic part of humanity. This text deals with the topic of pain within the context of sports. It compares the agon of war to the agon of sports. Here, pain is considered as a physical phenomenon, as a cultural and social construct as well as a meaningful phenomenon. Another issue addressed in this paper is how pain is presented as an authentic component of performing sports. A loss of authenticity in sports is mentioned in connection with the prevalence of injuries. Special attention is paid to the topic of death, which is understood as being a part of the horizon of pain. The last part of the article focuses on crises in professional sports and asks about the meaning of pain and suffering in sports.
Tourism and recreation as a driving force for forecasting biodiversity changes: Lake Engure watershed area as an example
Authors: Rozīte Maija , Vinklere Daina
Published: June 2012

Tourism and recreation as a driving force for forecasting biodiversity changes: Lake Engure watershed area as an example

The aim of the research was to evaluate tourism as a driving force and its pressures in the Lake Engure drainage basin area to forecast the possible long-term changes in biodiversity, in accordance with the DPSIR (Driving forces, Pressures, States, Impacts and Responses) framework, used by European Environment Agency (EEA). A map of the territory, divided into three tourism zones, was charted using secondary data sources, field research data and surveys of holiday-makers. Tourism enterprises and service providers as driving forces and the pressures created were evaluated, and statistical data on capacity of tourist accommodation, a number of people employed in the tourism industry and a number of tourists in the territory were summarised. Owners of summer houses and recreationists were surveyed in regard of their behaviour, the local services offered, the involvement of local municipality in the process and their future plans, and these factors were studied to evaluate the possible impact of second house tourism. The results indicate that tourism and recreation as a driving force is most active in the coastal zone, however, there is not a big tourist flow. In the future the territory will be mainly used for transit tourism, second-home tourism and recreation.
Variability in α-tocopherol concentration of husked and naked oat genotypes
Authors: Berga Linda , Zute Sanita
Published: June 2012

Variability in α-tocopherol concentration of husked and naked oat genotypes

Oat (Avena sativa L.) is recognised as a healthy food in the world. Oat contains significant amounts of fat-soluble vitamin E (α-tocopherol), a substance with high antioxidant activity. The main tasks of this study were to characterise the variability of α-tocopherol concentration of oat varieties and breeding lines bred in Latvia and foreign countries. Field trials were carried out at the State Stende Cereal Breeding Institute in 2007 and 2008. Sixty four oat genotypes (52 husked and 12 naked) were tested for α-tocopherol using high-performance liquid-chromatography. The obtained results showed a wide range of α-tocopherol concentration among both husked and naked oat genotypes. The α-tocopherol concentration in husked oat varieties and lines varied from 3.2 to 8.4 mg kg-1and for naked oat from 5.5 to 8.8 mg kg-1. The wide range of α-tocopherol concentration in oat grown in Latvia showed that there is wide choice of material for breeding programmes and that further research should be carried out in future.
State Stende Cereal Breeding Institute: From the Origins to the Present
Authors: Zute Sanita , Belicka Ina , Kalmanis Zigurds
Published: June 2012

State Stende Cereal Breeding Institute: From the Origins to the Present

Agricultural science is closely linked to circumstances and specific features of development in each region. The State Stende Breeding Station, the first breeding station in independent Latvia, was founded ninety years ago with a goal to raise agricultural production in the country. The Stende Breeding Station was engaged in selection of crop varieties suitable for Latvian conditions, providing farmers with high-quality seeds and knowledge on the cultivation of these varieties. During the years of its existence, the station has witnessed changes in political power, underwent different forms of management and operated under various names. A number of outstanding scientists and agronomists have worked at Stende, including J. Lielmanis, E. Bērziņš, J. Garbars, N. Konrāds, R. Kude, I. Celma, I. Belicka, M. Gruntiņa and others, who have devoted their entire working lives to agricultural science and breeding. In 2006, the agricultural science centre of Stende was transformed into the State Stende Cereal Breeding Institute. Breeding traditions, and cooperation with Latvian farmers, as well as accumulation of knowledge and experience of several generations of scholars is a frame for the existence of the Stende's institute. The most important contribution of Stende's breeders is 65 newly developed varieties of fifteen crop species. Today, the barley variety ‘Abava’, the winter wheat ‘Fredis’ and the spring wheat ‘Uffo’ are well known, not only in Latvia, but also abroad. The achievements of Stende's scientists have gained great appreciation from practicing farmers and agricultural policy makers.
History of wheat breeding in Latvia
Authors: Strazdiņa Vija
Published: June 2012

History of wheat breeding in Latvia

A gene pool of Latvian winter and spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) has been created over a very long period, by collection, evaluation and selection of local genetic resources, and investigation of varieties and breeding lines from other countries in the world. It is not only a historical collection, but also serves as the foundation for research and plant breeding. National wheat germplasm is the framework for creating competitive winter and spring wheat varieties of grain with high yield, resistant to lodging and diseases, and quality acceptable for producers in the Baltic agroclimatical region. In Latvia, from 1920 to 1990, the selected wheat varieties were not stable pure lines, but mostly population varieties. After accession to UPOV (International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants), the requirements for new varieties have changed, and only distinct, uniform and stable varieties, characterised by high economical value are registered in Plant Catalogues. To implement wheat breeding programmes it is necessary to improve breeding methods by plant tissue culture and production of doubled haploids (DH). During 90 years, 16 winter and 11 spring wheat varieties of bread wheat (Tr. aestivum L.) have been created at Priekuļi and Stende and introduced in the market. The achievements of several generations of Latvian wheat breeders are reviewed in this paper.
Need for closure and cognitive structuring among younger and older adults
Authors: Kossowska Małgorzata , Jaśko Katarzyna , Bar-Tal Yoram
Published: June 2012

Need for closure and cognitive structuring among younger and older adults

The paper reported two correlational studies. The aim of the Study 1 was to examine the hypothesis that age moderates the relationship between need for closure (NFC) and cognitive structuring. Results of the study revealed that aging with increased need for closure was associated with better recognition of irrelevant information than schema-relevant items, in testing hypotheses about the target person. These findings are interpreted as demonstrating the age-associated failure of cognitive abilities (i.e., low efficacy at fulfilling the need for closure), reducing tendency to behave according to the level of epistemic motivation. The results of Study 2 demonstrated that older participants are characterized by higher NFC but by lower EFNC than young participants. These results are consistent with the conclusion that the negative relationships between NFC and cognitive structuring demonstrated by the older participants in Study 1 can be attributed to their lower level of EFNC.
Development of interpersonal trust among children and adolescents
Authors: Szcześniak Małgorzata , Colaço Melusina , Rondón Gloria
Published: June 2012

Development of interpersonal trust among children and adolescents

The main purpose of the present article is to introduce a topic related to the development of interpersonal trust among children and adolescents. Although this subject, since the beginnings of psychology considered as an academic discipline, has been regarded as an essential component of human functioning, there are still very few theoretical and empirical studies that approach the issue from a developmental point of view. In this paper the three-dimensional conceptualization of interpersonal trust is provided. Furthermore, the article highlights the past and current theoretical and empirical research on the development of interpersonal trust in infants, preschool and school-age children. Finally, some challenges are presented in the field of interpersonal trust studies.
Influence of Over-Cooling the Nodular Cast Iron to the Graphite Form in the Surface Layer
Authors: Hosadyna M. , Dobosz St. , Kusiński J.
Published: June 2012

Influence of Over-Cooling the Nodular Cast Iron to the Graphite Form in the Surface Layer

A cast iron is gradient material. This means that depending on the cooling rate it is possible, at the same chemical composition and the physicochemical state of molten metal, to obtain material with a different structure. The connection between the wall thickness of the casting and the speed of its cooling expresses the casting module. Along with the module escalation a cooling rate of the casting is reducing what can cause changes of the microstructure and the increased tendency to the crystallization of distorted graphite forms. Inspections of experimental castings from nodular cast iron with different modules were conducted to the graphite form.
Influence of Tungsten and Titanium on the Structure of Chromium Cast Iron
Authors: Kopyciński D. , Piasny S.
Published: June 2012

Influence of Tungsten and Titanium on the Structure of Chromium Cast Iron

The paper analyses the as-cast state structure of chromium cast iron designed for operation under harsh impact-abrasive conditions. In the process of chromium iron castings manufacture, very strong influence on the structure of this material have the parameters of the technological process. Among others, adding to the Fe-Cr-C alloy the alloying elements like tungsten and titanium leads to the formation of additional carbides in the structure of this cast iron, which may favourably affect the casting properties, including the resistance to abrasive wear.
Production of Castings by Patternless Process
Authors: Pastirčák R. , Urgela D. , Krivoš E.
Published: June 2012

Production of Castings by Patternless Process

This paper deals with production of safety inlay for steam locomotive valve by the Patternless Process method. For the moulds creation was used moulding mixtures of II. generation, whereas binder was used a water glass. CNC miller was used for creation of mould cavity. Core was created also by milling into block made of moulding compound. In this article will be presented also making of 3D model, setting of milling tool paths and parameters for milling.
DiSTFAG method robust to gross errors in monitoring displacements and strains in unstable reference systems
Authors: Kamiński Waldemar
Published: June 2012

DiSTFAG method robust to gross errors in monitoring displacements and strains in unstable reference systems

The DiSTFA method (Displacements and Strains using Transformation and Free Adjustment) was presented in Kamiński (2009). The method has been developed for the determination of displacements and strains of engineering objects in unstable reference systems, as well as for examining the stability of reference points. The DiSTFAG (Gross errors) method presented in the paper is the extension of the DiSTFA method making it robust to gross errors. Theoretical considerations have been supplemented with an example of a practical application on a simulated 3D surveying network.
Chemometrics in Medicine and Pharmacy
Authors: Mocák Ján
Published: June 2012

Chemometrics in Medicine and Pharmacy

This minireview summarizes the basic ways of application of chemometrics in medicine and pharmacy. It brings a collection of applications of chemometric used for the solution of diverse practical problems, e.g. exploitation of biologically active species, effective use of biomarkers, advancement of clinical diagnosis, monitoring of the patient's state and prediction of its perspectives, drug design or classification of toxic chemical substances. The aim of this contribution is a brief presentation of versatile potentialities of contemporary chemometrical techniques and relevant software. They are exemplified by typical cases from literature as well as by own research results of the Chemometrics group at Department of Chemistry, the University of Ss. Cyril & Methodius in Trnava.
Synthesis, Complex Compounds and Antimicrobial Activity of Some Derivatives of Furo[3,2-C]Pyridine and Their Starting Compounds
Authors: Hrašna Martin , Ürgeová Eva , Krutošíková Alžbeta
Published: June 2012

Synthesis, Complex Compounds and Antimicrobial Activity of Some Derivatives of Furo[3,2-C]Pyridine and Their Starting Compounds

Some [3,2-c]pyridine derivatives were synthesized. 3-(Furan-2-yl)propenoic acid (1a) was prepared from furan-2-carbaldehyde under the Perkin's conditions. Obtained acid was converted to the corresponding azide3, which in turn was cyclized to give furo[3,2-c]pyridin-4(5H)-one (4a). The reaction of pyridone4awith phosphorus oxychloride rendered the chloroderivative7a, which was treated in the condition of Suzuki coupling reaction with boronic acid to give 4-phenylfuro[3,2-c]pyridine (8e) and an unexpected product10. Some title compounds have shown moderate to good antimicrobial activity against tested bacteriaXanthomonas sp., Erwinia amylovora, and filamentous fungiPyrenophora avenae, Fusarium graminearum.
Radiological Evaluation of Orbit in cases of Proptosis in Eastern Nepal
Authors: Rauniyar RK , Thakur SD , Panda A , Sharma U
Published: June 2012

Aim: Proptosis is a common problem, encountered in ophthalmic outpatient department (OPD) requiring radiological evaluation for early diagnosis and to know the extent of involvement. This study was carried out to analyse the spectrum of diseases, which manifested as proptosis in eastern Nepal. Role of Computed tomography (CT) and early diagnosis is emphasised. Materials and Methods: All the patients referred to the radiology department for the evaluation of proptosis either by plain radiography, ultrasonography (USG) and CT over the period of two years were included. Results: There were 143 eyes with proptosis (including due to acute trauma), which underwent CT scan and in many of them USG and colour doppler examination were also done. Ocular and orbital tumours were most common cause of proptosis accounting for 36.36% (52) of cases followed by pseudotumour and infection 22.37% (32). Conclusion: Many of the cases of proptosis in this part of Nepal were neglected presenting late in advanced stage of disease requiring extensive surgery. This calls for early CT evaluation of the cases of proptosis and prompt management. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v1i1.6316 Nepalese Journal of Radiology Vol.1(1): 8-14
Spontaneous Rupture of Pseudoaneurysm of Gastroduodenal Artery Complicating Pancreatitis: MDCT Diagnosis
Authors: Sah PL , Rauniyar RK , Gupta RK , Dhungel K , Ahmad K , Gupta MK
Published: June 2012

Pseudoaneurysm of gastroduodenal artery is least common of all the splanchnic artery aneurysms. It occurs most commonly due to pancreatitis. Spontaneous rupture of the pseudoaneurysm has a high mortality rate. Pseudoaneurysm was traditionally diagnosed by conventional angiography. We report an interesting case of spontaneously ruptured pseudoaneurysm of gastroduodenal artery complicating pancreatitis diagnosed by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in a 50 years old man who presented with sudden onset of epigastric pain for 2 days. Contrast enhanced MDCT revealed a large hematoma surrounding pseudoaneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery. The patient was referred for embolization. Since rupture rate and mortality are high, prompt diagnosis of the ruptured pseudoaneurysm helps prevent or decrease mortality and morbidity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v1i1.6320 Nepalese Journal of Radiology Vol.1(1): 30-32
Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome with Sertoli Cell Adenoma: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Sharma P , Karki B , Gupta S , Shrestha NM , Ghimire P Gautam , Goel RG
Published: June 2012

Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome is a rare X-linked recessive disorder. In patients with this syndrome, testicular tumors, especially seminoma, may develop after puberty. Gonadal malignancies like sertoli cell tumor, yolk sac tumor; embryonic teratoma and unclassified sex cord stromal tumor are rare in these patients. We present here, a case of complete androgen insensitivity syndrome with sertoli cell adenoma in a 25 years old patient who presented to us with history of primary amenorrhoea and bilateral inguinal swellings and was managed with bilateral gonadectomy.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v1i1.6327 Nepalese Journal of Radiology Vol.1(1): 61-64
Primary intracranial β-human chorionic gonadotropin–producing leiomyosarcoma in a 2-year-old immunocompetent child
Authors: Kelley Brian C. , Arnold Paul M. , Grant John A. , Newell Kathy L.
Published: June 2012

The authors present a rare case of primary intracranial leiomyosarcoma (LMS) in a young, immunocompetent boy. The patient presented with an expanding right forehead mass. Diagnostic workup revealed multiple large intracranial tumors. The largest mass was resected, and pathological analysis revealed LMS. Given the poor prognosis of this tumor, the family declined further care, and the child died 3 months later. Primary LMSs are extremely rare tumors in the pediatric population, especially in patients who are not immunocompromised.
Axillary nerve repair by fascicle transfer from the ulnar or median nerve in upper brachial plexus palsy
Authors: Haninec Pavel , Kaiser Radek
Published: June 2012

Object

Nerve repair using motor fascicles of a different nerve was first described for the repair of elbow flexion (Oberlin technique). In this paper, the authors describe their experience with a similar method for axillary nerve reconstruction in cases of upper brachial plexus palsy.

Methods

Of 791 nerve reconstructions performed by the senior author (P.H.) between 1993 and 2011 in 441 patients with brachial plexus injury, 14 involved axillary nerve repair by fascicle transfer from the ulnar or median nerve. All 14 of these procedures were performed between 2007 and 2010. This technique was used only when there was a deficit of the thoracodorsal or long thoracic nerve, which are normally used as donors.

Results

Nine patients were followed up for 24 months or longer. Good recovery of deltoid muscle strength was seen in 7 (77.8%) of these 9 patients, and in 4 patients with less follow-up (14–23 months), for an overall success rate of 78.6%. The procedure was unsuccessful in 2 of the 9 patients with at least 24 months of follow-up. The first showed no signs of reinnervation of the axillary nerve by either clinical or electromyographic evaluation in 26 months of follow-up, and the second had Medical Research Council (MRC) Grade 2 strength in the deltoid muscle 36 months after the operation. The last of the group of 14 patients has had 12 months of follow-up and is showing progressive improvement of deltoid muscle function (MRC Grade 2).

Conclusions

The authors conclude that fascicle transfer from the ulnar or median nerve onto the axillary nerve is a safe and effective method for reconstruction of the axillary nerve in patients with upper brachial plexus injury.
The Selectivity and Specificity of Autophagy in Drosophila
Authors: Nezis Ioannis P.
Published: June 2012

Autophagy is a process of cellular self-degradation and is a major pathway for elimination of cytoplasmic material by the lysosomes. Autophagy is responsible for the degradation of damaged organelles and protein aggregates and therefore plays a significant role in cellular homeostasis. Despite the initial belief that autophagy is a nonselective bulk process, there is growing evidence during the last years that sequestration and degradation of cellular material by autophagy can be accomplished in a selective and specific manner. Given the role of autophagy and selective autophagy in several disease related processes such as tumorigenesis, neurodegeneration and infections, it is very important to dissect the molecular mechanisms of selective autophagy, in the context of the system and the organism. An excellent genetically tractable model organism to study autophagy is Drosophila, which appears to have a highly conserved autophagic machinery compared with mammals. However, the mechanisms of selective autophagy in Drosophila have been largely unexplored. The aim of this review is to summarize recent discoveries about the selectivity of autophagy in Drosophila.
The Impact of Subscale Inhomogeneity on Oxygen A Band Cloud-Top Pressure Estimates: Using ESA’s MERIS as a Proxy for DSCOVR-EPIC
Authors: Lindstrot Rasmus , Bennartz Ralf , Preusker Rene , Fischer Jürgen
Published: June 2012

Medium Spectral Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) oxygen A band measurements were used as a proxy for the Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC),to be launched on NASA’s Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR). The high spatial resolution of MERIS (1 × 1 km2) is exploited to study the effects of subscale spatialheterogeneity of clouds on the cloud-top pressure retrieved at the coarser spatial resolutionof EPIC (10 × 10 km2). In general, for a sub-scale cloud fraction less than 1, a shift of cloud-top pressure toward the middle atmosphere is found, with a low-bias for highclouds and a high-bias for low clouds. In addition, the deviation is found to be a function of surface reflectance. The subscale variability of fully clouded EPIC pixels causes a weak underestimation of cloud-top pressure, when compared to averaged high-resolution retrievals.
An Oxidase-Based Electrochemical Fluidic Sensor with High-Sensitivity and Low-Interference by On-Chip Oxygen Manipulation
Authors: Radhakrishnan Nitin , Park Jongwon , Kim Chang-Soo
Published: June 2012

Utilizing a simple fluidic structure, we demonstrate the improved performance of oxidase-based enzymatic biosensors. Electrolysis of water is utilized to generate bubbles to manipulate the oxygen microenvironment close to the biosensor in a fluidic channel. For the proper enzyme reactions to occur, a simple mechanical procedure of manipulating bubbles was developed to maximize the oxygen level while minimizing the pH change after electrolysis. The sensors show improved sensitivities based on the oxygen dependency of enzyme reaction. In addition, this oxygen-rich operation minimizes the ratio of electrochemical interference signal by ascorbic acid during sensor operation (i.e., amperometric detection of hydrogen peroxide). Although creatinine sensors have been used as the model system in this study, this method is applicable to many other biosensors that can use oxidase enzymes (e.g., glucose, alcohol, phenol, etc.) to implement a viable component for in-line fluidic sensor systems.
TYRE RUBBER ADDITIVE EFFECT ON CONCRETE MIXTURE STRENGTH
Authors: Grinys Audrius , Sivilevičius Henrikas , Daukšys Mindaugas
Published: June 2012

This article describes the observed and examined effect of crumb rubber on the strength (compressive, bending and splitting tensile) of concrete. The tests have shown that the change in the strength of concrete with crumb rubber waste additives can be forecasted from exponential equations. These relationships enable to foresee the regularities of strength properties when a certain amount of crumb rubber of a certain size fraction is added to concrete. The obtained exponential equations show that concrete compressive, flexural and splitting tensile strengths decrease with increasing crumbed rubber additive amount. The testing has also shown that the addition of a small amount of crumbed rubber slightly increases (7%) the tensile splitting strength. The reason is better adhesion of the cement stone with rubber particles compared to the adhesion of sand, which was replaced by crumbed rubber. With higher content of crumbed rubber additive in the concrete, the tensile splitting strength decreases due to the significant increase of entrained air content and lower density.