bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relações sociais, emigração e fissão de um grupo de Alouatta guariba Clamitans em um remanescente de Floresta Ombrófila Mista
Authors: Moro-Rios Rodrigo Fernando , Miranda João Marcelo Deliberador , Passos Fernando de Camargo
Published: April 2011

Os comportamentos sociais correspondem a uma pequena parcela do orçamento de atividades dos bugios, mas podem desempenhar um importante papel na definição das estratégias de sobrevivência dos indivíduos e suas proles. Esse trabalho teve por objetivo analisar quantitativamente as relações sociais e o espaçamento entre os indivíduos de um grupo de Alouatta guariba clamitans cujas relações de parentesco são bem conhecidas para grande parte dos indivíduos devido a um acompanhamento de longo prazo. Durante 140 h distribuídas ao longo de dois anos foram coletados dados pelo método de varredura instantânea. As interações sociais representaram apenas 1,4% dos registros. A brincadeira foi a interação mais frequente e foi realizada principalmente por indivíduos imaturos aparentados. A catação foi realizada principalmente pelas fêmeas adultas em seus filhotes e parece auxiliar na manutenção da coesão do grupo. Interações agonísticas e cópulas foram raras. Também foi observada a emigração de um macho juvenil e a fissão do grupo. As relações de espaçamento entre os indivíduos evidenciam a maior proximidade das fêmeas adultas com seus filhotes imaturos. Dessa forma, o parentesco parece ser determinante nas relações sociais dos bugios.
New sightings of northern muriqui (Brachyteles hypoxanthus) females in forest fragments surrounding the Estação Biológica de Caratinga-RPPN Feliciano Miguel Abdala, Minas Gerais, Brasil
Authors: Tabacow Fernanda P. , Possamai Carla B. , Melo Fabiano R. , Mendes Sérgio L. , Strier Karen B.
Published: April 2011

No abstract
Confirmation of Callicebus dubius (Pitheciidae) distribution and evidence of invasion into the geographic range of Callicebus stephennashi
Authors: Röhe Fabio , Silva-Jr José S.
Published: April 2011

No abstract
Object manipulation in a captive group of capuchin monkeys (Cebus nigritus)
Authors: Freitas David Santos , Bicca-Marques Júlio César
Published: April 2011

No abstract
Was there ever a muriqui (Brachyteles) population in the Ilha do Cardoso State Park in southeastern Brazil?
Authors: Ingberman Bianca , Fusco-Costa Roberto , Cheida Carolina Carvalho , Nakano-Oliveira Eduardo Cardim , Rodrigues Renato Garcia , Monteiro-Filho Emygdio Leite Araujo
Published: April 2011

No abstract
F‐Spondin Inhibits Migration and Differentiation of Osteoclastic Precursors
Authors: Oka Hiroko , Mori Maya , Kihara Hisae
Published: April 2011

Background: Clinically, severe cemental resorption is a rare consequence of periodontitis, although alveolar bone resorption by osteoclasts is one of the main pathologic changes. F‐spondin is a secreted neuronal glycoprotein that localizes to the cementum. F‐spondin is among the cementum‐specific factors in periodontal tissue that have been reported. However, the effects of F‐spondin on osteoclastogenesis have not yet been established. We examined the effects of F‐spondin on stages of osteoclastogenesis, migration, and differentiation in a mouse osteoclastic precursor model, RAW 264 cells.

Methods: RAW 264 cells were treated with recombinant F‐spondin. Macrophage colony stimulating factor (M‐CSF)–induced cell migration was examined by migration assay performed with cell culture inserts. Osteoclastic differentiation was measured by counting tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)–positive multinucleated cells.

Results: In a transmigration assay, F‐spondin significantly downregulated M‐CSF–induced cell migration. Further, F‐spondin significantly reduced the number of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa B ligand–induced TRAP‐positive multinucleated cells. The receptor‐associated protein, an antagonist of the low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor family, blocked the effects of F‐spondin on M‐CSF–induced migration. The suppressive effect of F‐spondin on M‐CSF–induced cell migration was blocked by knockdown of LDL receptor–related protein 8 (LRP8), a member of the LDL receptor family.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that F‐spondin downregulates recruitment to the root side of periodontal tissue via LRP8 and inhibits differentiation of osteoclastic precursors. It is suggested that F‐spondin is essential to protect the root surface from resorption.
Feasibility of In-Situ Combustion in the SAGD Chamber
Authors: Paitakhti Oskouei Seyed Javad , Moore R. Gordon , Maini Brij B. , Mehta Sudarshan A.
Published: April 2011

Steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) is a commercially successful bitumen-recovery method that has transformed some of the vast Canadian oil-sand deposits into recoverable reserves. Several SAGD projects have been developed in northern Alberta in the past few years, and many more are in the planning stages. As the projects mature, new operational problems are revealed, demanding new solutions. Because of operational restrictions, it is almost impossible to have the same growth rate in all steam chambers in a SAGD pattern. Hence, interference between a mature chamber and an adjoining immature chamber can become a problem. Steam leakage from the immature chamber into the mature chamber reduces the thermal efficiency of the project and requires a solution to prevent the steam dissipation.

Filling the mature chamber with combustion gases is a possible solution for this problem. Carrying out in-situ combustion (ISC) in the mature chamber not only would create the needed combustion gases in the chamber, but also could recover a substantial part of the residual oil in the mature chamber. It is also likely that the combustion would create a reduced-permeability coke (toluene insoluble fraction) zone around the mature chamber, thus isolating it from the rest of the reservoir.

To evaluate the merit of this idea, an elevated-pressure experiment was conducted using a 2D physical model. The conventional SAGD process was conducted in the model to develop a steam chamber. Air was then injected through a horizontal well near the top of the model into the SAGD chamber, and a combustion front was established around the air-injection well. By operating combustion in the depleted chamber, residual oil was mobilized and produced. Additional oil recovery was attained by more than 20% over the SAGD operation as a bonus. Initiation and propagation of combustion were confirmed by a large increase in the temperature in the combustion zone. After unpacking the model, it was found that a coke layer formed around the perimeter of the chamber.
Glucose Homeostasis and Insulin Resistance
Authors: Szablewski Leszek
Published: April 2011

Glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance presents a broad overview of the molecular, biochemical and clinical aspects of glucose metabolism and glucose resistance. The book serves to acquaint the reader with recent information on topics ranging from the glucose metabolism and glucose transporters, the hormonal regulation of glucose homeostasis, to insulin resistance and the characterization of novel pharmacological approaches on emerging targets for the treatment of diabetes. Also included in the book is a discussion on the role of mutations in insulin resistance. The book is particularly useful for clinical researchers, endocrinologists and diabetes specialists.
The Path to Universal Broadband: Why We Should Grant Low-Income Subsidies and Use Experiments and Auctions to Determine the Specifics
Authors: Rosston Gregory L. , Wallsten Scott J.
Published: April 2011

Gregory Rosston of Stanford University and Scott Wallsten of the Technology Policy Institute argue that the switch from voice to broadband services provides a rare opportunity to reform universal service programs. Rossten and Wallsten offer an alternative design to deliver services in an efficient and politically-palatable manner.
Competition and Welfare Effects of VAT Exemptions
Authors: Dietl Helmut M , Jaag Christian , Lang Markus , Trinkner Urs W.O.
Published: April 2011

Distortions under the value-added tax (VAT) arise partly from the exemption of specific services and sectors. This paper develops an analytical model that is applicable to any sector characterized by asymmetric VAT exemptions of services and activities. We analyze the effects of such asymmetric tax regimes on market shares, optimal prices, tax receipts, and social welfare. The analytical model shows how asymmetric VAT exemptions distort competition by strengthening the competitive position of non-rated firms. The net effect of such tax exemptions depends on the fraction of VAT-rated inputs versus the fraction of non-rated customers. We further elucidate main competitive impacts of VAT policies, while showing their consequences on overall welfare by presenting simulation results based on a calibrated quantitative model of a selected sector. Our paper provides guidance on how to resolve the policy trade-off between a level playing field in the market, consumer surplus, and government tax revenue.
The iconographical type of saints Theodore Teron and Theodore Stratelates facing each other and its diffusion during the Byzantine and post-Byzantine period
Authors: Trifonova Alexandra
Published: April 2011

The paper deals with the iconographical type of saint Theodore Stratelates
and saint Theodor Teron facing each other. The author focuses on its
appearance, its flourishing, as well as its diffusion, which is seen mainly
in the area of Macedonia and in the Balkans.
The wall painting in the church of St. Nicholas tes Rhodias near Arta
Authors: Fundic Leonela
Published: April 2011

The paper deals with the wall paintings in the Church of St. Nicholas tes
Rhodias near Arta. Many scenes and individual figures are identified for the
first time, and the majority of inscriptions on the frescoes are deciphered.
A significant part of the text consists of a detailed analysis of the
iconographic program, with particular emphasis on the iconography and style
of certain depictions, which are seldom encountered in Byzantine wall
painting, or possess specific features. The findings suggest that the
decoration should be dated in the second half of the thirteenth century.
Stagnation-point flow past a shrinking sheet in a nanofluid
Authors: Nazar Roslinda , Jaradat Mihaela , Arifin Norihan , Pop Ioan
Published: April 2011

In this paper, the stagnation-point flow and heat transfer towards a shrinking sheet in a nanofluid is considered. The nonlinear system of coupled partial differential equations was transformed and reduced to a nonlinear system of coupled ordinary differential equations, which was solved numerically using the shooting method. Numerical results were obtained for the skin friction coefficient, the local Nusselt number as well as the velocity and temperature profiles for some values of the governing parameters, namely the nanoparticle volume fraction φ, the shrinking parameter λand the Prandtl number Pr. Three different types of nanoparticles are considered, namely Cu, Al2O3 and TiO2. It was found that nanoparticles of low thermal conductivity, TiO2, have better enhancement on heat transfer compared to nanoparticles Al2O3 and Cu. For a particular nanoparticle, increasing the volume fraction φ results in an increase of the skin friction coefficient and the heat transfer rate at the surface. It is also found that solutions do not exist for larger shrinking rates and dual solutions exist when λ < −1.0.
Comparison of antibacterial effect of seven 1-monoglycerides on food-borne pathogens or spoilage bacteria
Authors: Buňková Leona , Buňka František , Janiš Rahula , Krejčí Jiří , Doležálková Iva , Pospíšil Zdeněk , Růžička Jan , Tremlová Bohuslava
Published: April 2011

The aim of this study was to compare under the same conditionsin vitrothe inhibitory effects of seven 1-monoglycerides (MAG) containing fatty acids with a medium chain on ten strains of food-borne pathogens or spoilage gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, Citrobacter freundii, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella entericaser.Enteritidis andPseudomonas aeruginosa) and on their growth indicatos. The inhibitory effect of MAGs (monocaprylin, monocaprin, monolaurin, monomyristin, monopalmitin, MAG of undecanoic and 10-undecenoic acids) at a concentration of 25 – 1500 mg·l-1was observed. Growth of bacteria in the presence of MAG was studied by means of optical density of bacteria for 24 h. The data were modelled through a Gompertz equation and the lag-time, the maximum specific growth rate and the maximal value reached were calculated. MAGs inhibited mainly the growth of gram-positive bacteria, which was shown by the extended lag-time, decrease in specific growth rate and decrease in cell density. Inhibitory effects of tested MAGs could be ranked from point of view of the minimum inhibitory concentration: MAG-C12:0 > MAG-C11:0 > MAG-C10:0 > MAG-C14:0 > MAG-C11:1 > MAG-C8:0 > MAG-C16:0.In vitro, no significant inhibitory effects of 1-monoglycerides, with the exception of the highest concentrations applied, on the growth of gram-negative bacteria were detected. The main contribution of this study is to compare the effects of several MAG containing fatty acids with a medium chain under the same conditions on the growth indicators of bacteria.
Analysis of lactation curves, milk constituents, somatic cell count and urea in milk of cows by the mathematical model of Wood
Authors: Gołębiewski Marcin , Brzozowski Piotr , Gołębiewski Łukasz
Published: April 2011

Analysis of lactation curves of milk, basic milk constituents, somatic cell count and urea in milk provide sufficient information for efficient dairy herd management and also is significant in genetic evaluation. The aim of the study was to apply the Wood’s model to fit lactation curve of milk yield as well as fat, protein, dry matter, lactose, somatic cell count and urea in cows’ milk. This study was conducted on dairy cows of Montbéliard (n = 686) and Polish Holstein-Friesian (n = 933) breeds. We analyzed data on the above mentioned milk constituents in the samples collected between 1995 and 2007. Data from 5,034 lactations were collected. Type C1 of the curve typical for standard lactation was the most frequent when daily milk yield, lactose and urea were analyzed. However, curves of fat protein and dry matter were described as type C4. The Wood’s model showed the highest accuracy when milk yield and protein content were investigated; poor fitting was observed for fat content. The Wood’s model brought better accuracy for Polish Holstein-Friesian cows compared to Montbéliards. Precision of mathematical models fitting is R2 (adjusted determination coefficient). The highest values of R2 were noticed when lactation and protein curves were investigated. The lowest R2 was determined for urea and somatic cell count.
Effect of perphenazine on electrogram of rat isolated heart
Authors: Fialová Kateřina , Blahák Jiří , Motola Marek , Jarkovský Jiří , Mužík Jan , Nováková Marie
Published: April 2011

The aim of this study was to clarify whether administration of antipsychotic perphenazine contributes to the electrophysiological changes of the isolated heart. Fourteen adult male Wistar rats were divided into two groups. Langendorff hearts were perfused with Krebs-Henseleit solution at constant pressure (85 mmHg) and 37 °C (CaCl2, 1.2 mM). The electrogram was recorded by touch-free method. The hearts of the first group were exposed to 3.10-5 M perphenazine, the hearts of the second group to 3.10-8 M perphenazine. The incidence of arrhythmias and the heart rate and QT interval changes were studied on electrogram during 30 min periods of control, the first perphenazine administration, washout, and the second drug administration. Perphenazine administration significantly prolonged QT (p < 0.001) and QTc (p < 0.05) in group 1. In group 2, QT and QTc prolongation was less pronounced (p < 0.05). A number of arrhythmias appeared, from single premature ventricular complexes to more severe ones in both groups. The heart rate changes were non-significant. We conclude that although phenothiazines are still medicaments of choice in certain psychoses, their cardiovascular side effects should be always taken in consideration.
Cortisol concentration in the saliva of horses subjected to different kinds of exercise
Authors: Strzelec Katarzyna , Kankofer Marta , Pietrzak Sławomir
Published: April 2011

The aim of this study was to characterize the stress level in sport horses subjected to exercise by measuring the cortisol concentration in their saliva. The experiment was conducted on 5 groups of horses (49 animals): one control and four groups undergoing different types of exercises. The saliva samples were collected 3 × a day: late at night (between 20:00 and 23:00 h), early in the morning (between 5:00 and 8:00 h) and directly after the exercise. The concentration of cortisol was measured by the enzyme-immunoassay programme. The highest cortisol concentration was observed for the horses participating in 3-day events (8.93 nmol/dm3), whereas in the control group it was only 0.28 nmol/dm3. When compared to the cortisol concentration of other horse groups, this suggests that the stress level as measured by the cortisol concentration in saliva increases with increasing exercise intensity and its duration. The obtained results do not confirm the existence of a day rhythm of the cortisol concentration in horses. Moreover, the results may help in choosing the appropriate system of training and in improving horse welfare during competitions.
Modelling growing space requirement for Alnus nepalensis D. Don in Nepal
Authors: Sharma Ram Prasad
Published: April 2011

Relationship between crown diameter and stem diameter of individual trees can be translated into mathematical model, and used to generate information of growing space requirement for individual trees and crown competition index for growth models. Nine different crown diameter prediction models were developed using inventory data of Alnus nepalensis trees from a part of Parbat and Syanja districts in Nepal. Among those developed, a non-linear three parameter-based model (W = β0 {1 – exp( - β1D)}β2) explained the greatest proportion of variations of crown diameter (R2adj = 0.78), and showed desirable behaviour of flexibility and robustness. An individual tree growing space model was then derived from crown model to generate important information of shocking limits and stand basal area density for monoculture plantation or natural stands of Alnus nepalensis. Because of its flexibility, crown model is seemed potentially useful for extrapolation purpose also. However, the model cannot be applied for buttressed, wolfed and malformed trees.

Key words: Alnus nepalensis; crown model; growing space model; stocking limit; basal area density

Banko Janakari Vol.16(2) 2006 pp.30-36
Quest of participatory forestry in Terai (Morang experiences)
Authors: Baral Jagadish C , Shrestha Madan Kumar , Sharma Khil Prasad
Published: April 2011

Terai witnesses a deadlock syndrome as far as the region’s forest resource governance is concerned. While the government advocates for what has been termed ‘collaborative forest management’ modality for the Terai, Federation of Community forest User Group (FECOFUN), the umbrella institution of over 14,000 hitherto existing community forestry groups vehemently opposes the move. It assumes that community forestry modality has stood the test of the time and that it is not worthwhile to even consider any alternative resource governance modality, be it in the hills or the Terai. The tension is on the rise and that the deadlock situat6ion persists. This has increasingly pushed the resource there into accelerated state of degradation as a viable local institution that takes care of it is not in place.

For the past two years, we in Morang district are trying to figure out whether this deadlock scenario can be broken by way of innovating a consensus based modality that could satisfy all concerned parties. Forum for Forestry Stakeholders (FFS), a multistakeholder platform, forms the focal point of the overall endeavour. The paper starts off by presenting a background on the current state of deadlock situation followed by introduction of forest and forestry practices in Morang. It will then move on to the processes through which the multistakeholder forum was formed that will be followed by key features on the forum and its major undertakings so far. Key findings to date and the vision for the future are presented which forms an important segment of the paper.

Key words: Forest Resources; Participatory forestry; Terai; Nepal

Banko Janakari Vol.16(2) 2006 pp.50-57
Ethnicity and Prejudice: A Historical Shift
Authors: Acharya Pradeep
Published: April 2011

The paper principally aimed to present a brief overview of the historical shift on the notion of ethnicity and prejudice around the wider global context with particular focus on local Nepalese context has solely based on the secondary information obtained from the review of pertinent literatures on ethnicity. The genesis of the approaches to ethnicity comprises some conceptual idea on ethnicity regarding its emergence and usage as a term in the social sciences. Ethnicity can be said to be very closely interlinked with prejudice in policy and practice at the level of individual, society and the state. The historical evidence suggests that there has been a gradual shift on the notion of both ethnicity and prejudice around different places at different time periods. In addition, it does contain significant research problems, which, can surely be elaborated, and its full significance drawn. Keywords: Ethnicity; prejudice; boundaries; social constructionist model; multilevel theory DOI: 10.3126/dsaj.v4i0.4514 Dhaulagiri Journal of Sociology and Anthropology Vol.4 2010 pp.85-98
Livelihood Strategy of Bote Community: A Case Study of Bote Community of Patihani VDC of Chitwan
Authors: Acharya Umesh Prasad
Published: April 2011

This paper discusses upon the changes of Bote community of Nepal, in case of Patihani V.D.C. These changes are influenced by process of urbanization, globalization which has created constraints and opportunities on "Bote people of Patihani VDC". Historically these people had their livelihood from agriculture. Land was a major household asset and crop production (maize, millet, paddy, wheat etc.) was the means of survival. But the rapid process of urbanization and globalization has pushed them in transition both with opportunities as well as constraints. The household assets have undergone rapid modification. Now they have no option other than modifying the traditional occupation. Land fragmentation and change in social institution are resulted from the urbanization and globalization. The livelihood diversification and foreign employment have recently emerged as how livelihood strategies in the study area. Due to the proximity to the market, the influence of the urbanization is more apparent in the Bote Village. Most of the households follow the multiple occupations besides agriculture. The role of agriculture activities in their life is substantial. Although a few households sell their crops however most of them sell vegetables. The livelihood strategy of Bote community in the study area is in transition. It is shifted from agriculture to non-agricultural one. It is necessary to ensure access to resources and increase social and political participation of Bote community for integral development of rural community in Nepal. Keywords: poverty; urbanization; commercial farming; tarai ethnic group; traditional occupation DOI: 10.3126/dsaj.v4i0.4524 Dhaulagiri Journal of Sociology and Anthropology Vol.4 2010 pp.247-260
Procedure to Identify and Submit cDNA Sequences to
Authors: Britton Jr. George L. , Islam Ahmad S. , Xuan Yue , Sathasivan Kanagasabapathi
Published: April 2011

With rapid advances in DNA sequencing and large collection of such information available, it may be helpful to have a simplified procedure for analysis and submission of such sequence information. The process has been described in three steps: (a) data gathering and preparation, (b) data analysis, and (c) data submission to Genbank. The use of NCBI-tools such as VecScreen and ORF finder has been shown to be effective in detecting the vector contaminated sequences and in identifying the segments that code for protein with ‘start-’ and ‘stop’ codon, respectively. Another software called ‘A Plasmid Editor’ is useful in reconstructing the complete DNA sequence of a gene from the sequences of complementary strand. The process of sequence data submission to the GenBank about the gene of interest is described in an easy-to-follow manner, including the final step of receiving an accession number from NCBI. Key words: Jute cDNA library, Corchorus olitorius, VecScreen, ORF Finder, Vector Contamination, GenBank, BankIt, Heat shock protein, TAIR WUBLAST D.O.I. 10.3329/ptcb.v17i2.3236 Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 17(2): 161-172, 2007 (December)
Novel ESTs from a Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) cDNA Library
Authors: Wazni Mohamad W. , Islam Ahmad S. , Taliaferro J. Matthew , Anwar Nabila , Sathasivan Kanagasabapathi
Published: April 2011

The paper describes the identification of new expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from a cDNA library of Corchorus olitorius L. var. O-4 after the initial description of the library construction reported recently. The sequence homology search in The Arabidopsis Information Source (TAIR) using the WU-BLAST tool revealed four complete and ten partial cDNA sequences. The complete cDNA sequences, based on their similarities to those of Arabidopsis proteins, encode V-ATPase subunit F, mitochondrial NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase, RuBisCO small subunit 1A and heat shock protein (HSP 60). Based on similar homology results the partial cDNAs encode proteins, namely, chaperonin, actin 7, RelA-spoT homology, 60s ribosomal protein L 36a, transport protein, chloroplast inner membrane import protein Tic22, formate dehydrogenase, serine hydroxy-methyltransferase, metallothionein 2B and tansmembrane kinase. These cDNA sequences are new additions to the ESTs that encode chitinase-like protein (Class I) and 60S acidic ribosomal protein reported earlier. All the available cDNA sequences including that for the chitinase-like protein have been registered with GenBank, bearing Accession Nos. EU024510 through EU024520 and EU092254, EU057193-95. The cDNA samples are available for any researchers interested in such ESTs. A Clustal-W study of the amino acid sequences of proteins encoded by cDNA isolated in the present investigation with those of cotton, citrus, Arabidopsis, tobacco and other organisms revealed that the homology is maximum between jute and cotton followed by citrus, grapevine, tobacco and Arabidopsis.  Key words: Jute cDNA library, Corchorus olitorius, Chitinase, Chaperonin, RSH2, RelA/SpoT, V-ATPase, Small subunit RuBisCO, Metallothionein, Actin 7, and HSPs  D.O.I. 10.3329/ptcb.v17i2.3237 Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 17(2): 173-182, 2007 (December)
Study of blood lead and semen lead concentration in male infertility
Authors: Debnath BC , Ibrahim M , Fatima P
Published: April 2011

Objective: To evaluate the association of blood and semen lead with male  infertility. Design: It was a case control study carried out in the department of Biochemistry, BSMMU, from January, 2004 to December, 2004.Subjects: Of 52 male subjects, 26 were infertile with oligospermia and / or asthenospermia. Age matched 26 normospermic subjects with normal standard semen parameters (volume, count, motility and morphology) were selected as controls. None had the history of occupational exposure to lead.Results: Median values of blood lead were 19.96 µg/dl and 17.68 µg/dl (normal <25 µg/dl); semen lead were 29.56µg/dl and 28.17 µg/dl (normal 15.37 ± 3.92 µg/dl) in cases and controls respectively. Neither blood lead nor semen lead showed significant difference between cases and controls. There was significant positive correlation between blood lead and semen lead concentrations. There was no significant correlation of semen and blood lead concentrations with other semen parameters & serum hormone concentrations (FSH, LH, & Testosterone) in cases. Conclusion: Though the association of blood or semen lead with male infertility was not established in our study, yet, increased seminal lead concentration found in our study subjects may be indicative of subtle exposure of lead in our environment. So, further study with larger sample size is needed. The clinicians should consider the lead measurements when evaluating male partners of couples with unexplained infertility and for assessment of lead status, semen lead measurement can be recommended.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pulse.v4i1.6955Pulse Vol.4 January 2010 p.10-13
Pulmonary Manifestations of Collagen Vascular Disease
Authors: Dokwal CP
Published: April 2011

The collagen vascular diseases (CVDs) include a heterogeneous group of chronic inflammatory immunologically-mediated systemic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), Sjogrens syndrome, polymyositis (PM)/dermatomyositis (DM), and mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). They present with a wide range of clinical manifestations. The clinical features in CVDs frequently overlap, causing much clinical confusion.The lung is frequently affected in CVDs and cause significant morbidity and mortality. The common pulmonary manifestations include pleural disease, pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiolitis obliterans, obliterans, organizing pneumonia, bronchiectasis, aspiration pneumonia, and diaphragmatic weakness. In the following paragraphs, the pulmonary manifestations in various collagen vascular diseases are discussed.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pulse.v4i1.6958Pulse Vol.4 January 2010 p.16-21
Primary malignant CNS lymphoma in an immunocompetent patient: A case report
Authors: Khaled A , Salauddin SA , Zaman SMQ , Nasir TA
Published: April 2011

Aim and Objective: Primary malignant CNS lymphoma in otherwise healthy immunocompetent subject is relatively uncommon.They occur more frequently in immunocompromised patients. In this case report, we presented a report of an immunocompetent 48 year old male with primary CNS lymphoma.Clinical presentation: A 48 year old male was admitted in the neurosurgery department of Apollo hospital Dhaka because of continuous headache and vomiting for 15 days. There was no history of any illness, medication or head trauma. He was tested negative for HIV test. MRI revealed a periventricular mass which was confirmed as primary CNS lymphoma, diffuse large cell type by histopathology and immunohistochemical examination.Conclusion: We presented this case because of relatively uncommon occurrence and raising incidence of primary CNS lymphoma in immunocompetent subjects in last one or two decades.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pulse.v4i1.6960Pulse Vol.4 January 2010 p.26-27
Transcatheter technique now standard for Secundum ASD Closure, A case report of our first experience
Authors: Reza AQM , Siddique AB , Talukder MSU , Munwar S , Islam AHM W , Sohel SR , Ghani MA
Published: April 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pulse.v4i1.6963Pulse Vol.4 January 2010 p.32-33
Fibrolipomatous hamartoma of the digital branches of the median nerve
Authors: Hossain MM , Momen MM , Haque AKM F
Published: April 2011

Fibrolipomatous Hamartoma is an idiopathic disorder which may be related to hypertrophy of mature fat cells and fibroblasts in the epineurium. It is a rare condition most commonly affects the median nerve. Presentation is usually before 30 years of age.Some of them are presented with signs and symptoms of nerve entrapment and some are associated with macrodactyly (macrodystrophia lipomatosa) with gross cosmetic abnormality. MRI can be an important preoperative diagnostic tool. Biopsy and histopathology report can confirm the pathology.This report describes a case of Fibrolipomatous Hamartoma of the digital branches of left index and middle fingers of median nerve associated with macrodactyly. A 25-year old male patient having this problem came to Apollo Hospitals Dhaka with abnormally large left index and middle finger. Debulking by excision of the lipomatous tissue along the digital branches of median nerve was performed. Three weeks postoperatively, the patient had no major complaints and the mass decreased in size without any motor or functional losses. Sensory function also found near normal with a small area of numbness at the tip of the left index finger.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pulse.v4i1.6967Pulse Vol.4 January 2010 p.40-42
Colon Cancer Stem Cells: Bench-to-Bedside—New Therapeutical Approaches in Clinical Oncology for Disease Breakdown
Authors: Di Franco Simone , Mancuso Pietro , Benfante Antonina , Spina Marisa , Iovino Flora , Dieli Francesco , Stassi Giorgio , Todaro Matilde
Published: April 2011

It is widely accepted by the scientific community that cancer, including colon cancer, is a “stem cell disease”. Until a few years ago, common opinion was that all neoplastic cells within a tumor contained tumorigenic growth capacity, but recent evidences hint to the possibility that such a feature is confined to a small subset of cancer-initiating cells, also called cancer stem cells (CSCs). Thus, malignant tumors are organized in a hierarchical fashion in which CSCs give rise to more differentiated tumor cells. CSCs possess high levels of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters and anti-apoptotic molecules, active DNA-repair, slow replication capacities and they produce growth factors that confer refractoriness to antineoplastic treatments. The inefficacy of conventional therapies towards the stem cell population might explain cancer chemoresistance and the high frequency of relapse shown by the majority of tumors. Nowadays, in fact all the therapies available are not sufficient to cure patients with advanced forms of colon cancer since they target differentiated cancer cells which constitute most of the tumor mass and spare CSCs. Since CSCs are the entities responsible for the development of the tumor and represent the only cell population able to sustain tumor growth and progression, these cells represent the elective target for innovative therapies.
Biological Sensors for Solar Ultraviolet Radiation
Authors: Yagura Teiti , Makita Kazuo , Yamamoto Hiromasa , Menck Carlos F.M. , Schuch André P.
Published: April 2011

Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is widely known as a genotoxic environmental agent that affects Earth ecosystems and the human population. As a primary consequence of the stratospheric ozone layer depletion observed over the last decades, the increasing UV incidence levels have heightened the concern regarding deleterious consequences affecting both the biosphere and humans, thereby leading to an increase in scientific efforts to understand the role of sunlight in the induction of DNA damage, mutagenesis, and cell death. In fact, the various UV-wavelengths evoke characteristic biological impacts that greatly depend on light absorption of biomolecules, especially DNA, in living organisms, thereby justifying the increasing importance of developing biological sensors for monitoring the harmful impact of solar UV radiation under various environmental conditions. In this review, several types of biosensors proposed for laboratory and field application, that measure the biological effects of the UV component of sunlight, are described. Basically, the applicability of sensors based on DNA, bacteria or even mammalian cells are presented and compared. Data are also presented showing that on using DNA-based sensors, the various types of damage produced differ when this molecule is exposed in either an aqueous buffer or a dry solution. Apart from the data thus generated, the development of novel biosensors could help in evaluating the biological effects of sunlight on the environment. They also emerge as alternative tools for using live animals in the search for protective sunscreen products.
Actin in Herpesvirus Infection
Authors: Roberts Kari L. , Baines Joel D.
Published: April 2011

Actin is important for a variety of cellular processes, including uptake of extracellular material and intracellular transport. Several emerging lines of evidence indicate that herpesviruses exploit actin and actin-associated myosin motors for viral entry, intranuclear transport of capsids, and virion egress. The goal of this review is to explore these processes and to highlight potential future directions for this area of research.
FORECASTING BANK STOCK MARKET PRICES WITH A HYBRID METHOD: THE CASE OF ALPHA BANK / VERTYBINIŲ POPIERIŲ KAINŲ PROGNOZAVIMAS HIBRIDINIU METODU: ALPHA BANK PAVYZDYS
Authors: Koutroumanidis Theodoros , Ioannou Konstantinos , Zafeiriou Eleni
Published: April 2011

The present study aims at constructing Confidence Intervals (C.I) for the predicted values of a Time Series with the application of a Hybrid method. The presented methodology is complicated and thus is completed in different stages. Initially the Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) is applied on the raw time series in order to estimate C.I of the forecasts. Then, the Bootstrap method is employed on the residuals generated by the preceded process. On the upper and lower limit of the estimated C.I., two new ANNs are employed in order to make point estimations (of the upper and lower limits) using of Object Oriented Programming. For the empirical analysis daily observations of the closing prices of Alpha Bank stocks have been used. The sample period is extended from 28/01/2004 until 30/11/2005. The nonstationarity of the time series employed in our study is not a forbidding condition for the estimation of the confidence intervals, in our case, since the level of bootstrap still provides a satisfactory approximation for the roots arbitrarily close to unity (Berkowitz, Kilian 1996). The accuracy of the forecasts was surveyed with the use of different criteria and the results were satisfactory.
CORPORATE GROWTH, AGE AND OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE IN SPANISH FIRMS / KOMPANIJOS DYDIS, AMŽIUS IR NUOSAVYBĖS STRUKTŪRA: EMPIRINIS TYRIMAS ISPANIJOS ĮMONĖSE
Authors: Moreno Justo de Jorge , Castillo Leopoldo Laborda
Published: April 2011

The objective of this work is to analyse firm mobility among the different sectors of the Spanish economy according to a statistical classification of economic activities at the 1-digit level. Some of the stylised facts that we find are: an inverse relation between firm growth and age; an increase in new entrants’ average relative size in terms of sales compared to established firms among the different industries and cohorts; the importance of the firm's initial size in entrepreneurial activity; the favourable impact of the economy on firm growth; and a positive relation between non-concentration in the ownership structure and greater mobility. In this context, an efficient corporate governance system may prove as a significant policy tool for the investment and growth prospective of the Spanish economy. The regulatory framework of the Spaniard capital market has been coordinate with the EU standards. The challenge is now mostly for the firms to adopt the appropriate corporate governance structures, in order to achieve real convergence, in terms of productivity and competitiveness, with other developed economies. Santrauka Pateikiami empirinio tyrimo, atlikto Ispanijos kompanijose, rezultatai. Tirti buvo pasirinktos skirtingiems pramones sektoriams (pagal ekonomikos veiklu klasifikatoriu) priklausanèios imones. Tyrimo metu nustatyta, kad egzistuoja sryšis tarp imones dydžio ir amžiaus, kad itakos turi ir skirtingi pramones sektoriai, kuriuose veikia imone, nustatytas sryšis tarp imones dydžio bei ekonominio aktyvumo, imones nuosavybes ir augimo. Atsižvelgiant i tai, siuloma veiksminga verslo valdymo sistema, kuri gali buti priimta kaip viena svarbiausiu politikos priemoniu pritraukiant investicijas ir didinant Ispanijos ekonomikos augim. Pasiulytosios veiksmingos verslo valdymo sistemos priemones pades imonems didinti produktyvum ir stiprinti konkurencini pranašum, palyginti su kitomis ekonomiškai stipriomis valstybemis.
MEASURING EFFICIENCY IN TRANSPORT: THE STATE OF THE ART OF APPLYING DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS / TRANSPORTO EFEKTYVUMO NUSTATYMAS: NAUJAUSI DUOMENYS ATLIEKANT PAVIRŠINĘ DUOMENŲ ANALIZĘ / ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЕ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ ТРАНСПОРТА: НОВЫЕ ДАННЫЕ ПРИ ВЫПОЛНЕНИИ АНАЛИЗА СРЕДЫ ФУНКЦИОНИРОВАНИЯ
Authors: Markovits-Somogyi Rita
Published: April 2011

Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is a non-parametric linear programming method used for determining the efficiency of a set of companies as compared to the best practice frontier. It can be employed to analyze private, public or non-profit organizations. The application of the method in the transport sector is wide-spread, especially in the evaluation of airports, ports, railways and urban transport companies. The present paper is aimed at giving a review of how DEA is applied in the transport sector with a special emphasis on the inputs and outputs selected in the DEA models employed in different fields. For this reason, the author has compiled data from 69 DEA applications found or reported in literature, investigated their characteristics and the field of applying them along with the inputs and outputs used. Santrauka Paviršinė duomenų analizė (Data Envelopment Analysis, DEA)—neparametrinis linijinio programavimo metodas, taikomas siekiant nustatyti įmonių grupės efektyvumą, lyginant jį su geriausiais praktiniais laimėjimais. Jis gali būti įgyvendinamas vertinant privačių, valstybinių ir ne pelno siekiančių organizacijų veiklą. Šis metodas plačiai paplitęs transporto sektoriuje, ypač vertinant oro uostų, geležinkelių ir viešojo transporto organizacijas. Straipsnyje nagrinėjama, kaip DEA metodas taikomas transporto sektoriuje, ir pabrėžiamos įdėtos pastangos bei pasiekti rezultatai, naudojant DEA modelius skirtingose srityse. Surinkti duomenys iš DEA modelių ir išnagrinėtos jų charakteristikos. Резюме Анализ среды функционирования (Data Envelopment Analysis – DEA) – это метод сравнительного анализа деятельности различных сложных экономических и социальных систем. Метод анализа среды функционирования охватывает гораздо более широкий спектр понятий и возможностей, чем просто вычисление и анализ эффективности сложных объектов. Метод имеет глубокую связь с математической экономикой, системным анализом, многокритериальной оптимизацией, он позволяет строить многомерное экономическое пространство, находить оптимальные пути развития в нем, вычислять важнейшие количественные и качественные характеристики поведения объектов, моделировать различные ситуации. Этот метод может быть использован при оценке деятельности частных и государственных предприятий и организаций. Метод также применяется в транспортной сфере для оценки деятельности аэропортов, предприятий железнодорожного и общественного транспорта. В статье исследуется применение метода анализа среды функционирования в транспортной сфере. Анализируются данные, характеристики и результаты различных исследований с применением метода анализа среды функционирования.
EVALUATION OF BYPASS INFLUENCE ON REDUCING AIR POLUTION IN VILNIUS CITY / APLINKKELIŲ ĮTAKOS ORO UŽTERŠTUMO MAŽINIMUI VERTINIMAS VILNIAUS MIESTO PAVYZDŽIU / ОЦЕНКА ВЛИЯНИЯ ОБЪЕЗДНЫХ ДОРОГ НА УМЕНЬШЕНИЕ ЗАГРЯЗНЕНИЯ ОКРУЖАЮЩЕЙ СРЕДЫ НА ПРИМЕРЕ Г. ВИЛЬНЮСА
Authors: Vitkūnas Rolandas , Meidutė Ieva
Published: April 2011

The segment of transport is a significant part of social and economic infrastructure and has a direct impact on certain economic or social territory development. It is known that production and/or trading scale development in a specific territory leads to increased requirements for infrastructure as well as to arising environmental protection issues. Therefore, this paper addresses a very significant problem of constantly increasing vehicle numbers that decrease the permeability of roads and increase traffic jams, which consequently, have an impact on the pollution of the environment. The main goal of this paper is to evaluate bypasses and high-speed streets based on data on Vilnius City using the multi-criteria evaluation method and to verify the hypothesis of the authors. Santrauka Transportas yra svarbi ekonominės ir socialinės infrastruktūros dalis, tiesiogiai susijusi su ekonomine ir socialine tam tikros teritorijos plėtra. Pastebima, kad vystantis gamybai ir (arba) prekybai, toje teritorijoje kartu didėja ir reikalavimai infrastruktūrai, atsiranda aplinkosaugos problemų. Autoriai nagrinėja problemą, kuri yra labai aktuali šią dieną, t. y. nuolat didėjantis lengvųjų automobilių skaičius miestuose, kuris mažina esamą automobilių kelių pralaidumą, didina eismo spūstis, o tai, be abejo, sukelia didesnę taršą degalų emisija. Šio darbo tikslas—įvertinti aplinkkelius ir greitąsias gatves Vilniaus miesto pavyzdžiu ir tyrimo rezultatais pagrįsti straipsnyje iškeltą hipotezę. Резюме Транспорт является важной частью экономической и социальной инфраструктуры, которая напрямую связана с экономическим и социальным развитием определенной территории. Замечено, что при развитии на данной территории промышленности и(или) торговли повышаются также требования к инфраструктуре, появляются проблемы в связи с охраной окружающей среды. Анализируя упомянутые проблемы, авторы в статье исследуют актуальную на сегодняшний день проблему постоянно возрастающего числа легковых автомобилей в городах, что снижает пропускную способность автомобильных дорог, увеличивает количество пробок, а также способствует увеличению загрязнения выхлопными газами. Целью статьи было на примере г. Вильнюса оценить значение объездных и скоростных дорог и по результатам исследования обосновать выдвинутую в статье гипотезу.
DESIGNING UNIVERSAL DRIVES FOR TRENCHLESS REPAIR OF PIPELINES / UNIVERSALIŲJŲ ĮRENGINIŲ VAMZDYNŲ BETRANŠĖJAM REMONTUI KŪRIMAS IR TYRIMAS / РАЗРАБОТКА УНИВЕРСАЛЬНЫХ ПРИВОДОВ ДЛЯ БЕСТРАНШЕЙНОГО РЕМОНТА ТРУБОПРОВОДОВ
Authors: Yemelin Vyacheslav
Published: April 2011

The article presents the results of research on a new class of high carrying capacity drives distinguished by the simplicity of designing, universality and high carrying capacity at trenchless repair of pipelines. The paper also describes the dependences of the traction properties of these drives on the major factors of pipelines, technology and design. Santrauka Betranšėjės vamzdynų remonto ir priežiūros technologijos—tai gyvenviečių inžinerinių tinklų remonto ir statybos (klojimo) darbų sritis, leidžianti iki minimumo sumažinti žemės darbus, neapsunkinti transporto eismo ir sutrumpinti remonto arba statybos (klojimo) darbų laiką. Pateikti ir ištirti naujos kartos universalūs įrenginiai, skirti vamzdynų betranšėjam remontui ir priežiūrai. Šių įrenginių sandara paprasta, universali, jų didelis našumas remontuojant ir prižiūrint vamzdynus. Pateiktos šių įrenginių traukos savybių priklausomybės nuo vamzdynų pagrindinių parametrų, remonto technologijos ir sandaros. Резюме В современных условиях быстрого развития городской инфраструктуры все чаще возникает потребность в быстром монтаже и ремонте систем инженерных коммуникаций. При прокладке трубопроводов или восстановлении труб бестраншейным методом многоэтажные дома и производственные постройки, железнодорожные пути и автострады, реки и лесные массивы не являются преградами. Приведены результаты исследования нового класса приводов высокой проходимости, отличающихся простотой конструкции, универсальностью и высокой проходимостью при бестраншейном ремонте трубопроводов. Представлены зависимости тяговых свойств этих приводов от основных факторов трубопровода, технологии и конструкции.