bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On-farm management and quality assessment of farmers’ saved wheat seed in the western Terai, Nepal
Authors: Kshetri B Thapa
Published: February 2013

A study was conducted at Pakadi Village of Kapilbastu district, western Terai, Nepal in 2005 to find out the effect of on-farm seed management on the quality status of farmers’ saved wheat seed. A survey was conducted to collect required information about on-farm seed management by using pre-tested questionnaires as well as to collect wheat seed samples, which were produced under general, additional and standard management practices. Survey showed that most of the farmers fulfilled their seed demand through informal sources. Roguing was not common practices in the study site and majority of the farmers saved seed from the harvest which was used for consumption purpose as well. Also, majority of farmers used to store unknown quality of seed in local containers by adopting simple storage techniques, which were one of the major causes of seed deterioration in their condition. Except physical purity, other seed quality attributes such as germination, 1000 seed weight and genetic purity percentage were found highest in certified seed. However, vital seed quality attribute viz. germination percentage of certified seed produced under standard management practice was statistically at par with seed produced under additional management practice. Likewise, other crop mixed seed, varietal mixing; and percentage infection of diseases such as Bipolaris sorokiniana and Alternaria spp. were found minimum in certified seed produced under standard management, while those attributes were recorded in high amount for seed produced under general and additional management followed by farmers. It showed that on-farm seed management played a significant role for maintaining seed quality parameters except physical purity and weed mixture in the seed. It was concluded that high quality wheat seed could be produced under farmers' condition by adopting additional management system with treatment and processing of seed. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v1i0.7542 Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 1: 2010 pp.50-60
Sustainability of productivity in rice-mustard sequential cropping system through integrated nutrient management for terai condition of Nepal
Authors: Mishra B , Chaudhary RN
Published: February 2013

In absence of suitable cropping systems in terai, seed yield of mustard is decreasing. Farmers are growing mustard crop under energy starved condition and these are main reasons for low productivity of mustard. With a view to address these issues, an experiment on sustainability of productivity in rice-mustard sequential cropping system through integrated nutrient management for terai condition of Nepal was carried at Nawalpur, Sarlahi during 2004 – 2006. The result revealed that rice grown with 100% recommended dose of fertilizer and 10 tons compost /ha produced a maximum mean grain yield of 4371 kg/ha and straw yield of 5045.5 kg/ha which might be due to maximum dry matter accumulation. Likewise, it was exhibited that application of recommended dose of fertilizer with 10 t compost on preceding rice resulted in maximum seed yield of mustard (1259 kg/ha). The finding also showed that mustard grown with recommended dose of fertilizer produced a maximum mean seed yield of 1384 kg/ha. There was a positive effect of these treatments on seed yield attributes and seed yield of succeeding mustard. Economic analysis for the effects of treatments resulted a maximum benefit cost (BC) ratio of 2.0 which was obtained for mustard when grown after recommended dose of fertilizer. An encouraging BC ratio of 3.45 was found when mustard was taken with 100% recommended dose of fertilize (RDF). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v1i0.7551 Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 1: 2010 pp.113-122
Ethics of agriculturalists
Authors: Paudel MN
Published: February 2013

Agronomy is the mother of agriculture and it is also synonymous to agricultur as well. Therefore, agronomy in general term in this article not only limits to the core discipline of agronomy and agronomists but also it entails the whole sphere of agriculture and agriculturists as well. Nonetheless, readers are humbly urged to take ethics of agronomists as the ethics of agriculturists for this is the agronomy journal’s article which is meant for agronomists in general perspectives. It has been mentioned in this paper that what are the ethical boundaries of agriculturists in professional capacity. The paper also describes what the ethical issues with respect to agronomist as a researcher and extensionist are entailing while executing their duty. Pressures have been brought to bear upon farming and those who serve it in any capacity to widen the list of tasks to which agriculture should be devoted. At one time, the role of agriculture was to produce food, but now many people expect agriculture to be carried out in an environmentally friendly way that maintains the rural economy. We now speak of multifunctional agriculture. One tool sometimes used to press those demands is an appeal to ethics. This appeal can appear to suggest that agriculturalists have been ethically negligent. Every agricultural ethicist knows by experience how poorly received that suggestion is. Agriculture is a vocation or profession that prides itself on the unquestionable value, even nobility, of its work. Whereas agronomists should be engaged for number of works in day to day life involving social justification in farming, soil fertility and sustainability, soil conservation, rural living condition, farming and environment, healthy and nontoxic food production to the masses in an affordable manner, and so on and so forth. Above all, there is a big morale of agriculturist to save Mother Nature for our future generation tailored with multinational companies, engaged in agriculture, which have big say in generating and disseminating agro-technologies which are mooted to profit making and patenting agro biodiversity. This paper sheds lights in all such issues and aware agriculturists if it is being done ethically on the part of agriculturists/agronomists. Also the paper cites what are the ethical concerns of agriculturists to make their profession ethically sound that include honesty, integrity, fairness, and service to the clienteles in question.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v2i0.7516 Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 2: 2011 pp.1-11
Participatory evaluation and promotion of cereals and grain legumes for enhancing food security at Bajura district, Nepal
Authors: Neupane RK , Mahato BP , Darai R , Hamal B
Published: February 2013

Participatory varietal selection (PVS) trials in maize, wheat, finger millet, buckwheat, pigeon pea and field pea, mixed cropping legumes with maize were implemented and farmer-preferred varieties of those crops disseminated in Barabish VDC (900-1600 m) of Bajura district during 2007/08 to 2009/10 with a view to enhance the local level food security. Results from PVS trials showed that maize variety Deuti produced the highest mean grain yields of 3625 kg/ha which was 25% higher than the local variety, wheat variety WK-1204 was the highest yielder (3901 kg/ha), with 48% more yields than the popular and check variety RR-21. Fingermillet variety KK -1 was the highest yielder (2459 kg/ha) in midhills, whereas ACC # 2827-1, NF1703-34, and performed better in high hills. This variety showed wider adaptation both in the mid and high hills. Sweet buckwheat genotype IR-13 was most preferred by farmers. For bitter buckwheat, genotypes ACC #- 2223-1 (4813 kg/ha), Sample # 8 (2333 kg/ha) and ACC # -2227-1 (1354 kg/ha) were high yielding. Field pea variety Sikkime produced the highest fresh pod yield of 4185 kg/ha and was superior to Kalaam Local. Seed yields of medium duration pigeonpea variety Rampur Rahar-1 evaluated for the first time in the locality, ranged between 250-1500 Kg/ha. Extra short duration variety of pigeonpea suitable for growing in pigeonpea-wheat rotation in rainfed uplands has been selected by farmers. The economic benefit of intercropping groundnut with maize was higher than intercropping pigeonpea or soybean, due to higher selling price of groundnut. On-farm seed saving and seed procurement of selected varieties had been initiated to ensure adequate seed supply at the local level. More than 1829 kg seed of wheat variety WK-1204 was produced and 40 % of it was used as seed in 2010 winter season. A total of 328 farmers comprising 28% females and 72% males were benefited through participation in crop and seed production trainings organized at the villages. Up-scaling of selected varieties / technologies has been suggested. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v2i0.7522 Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 2: 2011 pp.75-87
Accumulated heat unit and phenology of diverse maize varieties as affected by planting dates under Rampur condition, Nepal
Authors: Amgain LP
Published: February 2013

Accumulated heat unit and phenology of a full season open pollinated and three specialty corn (Zea mays L.) cultivars (Hybrid, QPM and Pop) were studied by growing them on three different planting dates (September 1, October 1 and November 1) in RCB design at Rampur Chitwan, Nepal during the winter season of 2009-10. The results indicated that the number of days required to attain different phenological stages were short for the early winter and gradually long for late winter plantings. For all the phenological studies, plants of normal sowing condition (September 1) recorded comparatively higher heat units than the late planting (October 1 and November 1) for all cultivars. Both early and late plantings recorded the higher helio-thermal units at advanced growth phases than at the early stages. The pheno-thermal indices at the earlier growth stages were significantly higher for early planting than the late plantings. The heat use efficiency (HUE) was found to be higher under normal planting as compared to the late plantings. Popular maize variety Rampur Composite was found to be the most suitable to produce stable HUE than the other varieties tested. The specialty corn cultivars could not show stable yield in late planting conditions suggesting their planting could be better for September sowing during early winter seasons. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v2i0.7526 Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 2: 2011 pp.111-120
Variation on agro-morphological traits in Nepalese foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L) P Beauv)
Authors: Amgai RB , Pantha S , Chhetri TB , Budhathoki SK , Khatiwada SP , Mudwari A
Published: February 2013

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L) P Beauv) falls on the category of underutilized crops in Nepal and mainly cultivated in Karnali region of the country. It is hardy crop and considered as one of the potential crops for future food security with respect to climate change. Five accessions of Nepalese foxtail millet were purposefully selected for evaluation of the agro-morphological characteristics. Foxtail landraces from Dolpa, Mugu, Bajura, Bajhang and Lamjung districts of Nepal were evaluated at Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal during 2010. The plot size was 1m2 and there were five samples. Days to heading and days to maturity varied from 33-56 and 59 to 87 days after germination respectively. Similarly, flag leaf length/breadth ratio, flag leaf sheath length, ligule length, peduncle length, peduncle exertion and plant height varied from 3.84-10.90, 5.47-9.84 cm, 0.1-0.2 mm, 10-22.57 cm, 2.7-13.58 cm and 41.67-120 cm, respectively. Fruit and apiculus color varied from straw to black. All accessions were actively growing with very slight lodging. Similarly, the thousand grain weight varies from 1.064 g to 2.172 g. This variation is useful in foxtail millet breeding program. Similarly, the significant correlation between thousand kernel weight and total basal tiller (r=-0.975) showed that foxtail millet lines with low tillering ability is better for yield enhancement. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v2i0.7528 Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 2: 2011 pp.133-138
Quality analysis of marketed seeds of some crops in Nepal
Authors: Thapa M
Published: February 2013

Seed samples from seed traders were collected for the three fiscal years (2007/08, 2008/09 and 20009/10) from thirty-nine districts of Nepal. A total of 206 samples from fourteen districts in 2007/08, 206 samples from seventeen districts in 2008/09, and 208 samples from twenty- five districts in 2009/10 were collected for analyzing quality of marketed seeds of crops. Seed samples were collected from the districts where seed act of Nepal was implemented and from where it was not implemented as well. These samples were tested for germination and physical purity in each year separately. Germination percent was determined by top of the paper (TP), between the paper (BP) and sand as recommended for crops/varieties. Percentage of physical purity of seed was measured by separating inert matter, weed seeds, and other crop seeds from seed sample. Percentage of each component was determined by weight basis. From the analysis it was found that quality standard of sold vegetable seeds in market was not improved with respect to germination. Likewise, marketed seed quality of vegetables such as onion, cauliflower, sponge gourd, ridge gourd, bitter gourd, broccoli, cabbage, radish, tomato, chilly, brinjal, Ghiusimi, and mustard were found deteriorated each year. However, physical purity of almost all samples each year was recorded satisfactory. There was no difference on quality of seeds with respect to the districts implementing and not implementing seed act. Of the seed quality standard, germination percentage was the most important attribute that should be considered so far as seed quality standard is concerned. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v2i0.7530 Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 2: 2011 pp.149-156
Economics of potato (Solanum tuberosum L) production in Taplejung district of Nepal
Authors: Timsina KP , Kafle K , Sapkota S
Published: February 2013

Potato is staple crop of high hills in Nepal. It is one of the important crops to address food insecurity in the country. A study on economics of potato production was conducted in Fungling, Dokhu, Nangkholang and Hangdewa VDCs of Taplejung district in September 2010. Altogether 180 potato producers from 13 farmers’ group, which received the membership of Commercial Agriculture Alliance (CAA), were taken as sample of the study by using purposive sampling technique. The regression analysis showed that income from potato has significant contribution (P<0.01) to total income from High Value crops (HVCs). Around 90 percent farmers in the study area were using improved varieties of potato seed such as Desiree, Kufrijoti and Cardinal. The correlation between lowland and upland growers was weakly related (r= 0.18). Average area per household for potato production and its productivity was found 0.75 Ropani and 844 Kg/Ropani, respectively. The cost of production per Kg potato was NRs. 7.3. Means of transportation to district headquarter was by human labor and its cost ranged from NRs. 2-5 per Kg. The transportation cost from Taplejung to Birtamod market was found in between NRs 4-6 depending upon season. Gross margin of potato per Ropani was NRs.15504 and the benefit cost ratio was 2.9.The highest average price of potato (NRs. 32.5 per Kg) at Birtamod wholesale market at nearby terai was found in September to October, whereas the highest average price of potato (NRs. 38.7 per Kg) at Taplejung market was found in May to June. Findings revealed that access to collection centre, credit facilities, storage facilities and weak backward and forward linkage were the major problems in the study area, whereas suitability of climate, availability of improved technology, improving access to road, and communication were the major strengths for potato production in the district. Findings indicated that there was a high potentiality of commercial potato production and ensuring food security in Taplejung district, however, it will be necessary to suitably adjust by creating time and place utility in future. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v2i0.7533 Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 2: 2011 pp.173-181
Reticulocyte Parameter Analysis in the Automated Haematology Analyzer used in the Laboratories
Authors: Yesmin Mst Shaila , Sultana Tuhin , Roy Chandan Kumar , Rahman Md Quddusur , Ahmed AN Nashimuddin
Published: February 2013

Background: Reticulocyte count with immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF) used in the laboratories to evaluate the bone marrow erythropoietic activity and have great diagnostic and prognostic importance in the treatment of anemias and other pathological conditions. Objective: The aim of this study was to establish the normal reference range for reticulocyte count and its parameter. Methods: In this study reticulocyte profile were evaluated by automated analysis in 40 healthy control subjects by XT-2000i (Sysmex) hematology analyzer and compared with measurements obtained by manual methods. Manually reticulocytes were supravitally stained with new methylene blue. Results: This study found MRC was 0.81 ±0.46%. The FCMR was 0.97±0.17%, Ret abs was found .04±.02(106/ ?l) and IRF was found 3.92±1.35%. Conclusion: The precision of the automated analyzer was found significantly higher than the manual methods. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmed.v21i2.13616 Bangladesh J Medicine 2010; 21: 80-83
Abdominal Tuberculosis - A Review
Authors: Sarker Devendra Nath , Amin Robed , Mohammed Hanif , Azhar MA , Faiz MA
Published: February 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmed.v22i2.13590 Bangladesh J Medicine 2011; 22: 51-59
A Case Report on Decompensated Cirrhosis of Liver in Pregnancy
Authors: Alam Mohammad Mahabubul , Khondakar Faiz Ahmad , Foez Syed Abul , Al-Mahtab Mamun , Rahman Salimur
Published: February 2013

Pregnancy in women with advanced liver disease is rare. Cirrhosis results in metabolic and hormonal derangements that lead to anovulation and amenorrhea1. In this paper we described the case of a successful pregnancy in a young woman with advanced cirrhosis due to hepatitis B virus infection. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmed.v22i2.13591 Bangladesh J Medicine 2011; 22: 60-62
Anti-fatigue effects of polysaccharides extracted from Rhodiolae Radix
Authors: Li Fenglin , Xiao Furen , Qi Junsheng
Published: February 2013

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of polysaccharide from Rhodiolae Radix (PRR) on physical fatigue using a forced swimming test in male mice. 96 mice were divided randomly into four groups based on body weight (n = 24). One of the groups was the control group; the others were PRR supplemented groups (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight). Forced swimming test of mice were carried out after 28 days of PRR administration, and the blood lactic acid (BLA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), liver glycogen and muscle glycogen contents were determined. The data suggest that PRR can extend the exhaustive swimming time of the mice, as well as increase the tissue glycogen contents, and decrease the BLA and BUN contents. These results indicated that PRR had significant anti-fatigue effects.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v2i3.13579 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, February 2013, 2(3): 49-52
Analysis of heavy metals and inorganic element content in Stereospermum colais leaves
Authors: Babu Kumudhaveni , Rajkishore Vijaya Bharathi , Narayanan Jayshree , Margesan Thirumal
Published: February 2013

In the present study, the presence of heavy metals (Lead, Copper, Cadmium, Arsenic and Mercury) and inorganic elements (Sulphate, Fluoride, Chloride) were quantitatively estimated from the leaves of Stereospermum colais. Lead, Copper and Cadmium were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Arsenic was estimated by colorimetric method. Mercury was estimated by cold vapour atomic absorption method. The qualitative analysis of inorganic elements was performed. Sulphate, fluoride and chloride were quantitatively estimated by turbidimetric, colorimetric and argentometric methods, respectively. The obtained results revealed that the content of heavy metals was within the permissible levels and hence the plant was safe to be utilized in herbal drug formulation.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v2i3.13583 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, February 2013, 2(3): 63-66
Dissolution rate and bioavailability enhancement of co-ground mixtures of paliperidone, with different hydrophilic carriers
Authors: Pandey Anuja , Rath Bhabagrahi , Dwivedi Anil Kumar
Published: February 2013

Co-ground mixtures of poorly water soluble drug Paliperidone (PAL) with different hydrophilic carriers [Polyvinylpyrrolidine (Plasdone K-25 and Plasdone S-630), Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), Hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) and Sodium alginate were prepared to improve the dissolution rate of PAL. Co-grinding with PVP, especially with PVP- S630 (Vinyl pyrrolidone/ vinyl acetate co-polymer), was more effective in reduction of particle size than milling of drug alone. DSC studies indicated that crystalline nature of drug was reduced after co-grinding with PVP grades as compared to their corresponding physical mixtures. The hydrophilic carriers other than PVP did not reduce the crystalline nature of the drug significantly. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was carried out for selected batches to confirm DSC results. Significant enhancement in dissolution rate as well as extent was observed with co-ground mixtures of drug and PVP. Among all the prepared batches in this study, co-ground mixture of PAL and Plasdone S-630 in 1:1 ratio showed best results in terms of extent of dissolution as well as dissolution rate in water. This effect was not only due to particle size reduction, but also loss of crystalline nature of the drug during co-grinding. PVP was found to be a better carrier among the different hydrophilic carriers used in the study for improving the dissolution characteristics of PAL. The extent of the mean plasma exposures of PAL was 7-fold higher in animals treated with co-ground mixture of PAL, Plasdone S630 (1:1) compared to animals treated with Pure PAL.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v2i3.13632 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, February 2013, 2(3): 70-77
Persius' Prologue and Early Modern English Satire
Authors: Clinton Simms R.
Published: February 2013

The established perception that early modern English satirists imitated either Juvenal or Horace has left the reception of Persius under-explored. This paper demonstrates with particular reference to the ‘Prologue’ to Satire 1 that early modern writers were eager to engage the Roman poet, indeed more eager to adapt Persius than merely imitate him. Persius is less easy to detect, being so often more creatively interwoven with English poets’ own concerns, than the other two Roman satirists. What makes his satiric presence among these authors unique is the variety of modulations.
César Vallejo in English: Stanley Burnshaw, Paul Muldoon, and Lawrence Venuti's Ethics of Translation
Authors: Boll Tom
Published: February 2013

The article reassesses Stanley Burnshaw's anthology of modern poetry, The Poem Itself (1960) in the light of more recent developments in Translation Studies. Burnshaw aimed to provide an alternative to the method of poetic recreation with a combination of source text, literal translation, and commentary. A comparison of the translation of Vallejo's ‘Piedra negra sobre una piedra blanca’ from Burnshaw's anthology with a poetic version by Paul Muldoon explores the effectiveness of Lawrence Venuti's critical vocabulary. Venuti's adoption of the target focus and cultural turn of Translation Studies creates obstacles for an understanding of Burnshaw's attempt to deliver an experience of the foreign text. Yet Venuti approves of The Poem Itself. The pedagogy outlined in his Scandals of Translation (1998) suggests a possible rehabilitation of Burnshaw's anthology as a vehicle for challenging interpretative norms.
Abraham Fraunce's Use of Giovanni Andrea dell'Anguillara's Metamorfosi
Authors: Hartmann Anna-Maria
Published: February 2013

This note discusses Abraham Fraunce's translations from Ovid's Metamorphoses in The Third Part of the Countess of Pembrokes Yuychurch, Entituled Amintas Dale (1592). It considers Fraunce's sources and translation practice, and identifies an Italian translation of Ovid's epic, the Metamorfosi by Giovanni Andrea dell'Anguillara, as a main source for Fraunce's English translation. On this basis, Amintas Dale is examined afresh both as an example of vernacular humanism and as a contemporary poetic engagement with the world of the Metamorphoses.
Early Life Adversity Alters the Developmental Profiles of Addiction-Related Prefrontal Cortex Circuitry
Authors: Brenhouse Heather , Lukkes Jodi , Andersen Susan
Published: February 2013

Early adverse experience is a well-known risk factor for addictive behaviors later in life. Drug addiction typically manifests during adolescence in parallel with the later-developing prefrontal cortex (PFC). While it has been shown that dopaminergic modulation within the PFC is involved in addiction-like behaviors, little is known about how early adversity modulates its development. Here, we report that maternal separation stress (4 h per day between postnatal days 2–20) alters the development of the prelimbic PFC. Immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy revealed differences between maternally-separated and control rats in dopamine D1 and D2 receptor expression during adolescence, and specifically the expression of these receptors on projection neurons. In control animals, D1 and D2 receptors were transiently increased on all glutamatergic projection neurons, as well as specifically on PFC→nucleus accumbens projection neurons (identified with retrograde tracer). Maternal separation exacerbated the adolescent peak in D1 expression and blunted the adolescent peak in D2 expression on projection neurons overall. However, neurons retrogradely traced from the accumbens expressed lower levels of D1 during adolescence after maternal separation, compared to controls. Our findings reveal microcircuitry-specific changes caused by early life adversity that could help explain heightened vulnerability to drug addiction during adolescence.
Recent Applications of Metabolomics Toward Cyanobacteria
Authors: Schwarz Doreen , Orf Isabel , Kopka Joachim , Hagemann Martin
Published: February 2013

Our knowledge on cyanobacterial molecular biology increased tremendously by the application of the “omics” techniques. Only recently, metabolomics was applied systematically to model cyanobacteria. Metabolomics, the quantitative estimation of ideally the complete set of cellular metabolites, is particularly well suited to mirror cellular metabolism and its flexibility under diverse conditions. Traditionally, small sets of metabolites are quantified in targeted metabolome approaches. The development of separation technologies coupled to mass-spectroscopy- or nuclear-magnetic-resonance-based identification of low molecular mass molecules presently allows the profiling of hundreds of metabolites of diverse chemical nature. Metabolome analysis was applied to characterize changes in the cyanobacterial primary metabolism under diverse environmental conditions or in defined mutants. The resulting lists of metabolites and their steady state concentrations in combination with transcriptomics can be used in system biology approaches. The application of stable isotopes in fluxomics, i.e. the quantitative estimation of carbon and nitrogen fluxes through the biochemical network, has only rarely been applied to cyanobacteria, but particularly this technique will allow the making of kinetic models of cyanobacterial systems. The further application of metabolomics in the concert of other “omics” technologies will not only broaden our knowledge, but will also certainly strengthen the base for the biotechnological application of cyanobacteria.
Soluble Fiber Dextrin and Soluble Corn Fiber Supplementation Modify Indices of Health in Cecum and Colon of Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Knapp Brenda , Bauer Laura , Swanson Kelly , Tappenden Kelly , Fahey George , De Godoy Maria
Published: February 2013

The objective of this study was to evaluate health outcomes resulting from dietary supplementation of novel, low-digestible carbohydrates in the cecum and colon of Sprague-Dawley rats randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups for 21 days: 5% cellulose (Control), Pectin, soluble fiber dextrin (SFD), or soluble corn fiber (SCF). Rats fed Pectin had a higher average daily food intake, but no differences in final body weights or rates of weight gain among treatments were observed. No differences were observed in total short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) or branched-chain fatty acid (BCFA) concentrations in the cecum and colon of rats fed either SFD or SCF. The SFD and SCF treatments increased cecal propionate and decreased butyrate concentrations compared to Control or Pectin. Pectin resulted in increased BCFA in the cecum and colon. Supplementation of SFD and SCF had no effect on cecal microbial populations compared to Control. Consumption of SFD and SCF increased total and empty cecal weight but not colon weight. Gut histomorphology was positively affected by SFD and SCF. Increased crypt depth, goblet cell numbers, and acidic mucin were observed in both the cecum and colon of rats supplemented with SFD, SCF, and Pectin. These novel, low-digestible carbohydrates appear to be beneficial in modulating indices of hindgut morphology when supplemented in the diet of the rat.
Extended Kalman Filter-Based Methods for Pose Estimation Using Visual, Inertial and Magnetic Sensors: Comparative Analysis and Performance Evaluation
Authors: Ligorio Gabriele , Sabatini Angelo
Published: February 2013

In this paper measurements from a monocular vision system are fused with inertial/magnetic measurements from an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) rigidly connected to the camera. Two Extended Kalman filters (EKFs) were developed to estimate the pose of the IMU/camera sensor moving relative to a rigid scene (ego-motion), based on a set of fiducials. The two filters were identical as for the state equation and the measurement equations of the inertial/magnetic sensors. The DLT-based EKF exploited visual estimates of the ego-motion using a variant of the Direct Linear Transformation (DLT) method; the error-driven EKF exploited pseudo-measurements based on the projection errors from measured two-dimensional point features to the corresponding three-dimensional fiducials. The two filters were off-line analyzed in different experimental conditions and compared to a purely IMU-based EKF used for estimating the orientation of the IMU/camera sensor. The DLT-based EKF was more accurate than the error-driven EKF, less robust against loss of visual features, and equivalent in terms of computational complexity. Orientation root mean square errors (RMSEs) of 1° (1.5°), and position RMSEs of 3.5 mm (10 mm) were achieved in our experiments by the DLT-based EKF (error-driven EKF); by contrast, orientation RMSEs of 1.6° were achieved by the purely IMU-based EKF.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Trichomonas in Adolescents
Authors: Beharry Meera S. , Shafii Taraneh , Burstein Gale R.
Published: February 2013

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Determine and discuss issues surrounding consent, confidentiality, and billing for sexually transmitted infection (STI) care delivery in the adolescent population.

2.

Review currently available testing modalities for STIs and their applicability in the adolescent population.

3.

Provide treatment and prevention strategies for the most commonly encountered STIs in the adolescent demographic.

Adolescents and young adults, 15 to 24 years of age, carry a disproportionate burden of sexually transmitted infections compared with other age groups in the United States (see Figure
1
).
1
A Review of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth Issues for the Pediatrician
Authors: Steever John B. , Cooper-Serber Emma
Published: February 2013

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Review common gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) terminology and discuss sexual constructs as they are currently understood.

2.

Determine the prevalence of GLBT youth and identify health disparities in the GLBT population.

3.

Provide strategies to develop an accepting atmosphere for GLBT youth in the pediatric practice, including the maintenance of ongoing health and appropriate screening for at-risk behaviors.

Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered individuals have always been present in human society.
1,2
References to same-sex couples and activity have been noted as far back as 600 B.C. on ancient Japanese and Chinese pottery. Ancient Greek and Roman art is full of depictions of same-sex couples; some scholars believe that Alexander the Great was gay.
3
Prospective and Comparative Analysis of Internal Fixation of Femoral Neck Fractures With or Without Vascularized Iliac Graft in Young Adults
Authors: Yu Xiao-bing , Zhao De-wei , Zhong Shi-zhen , Liu Bao-yi , Wang Ben-jie , Liu Yu-peng , Zhang Yao , Cui Da-ping , Fu Da-peng , Xie Hui
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of 2 surgical approaches for femoral neck fractures in young adults: internal fixation with or without a vascularized iliac graft. Between January 1998 and December 2008, seventy-eight patients presented with a Garden type III (n=38) or IV (n=40) femoral neck fracture. Thirty-eight patients were women and 40 were men, with an average age of 28 years (range, 16–38 years). Fractures were caused by fall injury (n=24), motor vehicle accident (n=36), and heavy weight lifting (n=18). Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group A underwent internal fixation with 2 cannulated compression screws combined with an iliac graft supported by the ascending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery (n=44), and group B underwent internal fixation with 3 cannulated compression screws (n=34). Average follow-up was 4.5 years (range, 2–8 years), and mean Harris Hip Score was 92 (range, 62–100) in group A and 84 (range, 40–100) in group B. Average fracture healing time at final follow-up was 4.4 months in group A and 6 months in group B. Two (4.5%) cases of osteonecrosis of the femoral head occurred in group A, and 8 (23.5%) cases occurred in group B. Internal fixation with 2 cannulated compression screws combined with an iliac graft supported by the ascending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery is an effective surgical approach for treating femoral neck fractures in young adults to minimize the occurrence of fracture nonunion and osteonecrosis of the femoral head and to facilitate bone healing and functional recovery of the hip.
Changes in Sagging Extraocular Muscle Following Surgical Recession of the Superior Rectus Muscle in Rabbit Eyes
Authors: Ryu Won Yeol , Bae Jeong Bum
Published: February 2013

Purpose:

To verify whether central muscle sag actually induces excessive recession after recession of the rectus muscle in rabbit models.

Methods:

Twenty-four eyes of 12 rabbits were divided into two groups. In the right eyes (the muscle sagging group), half of the width of the original insertion was used to create a scleral suture during a 4-mm superior rectus muscle (SRM) recession and a central muscle sag of 2 mm was generated. Conventional 4-mm SRM recessions were performed in the left eyes (control group). At postoperative weeks 1, 2, and 4, the distances between the locations of the new insertion and the original insertion were measured at the center and nasal and temporal poles.

Results:

At postoperative week 4, the difference between the two groups at center was 1.38 ± 1.17 mm (
P
= .008). The mean extent of the recession at the nasal edge of the insertion was 5.21 ± 0.94 mm in the muscle sagging group, which showed posterior migration and slippage relative to the mean extent of the recession in the control group (4.29 ± 0.50 mm;
P
= .014). The mean extent of the recession at the temporal edge of the insertion was 5.50 ± 0.74 mm in the muscle sagging group and 4.50 ± 0.77 mm in the control group (
P
= .005).

Conclusions:

Overcorrection that occurred in cases of central muscle sag in the rabbit models resulted from posterior migration of recessed muscle that occurred in conjunction with slippage of its nasal and temporal edges.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2013;50(3):162–168.]
Safety and Visual Outcome of Visian Toric ICL Implantation After Corneal Collagen Cross-linking in Keratoconus
Authors: Fadlallah Ali , Dirani Ali , El Rami Hala , Cherfane Georges , Jarade Elias
Published: February 2013

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the safety and clinical outcome of phakic Visian toric implantable collamer lens (ICL) (STAAR Surgical, Monrovia, CA) insertion after corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in progressive keratoconus.

METHODS:

A retrospective study examined the results of the two-step CXL and Visian toric ICL implantation in 16 eyes of 10 patients with keratoconus. The two procedures were done at an interval of 6 months. Data were collected preoperatively, at the 6-month follow-up visit after CXL, and at the 6-month follow-up visit after ICL implantation.

RESULTS:

CXL induced a statistically significant decrease in steep keratometry (50.02 ± 4.07 at baseline to 48.74 ± 4.05 at 6 months after CXL,
P
= .001) without any significant change in visual acuity or refraction. At 6-month follow-up after ICL implantation, mean K (max) was 50.49 ± 4.07 versus 52.29 ± 4.79 D at baseline (
P
= .001). Mean uncorrected distance visual acuity improved from 1.67 ± 0.49 to 0.17 ± 0.06 logMAR (
P
= .001) and mean corrected distance visual acuity improved from 0.15 ± 0.06 to 0.12 ± 0.04 logMAR (
P
= .023). Mean spherical equivalent decreased from −7.24 ± 3.53 to −0.89 ± 0.76 D (
P
= .001) and mean cylinder decreased from 2.64 ± 1.28 to 1.16 ± 0.64 D (
P
= .001). The safety and efficacy indices were 1.08 ± 0.13 and 0.97 ± 0.08, respectively. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS:

Implantation of the Visian toric ICL following CXL is an effective option for improving visual acuity in patients with keratoconus.
Influence of the type of fat and air humidity on chosen properties of the lipid fraction in the process of baking shortbread pastries
Authors: Miśkiewicz K. , Nebesny E. , Rosicka-Kaczmarek J. , Budryn G. , Krysiak W.
Published: February 2013

The results from his study reveal that the type of fat used during the baking of shortbreads had a noticeable influence on the properties of lipid fractions as well as the correlation among these properties (acid value, peroxide value, conjugated dienes and trienes contents).
For low-trans fats, the correlation between acid value and peroxide value was inversely proportional; for transcontaining fats this correlation was directly proportional.
An increase in air humidity during baking caused a decrease in the melting temperature of the fractions of fats used in the process, compared to fats from pastries baked in dry air. This may be indicative of a product with a high degree of unsaturation in the lipid fraction.
Epoxidation of methyl esters derived from Jatropha oil: An optimization study
Authors: Mushtaq M. , Tan Isa M. , Nadeem M. , Devi C. , Lee S. Y. C. , Sagir M. , Rashid U.
Published: February 2013

The optimization of the epoxidation reaction of methyl esters obtained from Jatropha oil was appraised. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on a central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was employed for the experimental design. Four reaction variables namely hydrogen peroxide/ C=C mole ratio, formic acid/C=C mole ratio, reaction temperature and reaction time were evaluated. The optimum epoxidation conditions calculated by the quadratic model were 3.12 moles of hydrogen peroxide/C=C moles, 0.96 moles of formic acid/C=C moles, a reaction temperature of 70.0 °C and a reaction time of 277 minutes. A reaction optimized by the proposed process parameters provided a yield of 92.89 ± 1.29 wt.% with relatively improved reaction time. Hydrogen peroxide concentration and reaction temperature were found to be the most significant variables while reaction temperature and hydrogen peroxide showed strong interactions. The epoxidized methyl esters were analyzed using FT-IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR techniques. This study suggested relatively higher molar ratio of formic acid required than was proposed in the literature.
CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS TO LIMIT CONSTRUCTABILITY ISSUES ON A NET-ZERO ENERGY HOME
Authors: Aktas Can B. , Ryan Katelyn C. , Sweriduk Michael E. , Bilec Melissa M.
Published: February 2013

The objective of this study was to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) to limit constructability issues on a net-zero energy home, in an effort to enhance sustainability and increase competitiveness in the residential construction industry. An extensive literature review was conducted to determine common constructability issues and to compile success factors identified previously by other researchers for traditional home construction. The CSFs were then narrowed to a group of thirteen CSFs unique to net-zero energy home construction. This framework of net-zero energy CSFs was supported by a case study of a net-zero energy home under construction in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Through the use of observational research on this home, the importance of each CSF was defined, and their contributions to a net-zero energy home was discussed based on evidence from the case study. CSFs and constructability issues identified in this research will assist the residential construction sector's continued effort to reduce energy use, enhance conservation, and promote sustainability through the support of net-zero energy residential construction. CSFs will promote sustainability by increasing the ease and efficiency of the design and construction of net zero energy homes which will in return make the homes more cost efficient to build and an affordable option for home buyers.
Soil moisture and relative humidity effects during postdiapause on the emergence of western cherry fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Yee Wee L.
Published: February 2013

Pupae of western cherry fruit fly,Rhagoletis indifferensCurran (Diptera: Tephritidae), from Kennewick and Roslyn in Washington State, United States of America, were subjected to different soil and air moisture conditions to test the hypotheses that adult emergence from dry and moist soil is similar and is greater and occurs earlier at high than low relative humidities (RHs). Adult fly emergence from 0–57% saturated loam soil did not differ in Kennewick (64.8–75.1%) and Roslyn (81.7–86.6%) populations. Emergence did not occur from 76% saturated loam soil. In a RH experiment using dry soil, emergence of Kennewick flies was highest at 97% RH (76.8%), intermediate at 12–74% RH (66.4–69.6%), and lowest at 3% RH (58.0%). Emergence of Roslyn flies was higher at 97% RH (85.6%) than 3% (69.2%) and 12% RH (74.3%), but it did not differ from that at 33% (76.9%) and 74% RH (79.4%). Flies emerged ∼2–3 days earlier at 97% RH than at 3–12% RH. An unnaturally low RH of 3% caused more flies to be deformed than higher RHs. High emergence ofR. indifferensin dry and moist conditions likely contributes to its presence in a wide range of native and nonnative habitats.
Design of an Expert System for Mitigating Trace Element Toxicity in Cancer Risk Management
Authors: Kumar P.T. Krishna , Vinod P.T. , Phoha Vir V. , Iyengar S.S. , Iyengar Puneeth
Published: February 2013

Cancer risk management involves obliterating excess concentration of cancer causing trace elements by the natural immune system and hence intake of nutritious diet is of paramount importance. Human diet should consist of essential macronutrients that have to be consumed in large quantities and trace elements are to be consumed in very little amount. As some of these trace elements are causative factors for various types of cancer and build up at the expense of macronutrients, cancer risk management of these trace elements should be based on their initial concentration in the blood of each individual and not on their tolerable upper intake level. We propose an information theory based Expert System (ES) for estimating the lowest limit of toxicity association between the trace elements and the macronutrients. Such an estimate would enable the physician to prescribe required medication containing the macronutrients to annul the toxicity of cancer risk trace elements. The lowest limit of toxicity association is achieved by minimizing the correlated information of the concentration correlation matrix using the concept of Mutual Information (MI) and an algorithm based on a Technique of Determinant Inequalities (TDI) developed by the authors. The novelty of our ES is that it provides the lowest limit of toxicity profile for all trace elements in the blood not restricted to a group of compounds having similar structure. We demonstrate the superiority our algorithm over Principal Component Analysis in mitigating trace element toxicity in blood samples.
A Unifying Mathematical Framework for Genetic Robustness, Environmental Robustness, Network Robustness and their Trade-off on Phenotype Robustness in Biological Networks Part I: Gene Regulatory Networks in Systems and Evolutionary Biology
Authors: Chen Bor-Sen , Lin Ying-Po
Published: February 2013

Robust stabilization and environmental disturbance attenuation are ubiquitous systematic properties observed in biological systems at different levels. The underlying principles for robust stabilization and environmental disturbance attenuation are universal to both complex biological systems and sophisticated engineering systems. In many biological networks, network robustness should be enough to confer intrinsic robustness in order to tolerate intrinsic parameter fluctuations, genetic robustness for buffering genetic variations, and environmental robustness for resisting environmental disturbances. With this, the phenotypic stability of biological network can be maintained, thus guaranteeing phenotype robustness. This paper presents a survey on biological systems and then develops a unifying mathematical framework for investigating the principles of both robust stabilization and environmental disturbance attenuation in systems and evolutionary biology. Further, from the unifying mathematical framework, it was discovered that the phenotype robustness criterion for biological networks at different levels relies upon intrinsic robustness + genetic robustness + environmental robustness ≤ network robustness. When this is true, the phenotype robustness can be maintained in spite of intrinsic parameter fluctuations, genetic variations, and environmental disturbances. Therefore, the trade-offs between intrinsic robustness, genetic robustness, environmental robustness, and network robustness in systems and evolutionary biology can also be investigated through their corresponding phenotype robustness criterion from the systematic point of view.