bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DIVIDED STIMULUS CONTROL: A REPLICATION AND A QUANTITATIVE MODEL
Authors: Davison Michael , Elliffe Douglas
Published: January 2011

Four pigeons were trained on a conditional discrimination. The conditional stimuli were compounds of pairs of stimuli from two different dimensions, fast versus slow cycles of red or green stimuli, and short‐versus long‐duration presentations of these cycles. Across conditions, the probability of reinforcers for correctly responding to each dimension was varied from 0 to 1. Discriminability, measured by log d, for stimuli on a dimension increased as the relative frequency of reinforcers for that dimension increased, replicating the results of Shahan and Podlesnik (2006). Two further conditions showed that discriminability between stimuli on each dimension was unaffected by whether the stimuli on the other dimension varied or were constant. Finally, maximal discriminability was unchanged in a redundant‐relevant cues condition in which either of the stimuli comprising a compound signaled the same correct response. Davison and Nevin's (1999) model provided an excellent quantitative account of the effect of relative reinforcer frequency on discriminability, and thus of the way in which divided stimulus control is itself controlled by relative reinforcement.
DISRUPTIVE EFFECTS OF STIMULUS INTENSITY ON TWO VARIATIONS OF A TEMPORAL DISCRIMINATION PROCEDURE
Authors: McClure Erin A. , Saulsgiver Kathryn A. , Wynne Clive D. L.
Published: January 2011

Previous reports using stimulus intensity changes to disrupt temporal discrimination have shown shifts in the psychophysical curve for time, while studies using other disrupters have shown a flattening of the curve. The current study investigated the impact of increases and decreases in stimulus intensity on temporal discrimination in pigeons, to determine if a flattening of the curve could be extended to this disruptor. The brightness of the sample to be timed was manipulated under two procedural variations, in which the response alternatives were differentiated by color or location. Results showed that all subjects in the color procedure, and one in the location procedure, showed a flattening of the psychophysical curve when they experienced increased stimulus intensity in descending order. No subjects exposed to an ascending order of stimulus intensities, and none of the other subjects in the location procedure, showed any impact of changed stimulus intensity. Minimal disruption was found when test sessions presented decreased stimulus intensity levels in a second series. These results, together with those using other types of disrupters, add to the evidence of a flattening of the psychophysical curve when temporal discrimination is disrupted.
Periodontal status in patients suffering from diabetes mellitus in relations to glycosylated hemoglobin level and the level of oral hygiene
Authors: Cicmil Smiljka , Stojanovic Nikola , Krunic Jelena , Vukotic Olivera , Cakic Sasa
Published: February 2011

Introduction. It has been known that periodontitis is one of the most common
oral diseases in patients having diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim of this
study was to examine the influence of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level
and the level of oral hygiene on periodontal status of patients suffering
from DM. Material and Methods. The research included 50 people with type 2 DM
randomly selected. Based on values of HbA1c, patients were divided into two
groups: well controlled DM (HbA1c?8.5%) and poorly controlled DM
(HbA1c>8.5%). Patients with poorly and well controlled DM were further
grouped into subgroups depending on the level of oral hygiene. For each
patient, during the clinical examination, periodontal parameters were
determined: plaque index (PI), sulcus bleeding index (SBI), the level of
junctional epithelium (LJE) and periodontal pocket depth (PPD). Results. The
results showed that patients with well controlled disease and good oral
hygiene had lower values of the examined periodontal parameters (SBI and PPD)
then patients with poorly controlled DM and worse oral hygiene (p<0.01 for
SBI, p<0.05 for PPD). Conclusion. The results of this study indicate the
important role of oral hygiene for periodontal status of patients with DM.
Leading dental journals availability through academic network of Serbia
Authors: Jacimovic Jelena , Zivkovic Slavoljub
Published: February 2011

In the last century a great progress was noted in all scientific disciplines.
With the increasing number of scientific research, researchers and
investment, the number of publications has grown exponentially. Besides, the
development of information technologies and the emergence of the Internet,
communication between scientists as well as the traditional roles assigned to
the institutions responsible for information processing and provision has
been changed. Due to the rapidly increasing subscription rates, libraries,
although the primary participants in the scholarly communication process,
lose their ability to meet user information needs. In order to overcome
commercialization of scholarly publishing, libraries intensify use of
different electronic resources, coordinate acquisition policy and form
consortia. In November 2001, leading research libraries in Serbia launched an
initiative to form the Consortium for Coordinated Acquisition of Serbian
Libraries (KoBSON). Subscribed services, funded by the Ministry of Science
and Technological Development of Serbia, currently include over 35,000
scientific journals, about 40,000 books and several citation databases. In
the field of Dentistry, Oral Surgery and Medicine, 73.4% of total number of
the most relevant dental journals is available in electronic form to Serbian
academic community. This article presents a comprehensive overview of basic
information about available journals: impact factor, productivity,
publication continuity and frequency, language, services that they are
available through, size of archives and existing formats. At present Serbian
academic institutions have access to more than two thirds of the world?s most
relevant dental journals, which justifies the Consortium founders? initial
idea of wide accessibility of scientific information and requires greater
involvement of librarians in introducing available services to researchers in
order to ensure their full utilization.
Effect of recycling blast furnace flue dust as pellets on the sintering performance
Authors: El-Hussiny N.A. , Shalabi M.E.H.
Published: January 2011

The Egyptian Iron and Steel Company generates a great amount of blast furnace
flue dust. The recovery of metals and carbon from this flue dust becomes a
very important demand due to the increase of the price of coke breeze and the
decrease of the primary source of metals. At the same time, it make the
environment more safe by decreasing pollution. Introducing these dust fines
in the sintering process proves to be very harmful for different operating
parameters. Thus, this study aims at investigating the production of pellets
resulting from these fines, using molasses as organic binder and its
application in sintering of iron ore. The sintering experiments were
performed using flue dust as pellets as a substitute of coke breeze. The
results revealed that, sintering properties such as inter strength increases
with using the flue dust pellets, while productivity of both the sinter
machine and sinter machine at blast furnace yard decreases. Also the vertical
velocity of the sinter machine and the weight loss during the reduction of
produced the sinter by hydrogen decrease.
Threshold conversion for field emission scanning electron micrograph of glass-alumina composites in determining the activated interfaces
Authors: Yu C.L. , Hao X. , Jiang H.T. , Wang L.L.
Published: January 2011

Activated alumina interfaces in glass-alumina composites during isothermal
sintering at 710?C by a novel colloidal processing was extracted by the
threshold conversion of the micrograph obtained by a field emission scanning
microscope. The relative ratio of the activated alumina interfaces in the
final stage of sintering to that in the initial stage of sintering was
calculated. The kinetics equations of both the evolution for the activated
alumina interfaces during isothermal sintering and its effect on the linear
shrinkage of the glass-alumina composites were established. The results show
that the activated alumina interfaces in the final stage of sintering are
1.256 times more than that in the initial stage of sintering. The increased
alumina interfaces decreases the total shrinkage rate of the glassalumina
composites, in which a particular obstruction of the viscous flow of the
glass matrix is suggested.
Effect of cobalt oxide on the sintering and grain growth of Al2O3-YAG composite nanopowder
Authors: Hassanzadeh-Tabrizi S.A. , Taheri-Nassaj E.
Published: January 2011

In the present study, the effect of cobalt oxide on the densification of
Al2O3-YAG composite nanopowder was investigated. An amorphous nanopowder was
synthesized and crystallized to Al2O3-YAG after heat-treatment via a
solid-state reaction. The average particle size of heat-treated powder at
800?C was about 80 nm. Cobalt oxide improved the sintering rate of
Al2O3-YAG composite nanopowders and promoted grain boundary mobility. Cobalt
oxide doping increased the ratio of densification/grain growth rate. The
activation energy for grain growth decreased from 590 to 485 kJ/mol by
adding cobalt oxide to the composite nanopowder.
On the application of Laplace pressure in the science of sintering
Authors: Lisovsky A.F.
Published: January 2011

An equation of the Laplace pressure derived using the Gibbs thermodynamic
method have been discussed and the correct applications of the equation have
been substantiated. It has been shown that the expression is applicable only
to macrovolumes for the description of surfaces with a constant curvature,
but not to the description of nanodisperced systems and surfaces with
variable curvature. The expression of the Laplace pressure applicable to a
crystal and the cavity limited by a surface of any geometrical shape have
been derived.
RIG-I– and MDA5-Initiated Innate Immunity Linked With Adaptive Immunity Accelerates β-Cell Death in Fulminant Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Aida Kaoru , Nishida Yoriko , Tanaka Shoichiro , Maruyama Taro , Shimada Akira , Awata Takuya , Suzuki Masako , Shimura Hiroki , Takizawa Soichi , Ichijo Masashi , Akiyama Daiichiro , Furuya Fumihiko , Kawaguchi Akio , Kaneshige Masahiro , Itakura Jun , Fujii Hideki , Endo Toyoshi , Kobayashi Tetsuro
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVE

The contribution of innate immunity responsible for aggressive β-cell destruction in human fulminant type 1 diabetes is unclear.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Islet cell expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), cytoplasmic retinoic acid–inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptors, downstream innate immune markers, adaptive immune mediators, and apoptotic markers was studied in three autopsied pancreata obtained 2 to 5 days after onset of fulminant type 1 diabetes.

RESULTS

RIG-I was strongly expressed in β-cells in all three pancreata infected with enterovirus. Melanoma differentiation–associated gene-5 was hyperexpressed in islet cells, including β- and α-cells. TLR3 and TLR4 were expressed in mononuclear cells that infiltrated islets. Interferon (IFN)-α and IFN-β were strongly expressed in islet cells. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-class I, IFN-γ, interleukin-18, and CXC motif ligand 10 were expressed and colocalized in affected islets. CD11c+ MHC-class II+ dendritic cells and macrophage subsets infiltrated most islets and showed remarkable features of phagocytosis of islet cell debris. CD4+ forkhead box P3+ regulatory T cells were not observed in and around the affected islets. Mononuclear cells expressed the Fas ligand and infiltrated most Fas-expressing islets. Retinoic acid–receptor responder 3 and activated caspases 8, 9, and 3 were preferentially expressed in β-cells. Serum levels of IFN-γ were markedly increased in patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate the presence of specific innate immune responses to enterovirus infection connected with enhanced adoptive immune pathways responsible for aggressive β-cell toxicity in fulminant type 1 diabetes.
Role of Thrombin in Chronic Rhinosinusitis–associated Tissue Remodeling
Authors: Shimizu Shino , Gabazza Esteban C. , Ogawa Takao , Tojima Ichiro , Hoshi Eriko , Kouzaki Hideaki , Shimizu Takeshi
Published: January 2011

Background

Thrombin, the effector enzyme of the coagulation system, has been reported to promote inflammatory responses in nasal diseases through its protease-activated receptors (PARs). Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is characterized by increased deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, tissue remodeling, and formation of nasal polyps. The role of thrombin in chronic nasal inflammation–associated tissue remodeling still has not been appraised. This study was conducted to elucidate the role of thrombin in the pathogenesis of CRS.

Methods

Nasal secretion was collected from patients with CRS with nasal polyp (CRSwNP) with asthma (n = 9), CRSwNP without asthma (n = 10), allergic rhinitis (n = 7), and control patients (n = 3). The concentrations of thrombin, thrombin–antithrombin (TAT) complex, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were evaluated by enzyme immunoassays. The concentration of thrombin and TAT complex was measured in nasal secretion from each group of patients, and VEGF was measured in culture medium from airway epithelial cells treated with thrombin or thrombin receptor agonist peptide.

Results

Thrombin and TAT complex were significantly increased in nasal secretion of patients with CRSwNPs with asthma compared with the control group. Thrombin and PAR-1 agonist peptide significantly stimulated VEGF secretion from cultured human airway epithelial cells.

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that there is increased activation of the coagulation system in the nasal mucosa of CRS patients and that thrombin may play a role in nasal polyp formation by stimulating VEGF production from airway epithelial cells.
Nasal Growth after Pediatric Septoplasty at Long-term Follow-up
Authors: Tasca Ignazio , Compadretti Giacomo Ceroni
Published: January 2011

Background

Septoplasty in children is still a matter of open discussion, because it is thought that a surgical procedure on a developing structure might produce some adverse effects on normal nasal growth. The goal of this retrospective study is to evaluate the effects of pediatric nasal septum surgery in a long-term follow-up by anthropometry.

Methods

Forty-four Italian patients, 25 male patients and 19 female patients, who had undergone septoplasty during childhood using the endonasal approach, were reassessed after a mean follow-up of 12.2 years. Anthropometric recordings were used to identify any growth retardation due to the operation by a comparison with previously published age-specific normative data of North American white subjects. Nasal measurements consisted of five linear parameters, three angular parameters, and three proportional index.

Results

There were no significant differences in any of the measures between the sample and controls (p > 0.1) with regard to gender, with the exception of the nasolabial angle measurement. Indeed, the nasolabial angle of the female patients was significantly reduced compared with controls (p = 0.04), whereas that of the male patients was reduced compared with controls (p = 0.08). This measurement seems to be influenced by the type of operation, because it has been noted that the nasolabial angle of patients treated surgically by extracorporeal septoplasty were significantly lower than those of patients treated surgically by conservative septoplasty.

Conclusion

Pediatric septoplasty may be indicated in selected cases of obstructing nasal septum deformities. The operation, performed via endonasal approach, does not interfere with the normal growing nasal process.
Endoscopically Guided Chitosan Nasal Packing for Intractable Epistaxis
Authors: Shikani Alan H. , Chahine Karim A. , Alqudah Mohannad A.
Published: January 2011

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of endoscopically guided chitosan packing in controlling intractable epistaxis. A prospective case series was performed.

Methods

This is a prospective clinical study conducted in a tertiary rhinology fellowship training hospital between January 2009 and November 2009. The study population consisted of patients with intractable epistaxis that failed to respond to traditional anterior–posterior nasal packing using either a 10-cm Pope PVA Merocel or a Rapid-Rhino. The bleeding site was identified using a nasal endoscope and controlled using a pack made of a ChitoFlex chitosan dressing wrapped around a polyvinyl acetal nasal sponge.

Results

The intent-to-treat population consisted of 20 severe epistaxis subjects (8 men and 12 women) who continued to bleed despite traditional anterior–posterior nasal packing. The mean age was 67 years (±19 years). Sixteen subjects were on antiplatelets and/or anticoagulants. Eleven subjects (55%) presented with anterior epistaxis, and 7 subjects (35%) presented with posterior epistaxis. Chitosan nasal packing was performed on an outpatient basis and resulted in effective and immediate hemostasis in 19/20 subjects (95%). One subject had persistent bleeding after the first packing attempt and was successfully repacked within 30 minutes. Time to complete cessation of bleeding was 3.6 ± 2.2 minutes in the 19 subjects; the pack was removed after 48 hours, without any evidence of rebleeding or any serious side effects.

Conclusion

Endoscopically guided chitosan packing is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated outpatient treatment for the management of intractable epistaxis.
Use of Montelukast Alone or in Combination with Desloratadine or Levocetirizine in Patients with Persistent Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Ciebiada Maciej , Gorska-Ciebiada Malgorzata , Barylski Marcin , Kmiecik Tomasz , Gorski Pawel
Published: January 2011

Background

We assessed the course of treatment in patients with persistent allergic rhinitis (AR) treated with montelukast, levocetirizine, or desloratadine alone or combinations of antihistamine and montelukast.

Methods

A 32-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, double-armed study in 40 adult patients with history of persistent AR, clinical allergy to house-dust mites, and a total nasal symptom score of at least 5 (congestion of at least 2) has been performed. Patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, nonallergic rhinitis with clinical allergy associated with seasonal allergens, and other serious diseases were excluded. There were four 6-week treatment periods separated by 2-week washout periods. Twenty patients received either montelukast or antihistamine, a combination of montelukast and antihistamine, or placebo. The sequence of treatment was randomly assigned. Nasal symptoms were assessed using a 4-point scale at baseline, daily during the 1st week and on days 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 of treatment.

Results

Montelukast alone, levocetirizine alone, desloratadine alone, and the montelukast/antihistamine combinations significantly improved nasal symptoms during the first 24 hours. Improvement gradually increased during the 6 weeks of treatment, especially in patients receiving montelukast alone or in combination therapy with the antihistamine in both arms. Improvement at 42 days of treatment was significantly greater than that achieved on the 1st day of therapy in patients treated with the combination of montelukast and levocetirizine.

Conclusion

Montelukast alone or in combination with antihistamines gave a gradual increase in nasal symptom improvement within 6 weeks of treatment in patients with persistent AR.
A Previously Undescribed Branch of the Pterygopalatine Ganglion
Authors: Oomen Karin P. , Ebbeling Michelle , de Ru Jacob A. , Hordijk Gerrit J. , Bleys Ronald L.
Published: January 2011

Background

Endonasal and infrazygomatic pterygopalatine ganglion (PPG) block for facial pain provides pain relief in a broader area than expected on anatomic grounds. The aim of this study was to search for neural structures in the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) that could explain unexpected pain relief after PPG blockage.

Methods

The neural PPF content was explored through human cadaver study and nerve-specific staining. Five human PPF specimens were dissected as whole-mount preparations with the aid of an operation microscope and stained for acetylcholinesterase. One of these specimens was partially sectioned and analyzed through nitric oxide synthase (NOS) immunohistochemistry.

Results

A previously unknown nerve was identified. The nerve runs between the PPG and the ophthalmic nerve and was identified in all five specimens. NOS-containing nerve fibers were present but did not occupy the complete nerve area.

Conclusion

Because it is likely that the nerve contains sensory fibers, our findings may provide an anatomic basis for unexplained pain relief in the ophthalmic area after PPG blockage.
Paranasal Sinus Development in Children: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Analysis
Authors: Adibelli Zehra Hilal , Songu Murat , Adibelli Hamit
Published: January 2011

Background

The anatomy of the paranasal sinus is significantly different between adults and children, and surgeons must be aware of these differences to safely perform pediatric functional endoscopic sinus surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the normal dimensions of the paranasal sinuses during development using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data compiled from the largest cohort to date.

Methods

The records of 2025 children, aged 0–18 years, who underwent cranial MRI, were examined retrospectively and 1452 patients with no history of sinus disease were included in the study. Coronal, axial, and sagittal images were used to measure the dimensions of the frontal, maxillary, ethmoid, and sphenoid sinuses, and the sinus volume index was measured. Patients were divided into 10 cohorts based on their age at the time of the scan.

Results

No difference between left and right one-dimensional measurements and volume indexes for the maxillary, sphenoid, ethmoid, and frontal sinuses was observed in any age group. Initial signs of pneumatization were observed at birth for the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses, at 9 months for sphenoid sinus, and after the age of 5 years for the frontal sinus.

Conclusion

These results will help physicians correlate the clinical and radiographic findings of pediatric patients who are being evaluated for sinus disease and potential surgical intervention. Knowledge of the variations in the size of the paranasal sinuses is essential for determining the significance of incidental findings.
Increased Expression of Angiogenin in Nasal Polyps
Authors: Hwang Kyu Sung , Park Il-Ho , Choi Hyuk , Lee Seung Hoon , Lee Sang Hag , Lee Heung-Man
Published: January 2011

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the expression and distribution of angiogenin in nasal polyps and to evaluate the implication of such expression with respect to the development of nasal polyps.

Methods

Normal inferior turbinate mucosa was obtained from 20 patients undergoing surgery for augmentation rhinoplasty. Nasal polyp samples were obtained from 20 patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic polypoid rhinosinusitis. A semiquantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed for angiogenin mRNA. Sections of nasal polyps were immunostained for localization of angiogenin and quantitatively analyzed using computer-based image analysis. Western blot analysis was performed.

Results

Semiquantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that angiogenin expression in nasal polyps was increased compared with that in normal nasal mucosa. Using immunohistochemical staining, moderate-to-high levels of angiogenin were mainly localized in the infiltrating inflammatory cells of nasal polyps and faint staining was found in normal nasal mucosa.

Conclusion

These results suggest that angiogenin may play a role in the pathophysiology of nasal polyps.
Association of T Cells and Eosinophils with Staphylococcus aureus Exotoxin a and Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin 1 in Nasal Polyps
Authors: Kim Seon Tae , Chung Seung Won , Jung Joo Hyun , Ha Jong Su , Kang Il Gyu
Published: January 2011

Background

Staphylococcus aureus exotoxins (SEs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps (NPs) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The aim of this study was to identify the correlation between SEs and T cells in NPs.

Methods

After a nasal smear culture, the nasal lavage fluid and NP tissue were obtained from 30 CRS with NP (CRSwNP) patients. The control samples were taken from 10 normal individuals. The presence of S. aureus exotoxin A (SEA) and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1) was verified through a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis and immunohistochemical staining. Immunohistochemical staining for CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was performed, followed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining for eosinophils.

Results

The PCR analysis and immunohistochemical staining for SEA and TSST-1 showed a significantly higher expression in the NP group when compared with that in the control group. Furthermore, the number of T cells and eosinophils were notably increased in the NP group when compared with that in the control group. Significant correlation was observed between the results of the culture, PCR, and immunohistochemical staining in the NP group. Moreover, the number of T cells and eosinophils was significantly increased in the positive experimental groups, when compared with that in the control group.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that there was, indeed, some correlation between the expression of SE in the nasal cavity and the increased number of T cells and eosinophils in NPs.
The Effect of Dilute Baby Shampoo on Nasal Mucociliary Clearance in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Isaacs Seth , Fakhri Samer , Luong Amber , Whited Chad , Citardi Martin J.
Published: January 2011

Background

Biofilm formation has been implicated as an etiologic factor in the development of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Nasal irrigation with surfactants including dilute baby shampoo have been proposed as an antibiofilm treatment for CRS patients. The effect of dilute baby shampoo on normal sinonasal mucosal function is unknown.

Methods

Mucociliary clearance time (MCT), as measured by the time in minutes for a subject to detect a sweet taste after the application of a saccharin granules at the anterior part of the inferior turbinate, was performed before and shortly after nasal irrigation with 50 ml of 1% baby shampoo (Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, NJ) in 27 healthy volunteers.

Results

Mean MCTs before and after irrigation were 12.09 (±4.83 minutes) and 15.45 (±7.71 minutes) minutes, respectively. The mean difference, 3.37 minutes, was statistically significant (p = 0.031). Pre- and post-MCTs for each subject were not correlated (r = 0.324; p = 0.100).

Conclusion

Nasal irrigations with dilute baby shampoo increase MCTs in healthy subjects. The impact of such interventions in CRS patients warrants additional investigation.
Precision beats interval: appropriate monitoring efforts for management of a harvested Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx population
Authors: Danell Anna C. , Andrén Henrik
Published: February 2011

Adaptive management of wild populations requires good knowledge of the population status. The main way to evaluate management performance is through recurring surveys, which often also serve as a decision basis for harvest quotas. We evaluated the effect of different survey reliabilities and frequencies during 1‐4 years on management performance using a stochastic age and stage‐specific population model for an Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx population. As a proxy for management performance, we looked at the proportion of time that the population remained within a preferred interval, the proportion of time with no harvest, the average harvest number and the total number of surveys during the 50‐year period in the simulation. In general, management performance increased with increased monitoring accuracy. More interestingly, a more reliable survey performed less frequently performed better than a less reliable survey performed every year. The management performance was not perfect even with complete knowledge of the population size at the survey, as annual variation in reproduction and survival between the survey (decision based on year t) and harvest (performed in year t+1) sometimes cause the population to be outside the preferred interval. If financial resources are limited, we recommend managers to minimise the error in the survey rather than to increase the frequency of surveys.
Ecosystem Services at the Landscape Scale: the Need for Integrative Approaches
Authors: Müller Felix , De Groot Rudolf , Willemen Louise
Published: January 2011

During the symposium "Ecosystem Services at the Landscape Scale" from the EU-IALE conference 2009, several challenges for future research on approaches to use the concept of ecosystem services at the landscape scale were identified, focussing on the need for integration. Three main research directions were discussed, (i) the definition of the potentials and limitations of the ecosystem service approach for landscape analysis, (ii) the identification of suitable methods and tools to apply the ecosystem service approach at the landscape scale and (iii) the demand of incorporating ecosystem and landscape services in decision making and management. This paper briefly addresses and discusses some of these topics and puts them into a broader perspective. From this viewpoint it becomes obvious that many high-quality sectoral studies are carried out, e.g. concentrating on specific services or specific linkages within the "ecosystem service cascade" which describes the relation between biophysical characteristics of the landscape, their functions, services, benefits and values for society. In order to provide useful information for decision makers, ecosystem services studies should be supplemented by investigations of the whole systems of interactions between ecological processes and societal valuations.
Water and Hydro Power
Authors: Varma C. V.J.
Published: January 2011

Water is life and energy, basic human needs. The water supply and hydropower demand scenario for India for the year 2025 shows that 90% of the area of the country falls under the Physical Water Scarcity Group. While 500kWh/year per capita energy consumption is considered to be the minimum needed to ensure a quality of life, many developing countries consume less than 76 kWh/year. Hydropower is renewable clean energy and needs to be fully exploited. In Asia and Africa, there is a great opportunity for regional cooperation in development of water resources and hydropower with which to benefit cooperating countries.Key words: Water resources; Water scarcity; Regional cooperation; Per capita electricity consumption; Electricity production capacity; IndiaDOI: 10.3126/hn.v7i0.4228Hydro Nepal Journal of Water, Energy and EnvironmentVol 7, July, 2010Page: 17-19Uploaded date: 31 January, 2011
Water Resources for Mutual Beneft - Nepal and India
Authors: Pradhan Gyanendra Lal
Published: January 2011

The huge water resources including hydropower potential of Nepal may be mutually beneficial to both Nepal and India. Storage projects need to be developed to utilize the monsoon season flows to have regulated flow with multiple benefits such as irrigation, food control, hydropower, etc. India will need an additional 200,000 MW of electricity by 2018. The cross border power trade will undoubtedly benefit both the countries. To exploit resources on mutually beneficial terms, we need to shift from "foreign policy" to "business mode," decreasing government engagements and increasing corporate relationships. Business to business initiatives will lessen any mistrust. Furthermore, water augmentation of the Kulekhani reservoir by pumping and constructing a high dam in the Jomsom area will significantly increase electricity generation in the existing plants.Key words: Storage projects; Food control; Regulated fow; Hydropower export; India; Nepal DOI: 10.3126/hn.v7i0.4232Hydro Nepal Journal of Water, Energy and Environment Vol 7, July, 2010Page: 26-29Uploaded date: 31 January, 2011
Application of the Pitman Model to Generate Discharges for the Lhasa Basin, China
Authors: Bharati Luna , Gamage Nilantha
Published: January 2011

Predicting river fows in basins where limited data is available is a challenge facing many hydrologists es-pecially in developing countries. In this study, the Pitman monthly model was applied to generate fows for the Lhasa basin in China (Tibet). As fow data was unavailable for the Lhasa basin, the model was frst calibrated for the upper Koshi Basin in Nepal and China. The Pitman model successfully predicted fows for the upper Koshi basin (R2 =0.88). Therefore, the estimated model parameters from the Koshi basin as well as climate data from the Lhasa basin were used to generate fows for the Lhasa basin outlet. The main modeling assumption is that the basin characteristics of the upper Koshi are similar to that of the Lhasa basin. Under present circumstances, where measured data is unavail-able, the model estimated monthly fows for the Lhasa basin can be used in further studies in basin water accounting and management.Key words: Un-gauged basins; Pitman monthly model; Stream fow generation; Lhasa basin (Tibet); Koshi basin (Nepal)DOI: 10.3126/hn.v7i0.4233Hydro Nepal Journal of Water, Energy and EnvironmentVol 7, July, 2010Page: 30-34Uploaded date: 31 January, 2011
Water Storage for Food Security in Nepal
Authors: Sharma Khem Raj
Published: January 2011

Increasing trend of water scarcity for drinking, irrigation, hydropower generation and other purposes has been a serious challenge for Nepal. As food need rises, the country's reliance on irrigated agriculture increases. The existing run-of-river types of irrigation systems provide little leverage in providing adequate, timely and equitable water supply to the farmers' fields. With the approval of the 2002 Water Resources Strategy, the country is in the process of changing its water development paradigm from sect oral to integrated water resource management. In this context, intensification of agriculture is the most viable option of achieving food security and this requires assured supply of irrigation water which is possible mainly through water storage systems.Key words: Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM); Irrigation; Water storage; Agriculture intensification; NepalDOI: 10.3126/hn.v7i0.4234Hydro Nepal Journal of Water, Energy and Environment Vol 7, July, 2010Page: 35-37Uploaded date: 31 January, 2011
Automobile Emission Reduction and Environmental Protection through Use of Green Renewable Fuel
Authors: Pandey Rajesh Kumar , Rehman A. , Sarviya R. M. , Dixit Savita
Published: January 2011

Fossil fuels are the chief contributors to urban air pollution and major source of green house gases and considered the prime cause behind the global climate change. With the increasing fuel prices, the auto industry forced to make their engines to breathe cleanly and fuel efficiently. Biodiesel is a renewable diesel fuel substitute that can be made by chemically combining any natural oil or fat with an alcohol such as methanol or ethanol. Some of the well-known liquid biofuel are ethanol for gasoline engines and biodiesel for compression ignition engines or diesel engines. Biodiesel is a renewable and environmental friendly alternative diesel fuel for diesel engine. It can be produced from food grade vegetable oils or edible oils, nonfood grade vegetable oils or inedible oil, animal fats and waste or used vegetable oils, by the transesterifcation process. Transesterifcation is a chemical reaction in which vegetable oils and animal fats are reacted with alcohol in the presence of a catalyst. The products of reaction are fatty acid alkyl ester and glycerin, and where the fatty acid alkyl ester known as biodiesel. Biodiesel is an oxygenated fuel containing 10% to 15% oxygen by weight. Using biodiesel can help to reduce the world’s dependence on fossil fuels and has significant environmental benefts. The reasons for these environmental benefits using biodiesel instead of the conventional diesel fuel reduces exhaust emissions such as the overall life circle of carbon dioxide (CO2), particulate matter (PM), carbon Monoxide (CO), sulfur oxides (SOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and unburned hydrocarbons (HC) significantly. Furthermore, since biodiesel can be said a sulfur-free fuel, it has 99% less SOx emission than the diesel fuel. However, most of the biodiesel produce 10% to 15% higher oxides of nitrogen (NOx) when fueling with 100% biodie-sel for a cleaner air and cleaner environment. They are technically competitive with and offer technical advantages compared to petroleum-diesel fuel. Aside from being renewable and biodegradable, biodiesel reduces most emissions while engine performance and fuel economy are nearly the same as the conventional fuel. In this paper author have discussed various merits and de-merits of biodiesel on the environment used as C.I.Engine fuel.Key words: Biodiesel; CO2 emission; Global warming; Emission reductionDOI: 10.3126/hn.v7i0.4240Hydro Nepal Journal of Water, Energy and EnvironmentVol. 7, July, 2010Page: 65-70Uploaded date: 31 January, 2011
Sky longwave radiation on tropical Andean glaciers: parameterization and sensitivity to atmospheric variables
Authors: Sicart Jean Emmanuel , Hock Regine , Ribstein Pierre , Chazarin Jean Philippe
Published: January 2011

In mountain environments, longwave radiation provides large amounts of melt energy for high-albedo snow surfaces and can dominate in the energy balance of snow or glacier surfaces under cloudy skies. This study examines the atmospheric controls of sky longwave radiation at Glaciar Zongo, Bolivia (16°15’ S, 5060 ma.s.l.) over an entire year to derive a parameterization suitable for melt studies. Tropical glaciers are characterized by a pronounced seasonality of longwave radiation, due to cloud emissions during the wet season that strongly enhance the small emissivity of the thin and dry clear-sky atmosphere at very high altitudes. Clear-sky radiation is well simulated as a function of air temperature and humidity, but changes in humidity atmospheric profiles from daytime to night-time entail different optimized coefficients for hourly and daily data. Cloud emission, which enhances clear-sky emissivity by up to 55%, with an average of 20%, is estimated using daily atmospheric transmissivity for solar radiation. Partial correlations show that in high mountains cloud emissions control the variations of longwave radiation, far more than clear-sky emissivity and temperature of the emitting atmosphere. An independent test on Glaciar Antizana in the humid tropics of Ecuador (0°280 S, 4860ma.s.l.) indicates that the parameterization is robust for the Central Andes.
An energy-balance model for debris-covered glaciers including heat conduction through the debris layer
Authors: Reid Tim D. , Brock Ben W.
Published: January 2011

Extensive covers of supraglacial debris are often present in glacier ablation areas, and it is essential to assess exactly how the debris affects glacier melt rates. This paper presents a physically based energy-balance model for the surface of a debris-covered glacier. The model is driven by meteorological variables, and was developed using data collected at Miage glacier, Italy, during the ablation seasons of 2005, 2006 and 2007. The debris surface temperature is numerically estimated by considering the balance of heat fluxes at the air/debris interface, and heat conduction through the debris is calculated in order to estimate melt rates at the debris/ice interface. The predicted hourly debris surface temperatures and debris internal temperatures provide a good fit to temperatures measured on rock-covered Miage glacier (r2 >0.94) and the tephra-covered glacier on Villarrica volcano, Chile (r2 >0.82). The model can also be used to reproduce observed changes in melt rates below debris layers of varying types and thicknesses, an important consideration for the overall mass balance of debris-covered glaciers.
Atmospheric warming threatens the untapped glacial archive of Ortles mountain, South Tyrol
Authors: Gabrielli P. , Carturan L. , Gabrieli J. , Dinale R. , Krainer K. , Hausmann H. , Davis M. , Zagorodnov V. , Seppi R. , Barbante C. , Dalla Fontana G. , Thompson L.G.
Published: January 2011

Ortles mountain (3905 m a.s.l.), South Tyrol, Italy, is the highest mountain of the Eastern European Alps, and its upper glacier, Alto dell’Ortles, presents a unique opportunity to obtain the first paleoenvironmental record from an ice core in this area. To study the suitability of this glacier as a drilling site, in 2009 we performed the first preliminary study of its glaciological characteristics at ˜3830 m a.s.l. The maximum thickness is ˜75 m, and lamination of the exposed ice layers is excellent down to bedrock. Firn and ice lenses were observed in a 10 m shallow core, and the firn/ice transition was below ˜24m. The seasonal chemical signal is clearly preserved only within the uppermost 2008 and 2009 snow/firn. A simple mass-balance model, the incipient ‘smoothing’ of the chemical record, and the observed ice lenses provide evidence that melting, infiltration and refreezing cycles occurred within the firn layers formed before 2008. Nevertheless, the mass balance of the upper part of Alto dell’Ortles was positive (˜800mma_1) during the last few years. We suggest that an environmental history is likely to be well preserved only within the ice layers formed before ˜1980, when summer air temperature was ˜2°C colder than today in this area. Clearly the continued warming trend predicted to occur over the next few decades, and the consequent increase in frequency and/or intensity of infiltration processes, will endanger the preservation of the glacial archive conserved in the deep ice layers of Ortles mountain.
Characterization of subglacial landscapes by a two-parameter roughness index
Authors: Li Xin , Sun Bo , Siegert Martin J. , Bingham Robert G. , Tang Xueyuan , Zhang Dong , Cui Xiangbin , Zhang Xiangpei
Published: January 2011

Previous studies using Fourier transformation (FT) methods to analyze subglacial roughness have shown promise for distinguishing between different types of subglacial landscape from raw subglacial elevation data. We derive a two-parameter FT roughness index {ξ, η}, where • is based on the FT of elevation (as previously considered in isolation), and η is based on both the FT of elevation and the FT of bed-slope profile. In this way, we take account of both vertical and horizontal irregularities in subglacial surfaces. We demonstrate the statistical veracity of using {ξ, η} to consider roughness in terms of obstacle amplitudes and spacing, and consider the use of {ξ, η} in studies of ice dynamics and subglacial geomorphological interpretation. We show that {ξ, η} can be linked to basal sliding rates on the metre scale, and can be used to differentiate further than single-parameter roughness indices between different classes of subglacial landscape, in particular between erosional and depositional settings.
A physically based calving model applied to marine outlet glaciers and implications for the glacier dynamics
Authors: Nick F.M. , Van Der Veen C.J. , Vieli A. , Benn D.I.
Published: January 2011

We present results from numerical ice-flow models that include calving criteria based on penetration of surface and basal crevasses, which in turn is a function of longitudinal strain rates near the glacier front. The position of the calving front is defined as the point where either (1) surface crevasses reach the waterline (model CDw), or (2) surface and basal crevasses penetrate the full thickness of the glacier (model CD). For comparison with previous studies, results are also presented for a height-above-buoyancy calving model. Qualitatively, both models CDw and CD produce similar behaviour. Unlike previous models for calving, the new calving criteria are applicable to both grounded termini and floating ice shelves and tongues. The numerical ice-flow model is applied to an idealized geometry characteristic of marine outlet glaciers. Results indicate that grounding-line dynamics are less sensitive to basal topography than previously suggested. Stable grounding-line positions can be obtained even on a reverse bed slope with or without floating termini. The proposed calving criteria also allow calving losses to be linked to surface melt and therefore climate. In contrast to previous studies in which calving rate or position of the terminus is linked to local water depth, the new calving criterion is able to produce seasonal cycles of retreat and advance as observed for Greenland marine outlet glaciers. The contrasting dynamical behaviour and stability found for different calving models suggests that a realistic parameterization for the process of calving is crucial for any predictions of marine outlet glacier change.
'Risky Business': Disease, Disaster and the Unintended Consequences of Epizootics in Eighteenth- and Nineteenth-Century France and Germany
Authors: Brantz Dorothee
Published: January 2011

Livestock diseases have a long history. Epizootics like cattle plague and foot and mouth disease have always been a great threat to the well being of animals, human health, and agricultural production. However, thus far they have received little attention in the historical scholarship on risk management. The following essay seeks to contribute to this scholarship by looking at the history of Rinderpest in eighteenth and nineteenth century France and Germany. In comparing these two examples, the essay examines how epizootics have affected the development of European meat production. I maintain that they fostered the creation of expert knowledge, which in turn directly affected the reform of meat production. Yet it also increased the realization that meat production always remained a risky business prone to such 'natural' disasters.
Disciplining the Earth: Earthquake Observation in Switzerland and Germany at the Turn of the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Westermann Andrea
Published: January 2011

This article examines how, in late nineteenth-century Switzerland and Germany, the established earthquake discourse was socially reshaped and, in turn, helped change the way people conceived of social reality. Scientists broke with the tradition of enlightened earthquake discourse in that they argued that earthquake research was about the regular and statistically frequent, and not primarily about the exceptional or hazardous. Their attitude was sustained by the idea of social contingency that had come to define Western societies' self-perception. The idea started to transform the supposed accidental and threatening character of earthquakes. It suggested that the individual and social scopes of action had broadened and mattered, that 'progress' was shapeable. In the face of nature's uncertainties, seismologists were eager to highlight the opportunity for social action offered by moderate quakes and instrument-based observation. Earthquake research added to another key feature of Western modernity: arguably, the new pictures of the earth such as global earthquake belts and the shell-like construction of the inner earth suggested by seismology contributed to the social and cultural processes of globalisation at work at the turn of the twentieth century. To the practitioners, the seismic survey of the whole earth, whether undertaken on a micro or a macro scale, offered what could be called a material substrate for the growing awareness among Western nation states of being globally embedded and interconnected in many terms: political, economic, scientific and cultural.