bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weed suppression ability of six soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] varieties under natural weed development conditions
Authors: Rezvani M. , Zaefarian F. , Jovieni M.
Published: March 2013

The weed suppression ability of different soybean varieties was studied in a field experiment in 2010. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design using a split-plot arrangement with 3 replicates. The main plots were either weedfree (hand weeding) or infested with the natural weed population (weedy). Six soybean varieties (Sari, Telar, Sahar, Hill, 032 and 033) were randomized within the main plots. The relative biomass total (RBT), relative crowding coefficient (RCCcw) and competitive balance index (Cb) were recorded and were regressed against crop traits under weedy conditions. The results showed a reduction in the maximum height of the soybean varieties under weedy conditions. No significant relationship was found between weed biomass and the canopy height of the varieties. Competition indices and the weed suppressive ability of soybean showed intergenotypic variation in competitive ability between the varieties tested. Weed pressure reduced the yield and yield components of all the soybean varieties. Under weedy conditions the soybean variety Hill gave a higher economic yield than the others, with high weed biomass suppression ability.
Various responses of sunflower genotypes to water stress on newly reclaimed sandy soil
Authors: Salem A. , Omar A. , Ali M.
Published: March 2013

Water stress is a severe limitation for crop growth especially in arid and semi-arid regions of the world, as it has a vital role in plant growth and development at all growth stages. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the differential responses of twelve sunflower genotypes to three levels of water supply and select the most suitable one for such conditions. Two field experiments were conducted under adequate (7140 m3/ha), moderate (4760 m3/ha) and severe (2380 m3/ha) water regimes to evaluate the chlorophyll index, transpiration rate, leaf water content, plant height, head diameter, seeds/head, 1000-seed weight, seed and oil yield of the genotypes. Moderate and severe levels of drought had a significant impact on the transpiration rate, leaf water content, yield-contributing characters and oil yield of all the sunflower genotypes. However, the sunflower genotypes showed different responses to the different water regimes. The highest seed and oil yields were attained in L990 and Giza 102 in the case of adequate water supplies, while L38 was the best under moderate and severe drought conditions. On the basis of the results, sunflower genotype L990 could be recommended for growing when adequate water supplies are available, and L38 under moderate and severe water regimes to obtain high seed and oil yields.
Performance of nonwoven geotextile-reinforced walls under wetting conditions: laboratory and field investigations
Authors: Portelinha F.H.M. , Bueno B.S. , Zornberg J.G.
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT: The first geosynthetic retaining wall in Brazil was constructed in 1984 as an instrumented 10 m high geotextile-reinforced soil wall with a poorly draining backfill. This structure has been showing excellent performance throughout its service life, even after long periods of rainfall. In the past, the excellent performance of the wall had been attributed to the influence of soil confinement on the geotextile strength properties as well as the comparatively high interface shear strength between the fine soil and the nonwoven geotextile. Now there is also evidence of the beneficial effect of the internal drainage capacity when using nonwoven geotextiles as reinforcements. In order to clarify the understanding of the performance of the pioneer history case wall (SP-123 wall) and the effect of nonwoven geotextiles as reinforcements of fine-grained soils, full-scale laboratory models of geotextile reinforced walls were tested under wetting conditions. Results from the instrumentation have shown no significant positive water pressures and relatively small displacements even after intense periods of precipitation. The consistency between field and laboratory investigations provides strong evidence in support of the use of nonwoven geotextiles to reinforce poorly draining soils.
Pipe response in a geocell-reinforced trench and compaction considerations
Authors: Tavakoli Mehrjardi Gh. , Moghaddas Tafreshi S.N. , Dawson A.R.
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT: Heavy traffic loading can produce loss of functionality in pipeline networks, with consequential interference with economic and social impacts in the areas involved in breakage. The consequences of breakage or disconnection of pipelines are technical, economic and social. In the case of a sewer network failure, illness and epidemics might result. In this paper, to protect the buried pipe, use of a three-dimensional geosynthetic (geocell) is investigated to reinforce the trench. Two series of three-dimensional full-scale tests under repeated loadings have been performed. The first test programme compares the performance of buried pipes installed beneath soil that is unreinforced, planar reinforced, or with geocell in a trench. Compaction difficulties necessitated a change in the process of compaction so that a second installation was proposed. In this series of tests, further understanding of the behaviour of geocells with different opening areas and heights above the buried pipes under repeated loads is presented and discussed. It is observed that the effective reinforcement and improvement of the backfill system is achievable if the geocell is installed in the backfill with an appropriate compaction process. The results further indicate the importance of compaction both below and above the level of the geocell installation. As a result of the modified compaction process, the trench reinforced with geocell showed superior performance, delivering a 65% and 35% reduction in soil surface settlement and vertical diametral strain, respectively, compared with the unreinforced soil.
Bridging the gap between theoretical ecology and real ecosystems: modeling invertebrate community composition in streams
Authors: Schuwirth Nele , Reichert Peter
Published: March 2013

For the first time, we combine concepts of theoretical food web modeling, the metabolic theory of ecology, and ecological stoichiometry with the use of functional trait databases to predict the coexistence of invertebrate taxa in streams. We developed a mechanistic model that describes growth, death, and respiration of different taxa dependent on various environmental influence factors to estimate survival or extinction. Parameter and input uncertainty is propagated to model results. Such a model is needed to test our current quantitative understanding of ecosystem structure and function and to predict effects of anthropogenic impacts and restoration efforts. The model was tested using macroinvertebrate monitoring data from a catchment of the Swiss Plateau. Even without fitting model parameters, the model is able to represent key patterns of the coexistence structure of invertebrates at sites varying in external conditions (litter input, shading, water quality). This confirms the suitability of the model concept. More comprehensive testing and resulting model adaptations will further increase the predictive accuracy of the model.
Phytochemistry predicts habitat selection by an avian herbivore at multiple spatial scales
Authors: Frye Graham G. , Connelly John W. , Musil David D. , Forbey Jennifer S.
Published: March 2013

Animal habitat selection is a process that functions at multiple, hierarchically structured spatial scales. Thus multi‐scale analyses should be the basis for inferences about factors driving the habitat selection process. Vertebrate herbivores forage selectively on the basis of phytochemistry, but few studies have investigated the influence of selective foraging (i.e., fine‐scale habitat selection) on habitat selection at larger scales. We tested the hypothesis that phytochemistry is integral to the habitat selection process for vertebrate herbivores. We predicted that habitats selected at three spatial scales would be characterized by higher nutrient concentrations and lower concentrations of plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) than unused habitats. We used the Greater Sage‐Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), an avian herbivore with a seasonally specialized diet of sagebrush, to test our hypothesis. Sage‐Grouse selected a habitat type (black sagebrush, Artemisia nova) with lower PSM concentrations than the alternative (Wyoming big sagebrush, A. tridentata wyomingensis). Within black sagebrush habitat, Sage‐Grouse selected patches and individual plants within those patches that were higher in nutrient concentrations and lower in PSM concentrations than those not used. Our results provide the first evidence for multi‐scale habitat selection by an avian herbivore on the basis of phytochemistry, and they suggest that phytochemistry may be a fundamental driver of habitat selection for vertebrate herbivores.
The relationship between offspring size and fitness: integrating theory and empiricism
Authors: Rollinson Njal , Hutchings Jeffrey A.
Published: March 2013

How parents divide the energy available for reproduction between size and number of offspring has a profound effect on parental reproductive success. Theory indicates that the relationship between offspring size and offspring fitness is of fundamental importance to the evolution of parental reproductive strategies: this relationship predicts the optimal division of resources between size and number of offspring, it describes the fitness consequences for parents that deviate from optimality, and its shape can predict the most viable type of investment strategy in a given environment (e.g., conservative vs. diversified bet‐hedging). Many previous attempts to estimate this relationship and the corresponding value of optimal offspring size have been frustrated by a lack of integration between theory and empiricism. In the present study, we draw from C. Smith and S. Fretwell's classic model to explain how a sound estimate of the offspring size–fitness relationship can be derived with empirical data. We evaluate what measures of fitness can be used to model the offspring size–fitness curve and optimal size, as well as which statistical models should and should not be used to estimate offspring size–fitness relationships. To construct the fitness curve, we recommend that offspring fitness be measured as survival up to the age at which the instantaneous rate of offspring mortality becomes random with respect to initial investment. Parental fitness is then expressed in ecologically meaningful, theoretically defensible, and broadly comparable units: the number of offspring surviving to independence. Although logistic and asymptotic regression have been widely used to estimate offspring size–fitness relationships, the former provides relatively unreliable estimates of optimal size when offspring survival and sample sizes are low, and the latter is unreliable under all conditions. We recommend that the Weibull‐1 model be used to estimate this curve because it provides modest improvements in prediction accuracy under experimentally relevant conditions.
Intrabony Defects, Open‐Flap Debridement, and Decortication: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Crea Alessandro , Deli Giorgio , Littarru Cristiano , Lajolo Carlo , Orgeas Gianluca Vittorini , Tatakis Dimitris N.
Published: March 2013

Background: Intramarrow penetration (IMP) is often incorporated in regenerative periodontal surgical procedures. However, the actual benefits of adding IMP to such a procedure remain undocumented. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the contribution of IMP to the outcomes of open‐flap debridement (OFD) treatment of intrabony defects.

Methods: Forty‐two chronic periodontitis patients, each contributing a 2‐wall, 3‐wall, or combined 2‐ to 3‐wall intrabony defect, were treated. Sites were randomly assigned into one of two groups: control (OFD alone) or test (OFD + IMP). Papilla preservation flaps were raised, and defects were thoroughly debrided. In the control group, complete primary closure of flaps was ensured after debridement. In the test group, IMP was performed before flap closure, using a round bur to penetrate the cortical defect wall. Clinical and radiographic parameters were assessed at baseline and 12 months after treatment.

Results: At baseline, there were no statistically significant differences between groups. At 12 months, both groups experienced significant improvements, in terms of probing depth reduction, clinical attachment level (CAL) gain, and bone level (clinical and radiographic). The test group experienced significantly greater clinical bone gain (3.07 ± 1.74 mm) and prevalence of CAL gain ≥2 mm (93% of sites) compared with the control group (1.76 ± 2.71 mm, P <0.03; 62%, P = 0.024). The test treatment benefits were particularly evident in mandibular sites, in which OFD + IMP doubled the radiographic bone gain obtained by OFD alone.

Conclusion: Addition of IMP to an OFD procedure used to treat intrabony defects results in statistically and clinically significant enhancement of both clinical and radiographic outcomes.
Periodontal Treatment Reduces Matrix Metalloproteinase Levels in Localized Aggressive Periodontitis
Authors: Gonçalves Patricia Furtado , Huang Hong , McAninley Suzanna , Alfant Barnett , Harrison Peter , Aukhil Ikramuddin , Walker Clay , Shaddox Luciana Macchion
Published: March 2013

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of host‐derived proteinases reported to mediate multiple functions associated with periodontal breakdown and inflammation. High MMP levels in African‐American children with localized aggressive periodontitis (LAgP) have been reported previously by the present authors. However, little is known about MMP reductions in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) after therapy. This study aims to evaluate MMP levels in the GCF after treatment of LAgP and to correlate these levels with clinical response.

Methods: GCF samples were collected from 29 African‐American individuals diagnosed with LAgP. GCF was collected from one diseased site (probing depth [PD] >4 mm, bleeding on probing [BOP], and clinical attachment level ≥2 mm) and one healthy site (PD ≤3 mm, no BOP) from each individual at baseline and 3 and 6 months after periodontal treatment, which consisted of full‐mouth scaling and root planing (SRP) and systemic antibiotics. The volume of GCF was controlled using a calibrated gingival fluid meter, and levels of MMP‐1, MMP‐2, MMP‐3, MMP‐8, MMP‐9, MMP‐12, and MMP‐13 were assessed using fluorometric kits.

Results: MMP‐1, MMP‐8, MMP‐9, MMP‐12, and MMP‐13 levels were reduced significantly up to 6 months, comparable to healthy sites at the same point. Significant correlations were noted between MMP‐2, MMP‐3, MMP‐8, MMP‐9, MMP‐12, and MMP‐13 levels and percentage of sites with PD >4 mm. MMP‐3, MMP‐12, and MMP‐13 levels also correlated with mean PD of affected sites.

Conclusion: Treatment of LAgP with SRP and systemic antibiotics was effective in reducing local levels of specific MMPs in African‐American individuals, which correlated positively with some clinical parameters.
New Analytical and Statistical Approach for Estimating and Analyzing Sand Production Through Plain Square-Mesh Screens During a Sand-Retention Test
Authors: Chanpura Rajesh A. , Mondal Somnath , Andrews Jamie S. , Mathisen Anne-Mette , Ayoub Joseph A. , Parlar Mehmet , Sharma Mukul M.
Published: March 2013

There are two types of sand-retention tests (SRTs) generally used in the industry to evaluate the performance of sand-control screens for standalone-screen (SAS) applications—prepack tests and slurry tests. They represent complete hole collapse and gradual rock failure around the wellbore, respectively.

In this paper, we present analytical models and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations to estimate sand production in slurry-type SRTs with square-mesh screens while taking into account the full particle-size distribution (PSD) of the formation sand. We also compare the model results with four sets of experimental data and demonstrate that this approach can be used to predict sand production for different sand-size-distribution/screen-size combinations without the need for physical tests (provided that both an accurate representation of the formation-sand PSD and an accurate representation of screen pore sizes are available). This work augments previously published slurry-test models that were limited to wire-wrapped screens (WWSs), and enables the comparison of the performance of square-mesh screens with WWSs.

The analytical model and the MC simulations provide a direct and reliable way to estimate the amount of sand that will be produced for a given sand-size distribution and a given screen size. Because the proposed methods are much more quantitative, they represent a significant improvement that surpasses current methods that rely on single design points or rules of thumb for screen selection.
Who's Getting the Job Done? An Interview with Alden Meyer on the Slow Pace of Climate Change Policy
Authors: Ames Jennifer
Published: March 2013

New Solutions interviewed Alden Meyer, the director of strategy & policy for the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). His work focuses primarily on climate change policy at the state, federal and international levels. He discusses the current state of climate change policy, progress and innovation on the state and international fronts, and the tangible ipacts we can make as citizens to hasten political action.
The financial and structural capabilities of key infrastructure sectors in Serbia
Authors: Malinic Dejan , Milicevic Vlade
Published: March 2013

Experts and economic policy creators debate various economic growth rates
without a direct insight into the capabilities of the different economic
sectors motivated us to devote this paper to the research of key
infrastructure sector capabilities, both in terms of the economic prosperity
of the Serbian national economy and as a support for the development of other
sectors. This paper examines the energy, transportation, and
telecommunications sectors? exposure to short-term and long-term risks, and
assesses their financial strength, investment possibilities, and long-term
profitability. We believe that the following results will be a valuable
information input for making better strategic decisions and more expedient
planning of economic sustainable growth.
Social responsibility and ethics in the banking business: Myth or reality? A case study from the Slovak Republic
Authors: Belás Jaroslav
Published: March 2013

The aim of this article is to examine the social context of the banking
business and to define the basic attributes of corporate social
responsibility and ethics in commercial banking. One part of the presents the
results of the author?s empiric research into the moral attitudes of bank
employees in the Slovak Republic. The importance of ethical standards for
financial markets is based on the purpose of commercial banks and other
financial institutions, which operate with the money of others. The financial
crisis has revealed other significant economic implications, and the
considerable lack of moral values in commercial banking has been reflected in
bankers? unscrupulous approach to their clients. The crisis has also caused a
fundamental turnaround in public opinion towards commercial banking and has
increased the pressure to apply moral principles, which represent an
appropriate complement to banking regulation. The results of our research
show a low level of employee loyalty in the banking sector of the Slovak
Republic. This paper can serve as an inspiration for future economic and
sociological research by emphasizing the fact that pursuit of profit can be
compatible with added social value.
A sustainability analysis of Serbia’s current account deficit
Authors: Boljanovic Srdjan
Published: March 2013

The global economic crisis have important implications for international
capital movements, which further sharpens the question of the sustainability
of permanent current account deficits in Southeast Europe. The goal of this
paper is to analyze the medium and long-term sustainability of Serbia?s
current account deficit. The first part of the paper presents a factor
analysis of the sustainability of Serbia?s current account deficit. In the
second part of the paper the theoretical model created by Milesi-Ferretti and
Razin is used to access Serbia?s medium term current account sustainability.
On the basis of Reisen?s theoretical work (Reisen methodology) and by adding
net reinvested earnings from foreign direct investment to the model, a new
(modified) model for assessing the long-term sustainability of a country?s
current account deficit is presented. The created model was used for
assessing the long-term sustainability of Serbia?s current account deficit.
Cooling of wood briquettes
Authors: Adzic Miroljub , Savic Radmilo
Published: March 2013

This paper is concerned with the experimental research of surface temperature
of wood briquettes during cooling phase along the cooling line. The cooling
phase is an important part of the briquette production technology. It should
be performed with care, otherwise the quality of briquettes could deteriorate
and possible changes of combustion characteristics of briquettes could
happen. The briquette surface temperature was measured with an IR camera and
a surface temperature probe at 42 sections. It was found that the temperature
of briquette surface dropped from 68 to 34?C after 7 minutes spent at the
cooling line. The temperature at the center of briquette, during the 6 hour
storage, decreased to 38?C.
Constitution, Education and Research
Authors: Pina Fuensanta Hernández
Published: March 2013

This article gives an overview of Cádiz in 1812 and the Constitution; the development of the contents of this constitution; its influence on the constitutions of other countries and vice versa; and the role of women under this constitution. Cádiz was a cosmopolitan city where races, cultures and traditions mingled — what we would call a multicultural city. The cultural environment of Cádiz in 1812 was so positive that not even in the worst moments of the French siege and bombing of the city would local people stop attending gatherings, concerts, schools, theatre performances, etc. The Cádiz Constitution is an essential text in the history of constitutionalism and of the liberal movement of the beginning of the nineteenth century in Spain, as well as in neighbouring countries and America. Therefore, the year 1812 may be considered the birth of Spanish constitutionalism and the beginning of the construction of Spain as a Constitutional State. The contributions of this constitution and subsequent extensions regarding developments in education will be explained, and its importance in the development of education will be highlighted. The Cádiz Constitution is one of the most important legal documents in Spanish national history and a chief contribution of our country to liberalism and international constitutionalism. Cádiz symbolises the beginning of constitutional Spain, Europe and Latin America.
The Science from the State: The Production of Data by the Statisticians of the French Ministry of Education, 1957–2007
Authors: Pons Xavier
Published: March 2013

This article analyses the institutionalisation of the production of statistical data by the central administration of the French ministry of education from 1957 to 2007. It shows that beyond the necessary technical and methodological evolutions, this institutionalisation clearly depended on political arbitrations, administrative struggles and professional orientations. Using some theoretical approaches in political science, it interprets this process as the progressive and non-linear development of a specific ‘state science’. On the basis of materials collected during a four-year qualitative research study (through 32 interviews, several data sets of documents, consultation of archives, and a questionnaire), it highlights first the main cognitive and transversal properties of this specific state body of knowledge. It describes then its historical concrete forms which varied according to the policy configurations. The latter are studied through four main variables: the formal organisation of the statistical production; the statistical methods, techniques and tools implemented; the composition of the central office; and the main professional cleavages among the members of this office.
The Effect of Intensive Glucose Lowering on Lipoprotein Particle Profiles and Inflammatory Markers in the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial (VADT)
Authors: Koska Juraj , Saremi Aramesh , Bahn Gideon , Yamashita Shizuya , Reaven Peter D. ,   for the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial Investigators
Published: March 2013

OBJECTIVE

Intensive glucose-lowering therapy (INT) did not reduce macrovascular events in the recent randomized trials, possibly because it did not improve or worsen other traditional or novel cardiovascular risk factors.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Standard plasma lipids, cholesterol content of lipoprotein subfractions, and plasma inflammatory and prothrombotic markers were determined in a subgroup of the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial (VADT) participants (n = 266) at baseline and after 9 months of INT or standard therapy.

RESULTS

INT lowered glycated hemoglobin (by a median of 2% vs. a median of 0.7% by standard treatment; P < 0.0001); increased BMI (4 vs. 1%; P < 0.001), total HDL (9 vs. 4%; P < 0.05), HDL2 (14 vs. 0%; P = 0.009), LDL2 (36 vs. 1%; P < 0.0001), and plasma adiponectin (130 vs. 80%; P < 0.01); and reduced triglycerides (−13 vs. −4%; P = 0.02) and small, dense LDL4 (−39 vs. −13%; P < 0.001), but had no effect on levels of plasma apolipoproteins B-100 and B-48, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, myeloperoxidase, fibrinogen, and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1. Incident macrovascular events were associated with baseline interleukin-6 (hazard ratio per each quartile increase 1.33 [95% CI 1.06–1.66]), total LDL (1.25 [1.01–1.55]), apolipoprotein B-100 (1.29 [1.01–1.65]), and fibrinogen (1.26 [1.01–1.57]) but not changes in any cardiovascular risk factors at 9 months.

CONCLUSIONS

INT was associated with improved adiponectin, lipid levels, and a favorable shift in LDL and HDL subfractions after 9 months. These data suggest that the failure of INT to lower cardiovascular outcomes occurred despite generally favorable changes in standard and novel risk factors early in the study.
Snowflakes
Authors: Editor -
Published: March 2013

Journal of Pathology of Nepal (2013) Vol. 3, No.1, Issue 5, I DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v3i5.7855
Histomorphological spectrum of masses of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses and nasopharynx
Authors: Parajuli S , Tuladhar A
Published: March 2013

Background: Swellings of nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses and nasopharynx have infl icted man from time immemorial. Nose is the most prominent part of the face with substantial aesthetic and functional signifi cance. A variety of non-neoplastic and neoplastic conditions involve the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses and nasophaynx, and these are very common lesions encountered in clinical practice. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was done in the Department of Pathology, Kathmandu Model Hospital for a period of 5 years from August 2007 to August 2012. Demographic data including age, sex and clinical presentation were obtained from the histopathology records. Results: A total of 148 samples of tissue sent for histopathology were studied, out of which 119 were nonneoplastic and 29 were neoplastic lesions. A slight female preponderance was observed. Infl ammatory nasal polyp was the most common non-neoplastic lesions encountered accounting for a total of 106 cases (89%). Similarly, inverted papilloma was the most common benign lesion (6 cases) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma was the most common malignant lesion (5 cases). Conclusion: Sino-nasal masses have various differential diagnoses. Malignancy should be distinguished from non-malignant lesions. A detailed history, clinical examination and most importantly, thorough histopathological evaluation are essential components of workup of patients for timely medical intervention. Journal of Pathology of Nepal (2013) Vol. 3, No.1, Issue 5, 351-355 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v3i5.7857
Surface epithelial tumors of ovary - an analysis in a tertiary referral hospital
Authors: Ghartimagar D , Ghosh A , KC G , Ranabhat S , Talwar OP
Published: March 2013

Background: Ovarian cancer accounts for 3% of all cancers in females. About 80% of these are benign, and they occur mostly in young women between 20 and 45 years. Borderline tumors occur at slightly older ages while incidence of malignant tumors increases with age, occurring predominantly in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. About 190,000 new cases and 114,000 deaths from ovarian cancer are estimated to occur annually worldwide. The aim of the study was to fi nd the incidence of surface ovarian tumor in a tertiary referral centre. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective study carried out in the department of pathology, Manipal Teaching Hospital from January 2001 to December 2012. Specimens were received from the same and other hospitals. Records were retrieved from the departmental data bank and were analyzed. Results: : A total of 310 cases of ovarian tumors have been reported in the same period. Among them, 180 cases were of surface epithelial origin and out of which 24 cases had bilateral tumors. Benign tumors comprised of 148 cases, 6 were borderline and 44 were malignant. Among these, the commonest was serous cystadenoma (98 cases) and the least common was malignant Brenner (2 cases). Combined or mixed tumor was seen in 9 cases. Conclusion: : In our study surface epithelial tumors comprised 58% of all ovarian tumors. In both benign and malignant cases, serous tumor was the commonest followed by mucinous tumors. Journal of Pathology of Nepal (2013) Vol. 3, No.1, Issue 5, 397-402 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v3i5.7868
Pathological study of a rare case of lipoblastomatosis with review of literature
Authors: Arathi N
Published: March 2013

Lipoblastomatosis refers to a rare benign tumour of fetal adipose tissue, commonly encountered in early childhood. It presents as a painless, slowly growing mass, usually in superfi cial soft tissues. Microscopy reveals a lobulated architecture with variable admixture of lipoblasts and mature adipocytes, along with myxoid areas showing spindle shaped cells. The behavior is benign, though recurrences can occur. We present a case of lipoblastomatosis of the right chest wall in a 20 year-old male patient, present since early childhood. The tumour measured 21x13x4 cm; the cut section was grey white to tan. Microscopy revealed mature adipose tissue in most of the areas and an occasional lipoblast. Myxoid areas with spindle cells were seen. Adjacent muscle showed infi ltration by the tumor. This case is presented for its rarity and for having had an opportunity to study the morphology of lipoblastomatosis several years after its onset in early childhood. Journal of Pathology of Nepal (2013) Vol. 3, No.1, Issue 5, 416-418 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v3i5.7872
Carcinosarcoma of lung
Authors: Neupane S , Pathak T , Bastola S , Shrestha S , Pun CB
Published: March 2013

Primary carcinosarcoma of the lung is exceedingly rare. It is described as malignancy composed of a mixture of carcinoma and sarcoma elements. The sarcomatous element is usually spindle cell but may contain cartilage, bone or skeletal muscle. We report a case of pulmonary carcinosarcoma in a 66 years male who presented with cough, chest pain on exertion, anorexia and weight loss. Brush cytology revealed poorly differentiated non-small cell carcinoma. Histopathological examination showed proliferation of malignant spindle cells containing bone and malignant cartilage admixed with areas of keratinized squamous cells with few foci of ill-defined glandular structure. On immunohistochemistry, carcinomatous component of tumor showed positivity for cytokeratin AE1/AE3 and spindle cell component were positive for vimentin. These findings led to diagnosis of carcinosarcoma. Journal of Pathology of Nepal (2013) Vol. 3, No.1, Issue 5, 419-421 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v3i5.7873
Cadmium Tolerance and Removal from Cunninghamella elegans Related to the Polyphosphate Metabolism
Authors: De Lima Marcos , Franco Luciana , De Souza Patrícia , Do Nascimento Aline , Da Silva Carlos , Maia Rita , Rolim Hercília , Takaki Galba
Published: March 2013

The aim of the present work was to study the cadmium effects on growth, ultrastructure and polyphosphate metabolism, as well as to evaluate the metal removal and accumulation by Cunninghamella elegans (IFM 46109) growing in culture medium. The presence of cadmium reduced growth, and a longer lag phase was observed. However, the phosphate uptake from the culture medium increased 15% when compared to the control. Moreover, C. elegans removed 70%–81% of the cadmium added to the culture medium during its growth. The C. elegans mycelia showed a removal efficiency of 280 mg/g at a cadmium concentration of 22.10 mg/L, and the removal velocity of cadmium was 0.107 mg/h. Additionally, it was observed that cadmium induced vacuolization, the presence of electron dense deposits in vacuoles, cytoplasm and cell membranes, as well as the distinct behavior of polyphosphate fractions. The results obtained with C. elegans suggest that precipitation, vacuolization and polyphosphate fractions were associated to cadmium tolerance, and this species demonstrated a higher potential for bioremediation of heavy metals.
Magnetic Graphene Oxide: Effect of Preparation Route on Reactive Black 5 Adsorption
Authors: Kyzas George , Travlou Nikolina , Kalogirou Orestis , Deliyanni Eleni
Published: March 2013

In this study, the effect of preparation route of magnetic graphene oxide (mGO) on Reactive Black 5 (RB5) adsorption was investigated. The synthesis of mGO was achieved both with (i) impregnation method (mGOi nanoparticles), and (ii) co-precipitation (mGOp nanoparticles). After synthesis, the full characterization with various techniques (SEM, FTIR, XRD, DTA, DTG, VSM) was achieved revealing many possible interactions/forces of dye-composite system. Effects of initial solution pH, effect of temperature, adsorption isotherms and kinetics were investigated in order to conclude about the aforementioned effect of the preparation method on dye adsorption performance of the magnetic nanocomposites. The adsorption evaluation of the magnetic nanoparticles presented higher adsorption capacity of mGOp derivative (188 mg/g) and lower of mGOi (164 mg/g). Equilibrium experiments are also performed studying the effect of contact time (pseudo-first and -second order equations) and temperature (isotherms at 25, 45 and 65 °C fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich model). A full thermodynamic evaluation was carried out, calculating the parameters of enthalpy, free energy and entropy (ΔH0, ΔG0 and ΔS0).
Chitosonic® Acid as a Novel Cosmetic Ingredient: Evaluation of its Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Hydration Activities
Authors: Lee Shu-Mei , Liu Kun-Ho , Liu Yen-Yu , Chang Yen-Po , Lin Chih-Chien , Chen Yi-Shyan
Published: March 2013

Chitosonic® Acid, carboxymethyl hexanoyl chitosan, is a novel chitosan material that has recently been accepted by the Personal Care Products Council as a new cosmetic ingredient with the INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name Carboxymethyl Caprooyl Chitosan. In this study, we analyze several important cosmetic characteristics of Chitosonic® Acid. Our results demonstrate that Chitosonic® Acid is a water-soluble chitosan derivative with a high HLB value. Chitosonic® Acid can form a nano-network structure when its concentration is higher than 0.5% and can self-assemble into a nanosphere structure when its concentration is lower than 0.2%. Chitosonic® Acid has potent antimicrobial activities against gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria and fungus. Chitosonic® Acid also has moderate DPPH radical scavenging activity. Additionally, Chitosonic® Acid exhibits good hydration activity for absorbing and retaining water molecules with its hydrophilic groups. From a safety point of view, Chitosonic® Acid has no cytotoxicity to L-929 cells if its concentration is less than 0.5%. Moreover, Chitosonic® Acid has good compatibilities with various normal cosmetic ingredients. Therefore, we propose that Chitosonic® Acid has the potential to be a widely used ingredient in various types of cosmetic products.
HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS Identification and Quantification of Phenolic Compounds in Ilex paraguariensis Beverages and On-Line Evaluation of Individual Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Peres Renato , Tonin Fernando , Tavares Marina , Rodriguez-Amaya Delia
Published: March 2013

“Chimarrão” and “tererê” are maté (dried, toasted and milled Ilex paraguariensis leaves and stemlets) beverages widely consumed in South America. This paper describes the application of HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS method for the identification and quantification of caffeoylquinic acids (CQA), flavonol glycosides and purine alkaloids in these beverages. The beverage samples were prepared from commercial lots of maté from Southern Brazil. The caffeoylquinic acids, 4,5-diCQA, 3-CQA, 5-CQA, and 4-CQA were the major compounds, having 238–289, 153–242, 183–263, and 123–188 μg/mL, respectively, for chimarrão and 206–265, 122–218, 164–209, 103–169 μg/mL, respectively, for tererê. Caffeine also had high amounts while glycosides of quercetin and kaempferol were found at much lower levels. The individual antioxidant activity was also determined by an on-line system that measured their ABTS•+ radical scavenging activity, showing that the antioxidant capacity was not proportional to the concentrations of the phenolic compounds. 3-CQA, quercetina-3-O-ramnosylglucoside, and quercetina-3-O-glucoside were the major contributors to the antioxidant capacity, although the quercetin glycosides had concentrations less than 10 times that of 3-CQA.
Standardised Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Simmer Karen , Rakshasbhuvankar Abhijeet , Deshpande Girish
Published: March 2013

Parenteral nutrition (PN) has become an integral part of clinical management of very low birth weight premature neonates. Traditionally different components of PN are prescribed individually considering requirements of an individual neonate (IPN). More recently, standardised PN formulations (SPN) for preterm neonates have been assessed and may have advantages including better provision of nutrients, less prescription and administration errors, decreased risk of infection, and cost savings. The recent introduction of triple-chamber bag that provides total nutrient admixture for neonates may have additional advantage of decreased risk of contamination and ease of administration.
Effect of Diets Differing in Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Review of Randomized Controlled-Feeding Trials
Authors: Kristo Aleksandra , Matthan Nirupa , Lichtenstein Alice
Published: March 2013

Despite a considerable amount of data available on the relationship between dietary glycemic index (GI) or load (GL) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, in aggregate, the area remains unsettled. The aim of the present review was to summarize the effect of diets differing in GI/GL on CVD risk factors, by examining randomized controlled-feeding trials that provided all food and beverages to adult participants. The studies included a low and high GI/GL diet phase for a minimum of four weeks duration, and reported at least one outcome related to CVD risk; glucose homeostasis, lipid profile or inflammatory status. Ten publications representing five trials were identified. The low GI/GL compared to the high GI/GL diet unexpectedly resulted in significantly higher fasting glucose concentrations in two of the trials, and a lower area under the curve for glucose and insulin in one of the two studies during an oral glucose tolerance test. Response of plasma total, low density lipoprotein and high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations was conflicting in two of the studies for which data were available. There was either weak or no effect on inflammatory markers. The results of the five randomized controlled trials satisfying the inclusion criteria suggest inconsistent effects of the GI/GL value of the diet on CVD risk factors.
Nonlinear Detection for a High Rate Extended Binary Phase Shift Keying System
Authors: Chen Xian-Qing , Wu Le-Nan
Published: March 2013

The algorithm and the results of a nonlinear detector using a machine learning technique called support vector machine (SVM) on an efficient modulation system with high data rate and low energy consumption is presented in this paper. Simulation results showed that the performance achieved by the SVM detector is comparable to that of a conventional threshold decision (TD) detector. The two detectors detect the received signals together with the special impacting filter (SIF) that can improve the energy utilization efficiency. However, unlike the TD detector, the SVM detector concentrates not only on reducing the BER of the detector, but also on providing accurate posterior probability estimates (PPEs), which can be used as soft-inputs of the LDPC decoder. The complexity of this detector is considered in this paper by using four features and simplifying the decision function. In addition, a bandwidth efficient transmission is analyzed with both SVM and TD detector. The SVM detector is more robust to sampling rate than TD detector. We find that the SVM is suitable for extended binary phase shift keying (EBPSK) signal detection and can provide accurate posterior probability for LDPC decoding.
Characterization of microsatellite loci in Tilia platyphyllos (Malvaceae) and cross‐amplification in related species
Authors: Phuekvilai Prattana , Wolff Kirsten
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers in the genus Tilia were developed to investigate the genetic variation in T. platyphyllos and its relationship with T. cordata.

• Methods and Results: Fifteen microsatellite markers were developed using a microsatellite enrichment protocol. Most loci show a high level of polymorphism in two T. platyphyllos populations from France. The number of alleles ranged from one to 15, with a mean of 8.96. The mean observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.71 and 0.70, respectively. Cross‐amplification results indicated that 12 out of 15 loci amplified polymorphic loci in 23 species in the genus.

• Conclusions: These markers will be useful tools for investigating the phylogeography and hybridization of Tilia species.
Estimating the nucleotide diversity in Ceratodon purpureus (Ditrichaceae) from 218 conserved exon‐primed, intron‐spanning nuclear loci
Authors: McDaniel Stuart F. , van Baren Marijke J. , Jones Kelly S. , Payton Adam C. , Quatrano Ralph S.
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: We developed and tested primers for 218 nuclear loci for studying population genetics, phylogeography, and genome evolution in bryophytes.

• Methods and Results: We aligned expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from Ceratodon purpureus to the Physcomitrella patens genome sequence, and designed primers that are homologous to conserved exons but span introns in the P. patens genome. We tested these primers on four isolates from New York, USA; Otavalo, Ecuador; and two laboratory isolates from Austria (WT4 and GG1). The median genome‐wide nucleotide diversity was 0.008 substitutions/site, but the range was large (0–0.14), illustrating the among‐locus heterogeneity in the species.

• Conclusions: These loci provide a valuable resource for finely resolved, genome‐wide population genetic and species‐level phylogenetic analyses of C. purpureus and its relatives.
IMPLEMENTATION OF ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY MEASURES AT TALLINN AIRPORT
Authors: Vanker Signe , Enneveer Mart , Mäsak Margit
Published: March 2013

This paper aims at studying the problems of aviation noise and air, soil and water pollution in Tallinn Airport and the implementation of measures to make the airport more environmentally friendly. At present Tallinn Airport has two stationary noise level monitoring terminals and one mobile terminal for metering and modelling the noise level caused by aircraft taking-off and landing. Research shows that Tallinn Airport has not yet exceeded the noise limits stipulated by regulations. The area surrounding Tallinn Airport has been divided into four noise zones. Zone 1, where the noise level does not exceed 55 dB, is suitable for a majority of types of buildings, whereas Zone 4, where the noise level exceeds 70 dB and the highest level measured was 105 dB, is absolutely unacceptable as a building area. In recent years the number of flights flying over the residential areas of Tallinn has been reduced significantly, i.e. the number of flights taking off from runway 26 and landing on runway 08. In suitable weather conditions, noisy aircraft are directed to land on RWY 26 and take off from RWY08. Thanks to the measures mentioned above, air pollution from aircraft exhaust gases has been reduced considerably in Tallinn. After the completion of the military airfield at Ämari in the nearest future, it is going to be possible to transfer the cargo flights, usually made by large noisy jets, from Tallinn Airport to Ämari. Various measures have also been taken to reduce the pollution of soil and water within the area of Tallinn Airport.
L'Europe et les réfugiés : une politique peu solidaire
Authors: Guiraudon Virginie
Published: March 2013

La coopération intergouvernementale afin de limiter les demandes d’asile date des années 1980 même si ce n’est qu’en 1999 que les chefs d’État et de gouvernement des États membres de l’Union européenne s’engagent à créer une politique d’asile commune. L’entrée en vigueur du traité d’Amsterdam donne en effet aux institutions de l’Union un rôle plus important dans l’élaboration des politiques d’immigration, d’asile et de gestion des frontières extérieures. Cela dit, les textes législatifs visent à harmoniser a minima les pratiques des États membres. Plutôt qu’une politique d’asile européenne, se dessine très vite en fait une politique de non-accès au droit d’asile en rendant les visas obligatoires pour l’accès au territoire européen, en imposant des sanctions contre les transporteurs et en codifiant les notions de pays « sûrs » et de demandes « manifestement infondées ». Plus qu’une politique commune, les accords de Dublin et la base de données eurodac permettent de renvoyer les demandeurs d’un pays à un autre. La politique d’asile est donc peu solidaire et ne profite qu’aux ministères des pays qui ont élaboré entre eux de façon informelle dès 1985 un système pour ne plus accueillir de réfugiés.
En r'venant d'la r'vue
Authors: Offerlé Michel
Published: March 2013

Dans cet entretien, Michel Offerlé revient sur le contexte institutionnel, intellectuel et scientifique qui a vu apparaître Politix . Ce retour permet de comprendre en quoi la revue a participé à un mouvement plus général de transformation des sciences sociales du politique, initiée avant qu’elle ne naisse et grandisse et portée également en d’autres lieux, notamment par la revue Genèses dont Michel Offerlé a été l’un des fondateurs.