bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Statistical Assessment of the Water Quality of Tundja River
Authors: Papazova Petia , Simeonova Pavlina
Published: June 2012

Long-Term Statistical Assessment of the Water Quality of Tundja River

Two major environmetric methods (Cluster analysis(CA) andPrincipal components analysis(PCA)) were applied for statistical assessment of the water quality of trans-border river Tundja. The study used long-term monitoring data from 26 sampling sites characterized by 12 physicochemical parameters. Clustering of chemical indicators results in 3 major clusters: the first one shows the impact of anthropogenic sources, the second - the impact of agriculture and farming activities and the last one describes the role of the physical parameters on the water quality and also the impact of urban wastes. For better assessment of the monitoring data, PCA was implemented, which identified four latent factors. Two of them - "urban wastes" factor and "agriculture" factor correspond almost entirely to clusters 3 and 2 from the previous statistical analysis. The third one, named "industrial wastes" factor, reveals a specific seasonal behavior of the river system. The last latent factor describes the active reaction of the water body and is determined as "acidity" factor. The linkage of the sampling sites along the river flow by CA formed two clusters with the spatial "upstream-downstream" separation. The apportionment model of the pollution determined the contribution of each one of identified pollution factors to the total concentration of each one of the water quality parameters.
Application of ANN to the Sorption Equilibrium Modelling of Heavy Metal Ions on Clinoptilolite
Authors: Tomczak Elwira , Kaminski Wladyslaw
Published: June 2012

Application of ANN to the Sorption Equilibrium Modelling of Heavy Metal Ions on Clinoptilolite

The latest achievements in the field of mathematical modelling include the application of artificial neural networks (ANN). A growing interest in the ANN is confirmed by the number of publications devoted to the applicability of ANN in chemical, process and environmental engineering. A recent dynamic development of ANN provided an efficient and universal tool that is used to solve many tasks, including modelling, approximation and identification of objects. The initial step of applying the network to a given process consists in the determination of weights of the proposed neural network structure. This is performed on the basis of training data. A network that is properly trained allows correct information to be obtained on the basis of other data which have not been used in the network training. In most cases the network training is performed on the basis of a known mathematical model. However, the training of a network can be also performed using experimental data. In this paper, the sorption isotherms were predicted by means of a multilayer perceptron (MLP). Calculations were made using a training program written in Matlab, which took advantage of the Lavenberg-Marquardt procedure. In the last decade a growing interest is observed in inexpensive and very cheap adsorbents to remove heavy metal ions. Clinoptilolite is the mineral sorbent extracted in Poland used to remove heavy metal ions from diluted solutions. Equilibrium experiments were carried out to estimate sorptivity of a clinoptilolite and its selectivity towards Cu(II), Zn(II) and Ni(II) ions for multicomponent solution. Calculations with the use of MLP enabled description of sorption isotherms for one, two and three ions which were present at the same time in the solution. The network also enabled an analysis of sorption of the single ion, taking into account the effect of its concentration.
Incorporation of learning strategies into adult distance learning
Authors: Koķe Tatjana , Norvele Ilze
Published: June 2012

Incorporation of learning strategies into adult distance learning

The paper is based on a study of a group of adult students in a distance learning environment. The focus of the study is on the student comprehension of particular learning strategies. The students' experiences are documented by using case study method and interviews, as well as a quantitative analysis of the results of a survey. The conclusions are that a direct teaching component for learning strategies in a distance learning course may improve the students' strategy awareness as well as contribute to the empowerment of adult students as autonomous learners by reducing their anxiety dealing with new learning situations, by fostering reflection and meta-cognition, and by providing a sense of achievement.
Theoretical Models for Magnetic Properties of Iron Pnictides Part I: Spin Formalism
Authors: Vujinović M. , Pantić M. , Kapor D. , Radošević S.
Published: June 2012

Theoretical Models for Magnetic Properties of Iron Pnictides Part I: Spin Formalism

We attempt to describe the magnetic properties of parent pnictide compounds by using theJ1-J2-JcHeisenberg model Hamiltonian. In order to obtain the ground state magnetization and spin wave dispersion we use the Green's functions method for spin operators. The equations of motion for Green's functions are decoupled by employing the random phase approximation. We analyze the results numerically and after comparison with experimental data we conclude that the model is to be modified to make it more relevant to iron pnictides.
Impact of the Tillage System on the Soil Enzymatic Activity
Authors: Bielińska Elżbieta , Mocek-Płóciniak Agnieszka
Published: June 2012

Impact of the Tillage System on the Soil Enzymatic Activity

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the soil tillage system on soil enzymatic activity. The performed investigations, employing two soil tillage systems: classical (ploughing) and simplified (no-tillage), were carried out on Luvisols and Arenosols differing typologically, with regard to their kind and species. The activity of the following five enzymes was determined in soil samples: dehydrogenases, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, urease and protease. The applied enzymes tests turned out to be good indicators differentiating the examined soil objects depending on the employed tillage system. The employment of the simplified tillage system stimulated significantly the activity of the analysed enzymes irrespective of the soil type. This effect was particularly apparent in the top layer (0-10 cm) of the soil. An exceptionally wide range of activity was obtained for dehydrogenases indicating the usefulness of this group of enzymes for the evaluation of changes in the soil environment under the influence of the soil tillage system. The observed activity stimulation of the examined enzymes was accompanied by advantageous changes in soil chemical conditions.
Utilization of environmetric & index methods as water quality comparative assessment tools focusing on heavy metal content
Authors: Boyacioglu Hülya
Published: June 2012

In the study suitability of water quality index approach and environmetric methods in fi ngerprinting heavy metal pollution as well as comparison of spatial variability of multiple contaminants in surface water were assessed in the case of The Gediz River Basin, Turkey. Water quality variables were categorized into two classes using factor and cluster analysis. Furthermore, soil contamination index was adapted to water pollution index and used to fi nd out the relative relationship between the reference standards and the current situation of heavy metal contamination in water. Results revealed that surface water heavy metal content was mainly governed by metal processing, textile and tannery industries in the region. On the other hand, metal processing industry discharges mainly degraded quality of water in Kemalpasa and Menemen. Furthermore, Kemalpasa region has been heavily affected from tannery and textile industries effl uents. Moreover, pollution parameters have not been infl uenced by changes in physical factors (discharge and temperature). This study indicated the effectiveness of water quality index approach and statistical tools in fi ngerprinting of pollution and comparative assessment of water quality. Both methods can assist decision makers to determine priorities in management practices.
Antioxidant and calcium levels in mature and immature diabetic cataract lens
Authors: Deepa K , Goud BK Manjunatha , Suma MN , Devaki RN , Nandini M , Sudhir Dr
Published: June 2012

Cataract is considered a major cause of visual impairment in diabetic patients as the incidence and progression of cataract is elevated in patients with diabetes mellitus. The pathogenesis of diabetic cataract development is still not fully understood. Due to increasing numbers of type 1 and type 2 diabetics worldwide, the incidence of diabetic cataracts steadily rises. Even though cataract surgery, the most common ophthalmic procedure worldwide, is an effective cure, the elucidation of patho- mechanisms to delay or prevent the development of cataract in diabetic patients remains a challenge. Furthermore, patients with diabetes mellitus have higher complication rates from cataract surgery. Both diabetes and cataract pose an enormous health and economic burden, particularly in developing countries, where diabetes treatment is insufficient and cataract surgery often inaccessible. Hence the objective of the study was to assess the antioxidant levels and calcium levels in different stages of cataract. Our study showed a significant reduction in lens antioxidant activity with significantly increased calcium levels in mature stage of cataract, suggesting decreased antioxidant activity plays an important role in diabetic cataract by causing deposition of calcium in lens. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v6i1.5290
Biodiesel Production from Oleaginous Fungi
Authors: Ravikumar K , Dakshayini J , Girisha ST
Published: June 2012

Biodiesel involves the mixture of fatty acyl methyl/ethyl esters, produced from transesterification neutral lipids and if the origin of the source is from oleaginous micro organisms, then it is termed as micro diesel. In the present work, aiming to exploit fungi for biodiesel production, 12 fungal isolates were screened for lipid content by Sudan Black B staining method. Among 12 isolates, lipid rich five species viz, Mortierella alpina , M.ramanianna, M.vinancea, M.hyalina and M.verticella have been taken for fatty acids analysis by spectrophotometry, which revealed that the amount of free fatty acids were ranged from highest in M.alpina 35 ?moles of Oleic acid , 25 ?moles of Palmitic acid and 14 ?moles of Myristic acids to lower as much as 21 ?moles of Oleic acid , 18 ?moles of Palmitic acid and 16 ?moles of Myristic acids respectively in M.ramanianna. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v6i1.5721
Effect of Trimethoprim on Glycogen Contents in Freshwater Mussels, Lamellidens corrianus (Lea) & Parreysia cylindrica (Annandale & Prashad)
Authors: Nandurkar Hemlata P , Zambare Sureshchandra P
Published: June 2012

Freshwater bivalves, Lamellidens corrianus were exposed to acute dose of trimethoprim one of the ingredients of sulpha drug (174.80PPM) and Parreysia cylindrica (136.29PPM) up to 96 hours and chronic dose to Lamellidens corrianus of the same antibiotics (34.96 PPM) and to Parreysia cylindrica was (27.25 PPM) up to 21 days.  After 24 and 96 hours of acute treatment and 7, 14 and 21 days of chronic treatment, the mantle, gills, foot, ovary, testis, digestive glands and whole body of the bivalves were separated, dried in the oven and their glycogen contents were estimated.Except gills, trimethoprim reduced the glycogen contents from most of the tissues of L. corrianus while in Parreysia cylindrica overall reduction in the glycogen depot was observed.  The most affected tissue in which the great depletion observed was digestive glands.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v6i1.5767
Let’s advocate the ‘freedom of science’: to practice it, to nurture it, to speak it, and to live it
Authors: Agrawal Ganesh Kumar , Rakwal Randeep
Published: June 2012

Dear contributors and readers: In continuation to our previous editorial (Science, Scientists, and Journal; IJLS, vol. 5, issue 1), we again raise our voice towards one of the most sensitive issue of present day science, i.e. – the freedom of science and scientists, who practice it, nurture it, and live it. For good or bad, today’s science has been noted in scientific journals and by scientists upon their publication in scientific journals. In this system, one article is published in any journal because that has been approved by a set of reviewers and the editor; and another is rejected because that has been disapproved by the reviewers and editor. We do not differ in that. The only one thing, we want to bring forward is that the authors are bound to support that blind review process, and cannot raise their voice in opposition to that decision. In any free civilized society, we always have differences in opinion. Even ‘right to information’ has become fundamental right in many countries’ constitutional system. Then why should our scientific world lack behind? In IJLS, we have started a complete transparent review system, where anyone can question the review process, whether in favor or against, and raise their voice at an open platform. The complete editorial board is liable to answer or make clear their points. We encourage our authors and readers to practice free and innovative science, as we believe that "To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle, require creative imagination and marks real advance in science." (Albert Einstein)There are a few more points we would like to inform our readers. From this issue (2012), and as we had promised, the format of the published article has been improved and simplified at the same time. Hope the scientific community will like the new format. The 2012 issue will consist of 4 issues: January–March, April–June, July–September, and October-December. The accepted articles will be uploaded quickly after the final proof is checked by the authors. We plan to continue improving the journal and request the contributors/readers to send their opinions/comments to the Managing Editor at any time they wish.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v6i1.6096
Basic science research in medicine
Authors: Pandey A S
Published: June 2012

No abstract availableDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v8i3.6214 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2010;8(3):292-3
Urological complications after Kidney transplantation
Authors: Chalise P R , Sharma U T , Gyawali P R , Shrestha G N , Joshi B R , Gurung G S , Ghimire R K , Kafle M P , Sigdel M R , Shah D S , Raut K B , Sidharth Mr.
Published: June 2012

Background Renal transplantation is a regular service at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital and complications have been known to occur after it. This study was conducted to assess complications after transplantation. Objectives To determine the incidence of urological complications after living related renal transplantation at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. Methods A clinical study was performed (from August 2008 to July 2010) which included 50 living-related renal transplantations at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. All the donors and recipients were evaluated preoperatively with necessary investigations and followed up postoperatively with standard hospital transplant protocol. The incidence of urological complications were documented and analyzed. Results Fifty living-related, renal transplantations were carried out during the study period. Seven doors had minor post operative complications; three had post operative fever, two had chest infections and each one had superficial surgical site infections and severe pain at incision site. Ureteroneocystostomy was performed with double J stent in all recipients. Urological complications were noted in 12 (24%) recipients. Clinical significant hematuria occurred in four cases. One patient had ureteric necrosis and urinary leak which required re-exploration post operatively. Two patients developed delayed ureteric stricture which were managed by antegrade Double J stenting and ureteric reimplantation. Peri-graft abscess occurred in two cases, which were drained percutaneously. surgical site infections was seen in one case. Conclusions Urological complications are inevitable in renal transplantation and our complications rate appears similar to that reported in literature.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v8i3.6216 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2010;8(3):299-304
The role of the injection Botulinum Toxin A in cases of Essential Blepharospasm Syndrome, Hemifacial Spasm and Meige’s Syndrome
Authors: Bastola P , Chaudhary M , Agrawal J P , Shah D N
Published: June 2012

Background Benign Essential Blepharospasm Symdrome is a neuropathologic disorder. The cause of blepharospasm is multifactorial. It is unlikely that a single defect in this elusive control centre is the primary cause of this disease. Objectives To evaluate the role of botulinum toxin A in treating cases of Essential Blepharospasm Symdrome, Hemifacial Spasm and Meige’s Syndrome, and to assess orbicularis oculi muscle post treatment, in the patients who attended neuro-ophthalmology clinic and the general outpatient department of BP Koirala Lions Centre for Ophthalmic studies. Methods A prospective, interventional study was carried out on all the patients of Essential Blepharospasm Symdrome, Hemifacial Spasm and Meige’s syndrome who underwent treatment with botulinum toxin A in BP Koirala Lions Centre for Ophthalmic studies during a study period of one and half years. Pre- treatment grading of the spasm was done with Jankovic spasm grading and post treatment response was seen with assessment of orbicularis oculi muscle and improvement in functional impairment scale. Relevant findings were noted. Results A total of 40 cases were enrolled in the study. The mean Jankovic spasm grading in cases of essential blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm and Meige’s syndrome was 3.61 (±Standard deviation 0.50, range 3-4), 3.21 (±Standard deviation 0.63, range 2-4) and 3.67 (+- Standard deviation 0.57, range 3-4) respectively. The mean value for reappearance of significant spasms (in months) in cases of essential blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm and Meige’s syndrome was 4.3 (± Standard deviation 1.6, range 2.0-6.5), 5.8 (±Standard deviation 1.4, range 3-8) and 4.5 (± Std.deviation 2.8, range 2.5-6.5) respectively. Blepharoptosis was the commonest complication accounting for 66.6% of the complications.Conclusions The movement disorders like Essential Blepharospasm, Hemifacial Hpasm and Meige’s syndrome are treated by different modalities. An acceptable and effective treatment modality has been a long felt need in these cases. Our study has shown that injection of botulinum toxin A has been a safe and effective method of treating these cases in Nepal.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v8i3.6217 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2010;8(3):305-10
Ambispective study on Mac Donald suturing in pregnant ladies with cervical incompetence in Dhulikhel Hospital
Authors: Tamrakur S R , Chawla C D
Published: June 2012

Background Cervical incompetence is one of the main contributors to repeated pregnancy loss, accounting for approximately 25% of the cases. Typically it results in progressive cervical dilatation, leading to a painless second- or early-third-trimester abortion. Objectives The main objective of the study was to explore the benefit from cervical cerclage in pregnant women with anatomical cervical incompetence Methods In a review of the operation and labour registers from January 2006 till January 2010, a total of 38 cervical cerclage procedures were performed at Dhulikhel Hospital (DH). In the study caste, parity, gestational age, diagnostic criteria, postoperative complications and pregnancy outcomes of the cases were analyzed. Results Two of the 38 cases didn’t come for delivery at Dhulikhel Hospital (Kathmandu University Teaching Hospital). Four women haven’t delivered at the time of data analysis. So pregnancy outcomes were analyzed among 32 cases while rests of the variables were analyzed among 38 cases. Of them 18 cases (47%) were Brahmin, 22 cases (58%) were between 20-25 years old and 32 cases (84%) were from Kavre district.  All cases were booked cases (they had antenatal care in the hospital) and 14 patients (37%) were third gravida. Most cases had 2 to 4 antenatal visits prior to suturing. Two cases were diagnosed with a bicornuate uterus. 21 cases (55%) had a previous history of at least one dilatation and evacuation.  33 cases (87%) were diagnosed with cervical incompetence clinically and confirmed by ultrasound. The remaining 13% were assessed, in the absence of a history of mid-trimester abortion, of having a high suspicion of cervical incompetence after mid-trimester scan with measurement of cervical length. In 18 cases (47%), cervical cerclage were done at 15 to 20 weeks of gestation. The postoperative period was uneventful in all 38 cases.  All cases (32) delivered in DH were assisted by consultant obstetricians. 19 out 32 cases (59%) were delivered vaginally at term. Conclusions38 cases were included in the study. Pregnancy outcomes were analyzed among 32 cases while rests of the variables were analyzed among 38 cases. 31 out 32 cases were delivered with good foetal weight. It clearly shows pregnant women with anatomical cervical incompetence were benefitted from cervical cerclage. The authors recommend an early trans vaginal scan in any patient with a history of mid trimester abortion or preterm labour. The cervical cerclage procedure therefore should be available more widely to benefit those patients with proven or strongly suspected cervical incompetence.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v8i3.6222 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2010;8(3):321-24
Schwartz - Jampel syndrome
Authors: Bastola P
Published: June 2012

This is a report of a very rare case of Schwartz Jampel syndrome, with few unusual findings, in a 13 years girl from Nepal, who concurrently also had superotemporal subluxation of the crystalline lens along with blepharophimosis syndrome.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v8i3.6227 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2010;8(3):348-51
Tubercular scleritis
Authors: Sharma R , Marasini S , Nepal B P
Published: June 2012

Scleritis is a severe painful inflammatory process centred in the sclera. A scleritis may be a harbinger of many systemic diseases so that it is important to exclude multisystem disease. We describe a case of unilateral tubercular anterior nodular non-necrotizing scleritis. Anterior nodular non-necrotizing scleritis is relatively an uncommon manifestation of tuberculosis. It may be difficult to diagnose and manage the disease. However, good history, detail clinical evaluation, appropriate and timely management shows a good response to the disease.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v8i3.6228 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2010;8(3):352-6
Draft Resisters, Left Nationalism, and the Politics of Anti-Imperialism
Authors: Churchill David S.
Published: June 2012

Abstract:

The politics of Canadian left nationalism, opposition to the war in Vietnam, and critiques of us imperialism occupied shared, overlapping, and in many cases intersecting intellectual and cultural space in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Principally centred in Toronto as they were – though not exclusively – this article traces the ways that us draft resisters and expatriates became both advocates of left nationalism and contentious subjects within nationalist debates. For some, left Canadian nationalist draft resisters and other expatriates represented a symbol of independence and defiance vis-à-vis the United States. In turn this iconographic representation was challenged by some Canadian nationalists who saw American expatriates as yet another unwanted us import, part of American political influence and cultural, embodied representations of us hegemony on Canadian soil.
Warum Naturwaldreservate einrichten? (Essay)
Authors: Kasper Heinz
Published: June 2012

Why should we have natural forest reserves? (Essay)

Natural forest reserves, where any kind of intervention is prohibited, are a component of a holistic biodiversity and forest policy today. Permitting natural processes to unfold in natural forest reserves is a sustainable and cost-efficient contribution to the maintenance and enhancement of biodiversity. This paper discusses the reasons for the establishment of natural forest reserves and the peculiarities that need to be taken into account when implementing the biodiversity goals. It demonstrates that particularly the establishment of large natural forest reserves in currently managed forests on the Swiss Plateau and in the Jura mountains requires a large effort.
Fourmis des bois en Suisse: état de la situation et perspectives de monitoring
Authors: Cherix Daniel , Bernasconi Christian , Maeder Arnaud , Freitag Anne
Published: June 2012

Wood ants in Switzerland: situation and outlook of a monitoring

The authors summarise their state of knowledge about wood ants and their role in the forest ecosystem. They also describe the situation in Switzerland, their past development and their conservation status. In several regions, mainly in the Plateau, wood ants seem to diminish, despite their total protection since 1966. The reasons for this regression are not well known, but the fragmentation of forest habitats in the Plateau region and direct damage to ant nests seem to play a certain role. A new project in which the development of wood ant nests is monitored in Swiss forest reserves (Formica-Forêts-CH) was recently started in the Swiss national park. It is to be extended, in collaboration with the forest services, over the whole of Switzerland.
Cellular Automata on Graphs: Topological Properties of ER Graphs Evolved towards Low-Entropy Dynamics
Authors: Marr Carsten , Hütt Marc-Thorsten
Published: June 2012

Cellular automata (CA) are a remarkably efficient tool for exploring general properties of complex systems and spatiotemporal patterns arising from local rules. Totalistic cellular automata, where the update rules depend only on the density of neighboring states, are at the same time a versatile tool for exploring dynamical processes on graphs. Here we briefly review our previous results on cellular automata on graphs, emphasizing some systematic relationships between network architecture and dynamics identified in this way. We then extend the investigation towards graphs obtained in a simulated-evolution procedure, starting from Erdő s–Rényi (ER) graphs and selecting for low entropies of the CA dynamics. Our key result is a strong association of low Shannon entropies with a broadening of the graph’s degree distribution.
Reciprocating Expander for an Exhaust Heat Recovery Rankine Cycle for a Passenger Car Application
Authors: Glavatskaya Yulia , Podevin Pierre , Lemort Vincent , Shonda Osoko , Descombes Georges
Published: June 2012

Nowadays, on average, two thirds of the fuel energy consumed by an engine is wasted through the exhaust gases and the cooling liquid. The recovery of this energy would enable a substantial reduction in fuel consumption. One solution is to integrate a heat recovery system based on a steam Rankine cycle. The key component in such a system is the expander, which has a strong impact on the system’s performance. A survey of different expander technologies leads us to select the reciprocating expander as the most promising one for an automotive application. This paper therefore proposes a steady-state semi-empirical model of the expander device developed under the Engineering Equation Solver (EES) environment. The ambient and mechanical losses as well as internal leakage were taken into account by the model. By exploiting the expander manufacturer’s data, all the parameters of the expander model were identified. The model computes the mass flow rate, the power output delivered and the exhaust enthalpy of the steam. The maximum deviation between predictions and measurement data is 4.7%. A performance study of the expander is carried out and shows that the isentropic efficiency is quite high and increases with the expander rotary speed. The mechanical efficiency depends on mechanical losses which are quite high, approximately 90%. The volumetric efficiency was also evaluated.
Gain-Framed Messages Do Not Motivate Sun Protection: A Meta-Analytic Review of Randomized Trials Comparing Gain-Framed and Loss-Framed Appeals for Promoting Skin Cancer Prevention
Authors: O’Keefe Daniel J. , Wu Daisy
Published: June 2012

Persuading people to undertake actions to prevent skin cancer is an important public health challenge. A number of studies have compared the effectiveness of gain-framed and loss-framed appeals in this domain, often expecting gain-framed appeals to be more persuasive. A meta-analytic review (k = 33, N = 4,168), however, finds no significant difference in the persuasiveness of gain- and loss-framed appeals for encouraging skin cancer prevention. This conclusion is unaffected by differences in the specific protective action advocated or by differences in the kind of outcomes invoked. But the results offer an intimation that men might be more susceptible to framing variations in this domain—with loss-framed appeals potentially having a persuasive advantage.
Polymorphism in Self-Assembled Structures of 9-Anthracene Carboxylic Acid on Ag(111)
Authors: Lu Chao , Wei Yinying , Zhu Erkuang , Reutt-Robey Janice E. , Xu Bo
Published: June 2012

Surface self-assembly process of 9-anthracene carboxylic acid (AnCA) on Ag(111) was investigated using STM. Depending on the molecular surface density, four spontaneously formed and one annealed AnCA ordered phases were observed, namely a straight belt phase, a zigzag double-belt phase, two simpler dimer phases, and a kagome phase. The two high-density belt phases possess large unit cells on the scale length of 10 nm, which are seldom observed in molecular self-assembled structures. This structural diversity stems from a complicated competition of different interactions of AnCA molecules on metal surface, including intermolecular and molecular-substrate interactions, as well as the steric demand from high molecular surface density.
Knots in Art
Authors: Jablan Slavik , Radović Ljiljana , Sazdanović Radmila , Zeković Ana
Published: June 2012

We analyze applications of knots and links in the Ancient art, beginning from Babylonian, Egyptian, Greek, Byzantine and Celtic art. Construction methods used in art are analyzed on the examples of Celtic art and ethnical art of Tchokwe people from Angola or Tamil art, where knots are constructed as mirror-curves. We propose different methods for generating knots and links based on geometric polyhedra, suitable for applications in architecture and sculpture.
Analysis of Sequence Polymorphism and Population Structure of Tomato chlorotic dwarf viroid and Potato spindle tuber viroid in Viroid-Infected Tomato Plants
Authors: Nie Xianzhou
Published: June 2012

The sequence polymorphism and population structure of Tomato chlorotic dwarf viroid (TCDVd) (isolate Trust) and Potato tuber spindle viroid (PSTVd) (isolate FN) in tomato plants were investigated. Of the 9 and 35 TCDVd clones sequenced from 2 different TCDVd-infected plants, 2 and 4 sequence variants were identified, respectively, leading to a total of 4 sequence variants of 360 nucleotides in length. Variant I was identical to AF162131, the first TCDVd sequence to be reported, and the rest exhibited 1 to 3 nucleotide differences, all in the TR domain, from AF162131/variant I. Of the 33 and 29 PSTVd clones sequenced from 2 different PSTVd-infected plants, 8 and 9 sequence variants were found, respectively, leading to a total of 15 variants ranging in length from 356 to 359 nucleotides. The variant I was identical to EF044303, a PSTVd reported in Russia. The rest exhibited 1 to 11 nucleotide differences scattering in all five domains from EF044303/variant I. The results demonstrated for the first time that TCDVd, like many other viroids including PSTVd, exists in host plants as a collective group comprised of various sequence variants. However, in comparison to PSTVd, TCDVd is less polymorphic in tomato plants as fewer variants and lower haplotype/nucleotide diversities were observed.
Early Stage Foreign Body Reaction against Biodegradable Polymer Scaffolds Affects Tissue Regeneration during the Autologous Transplantation of Tissue-Engineered Cartilage in the Canine Model
Authors: Asawa Yukiyo , Sakamoto Tomoaki , Komura Makoto , Watanabe Makoto , Nishizawa Satoru , Takazawa Yutaka , Takato Tsuyoshi , Hoshi Kazuto
Published: June 2012

To overcome the weak points of the present cartilage regenerative medicine, we applied a porous scaffold for the production of tissue-engineered cartilage with a greater firmness and a 3D structure. We combined the porous scaffolds with atelocollagen to retain the cells within the porous body. We conducted canine autologous chondrocyte transplants using biodegradable poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) or poly-dl-lactic- co-glycolic acid (PLGA) polymer scaffolds, and morphologically and biochemically evaluated the time course changes of the transplants. The histological findings showed that the tissue-engineered constructs using PLLA contained abundant cartilage 1, 2, and 6 months after transplantation. However, the PLGA constructs did not possess cartilage and could not maintain their shapes. Biochemical measurement of the proteoglycan and type II collagen also supported the superiority of PLLA. The biodegradation of PLGA progressed much faster than that of PLLA, and the PLGA had almost disappeared by 2 months. The degraded products of PLGA may evoke a more severe tissue reaction at this early stage of transplantation than PLLA. The PLLA scaffolds were suitable for cartilage tissue engineering under immunocompetent conditions, because of the retarded degradation properties and the decrease in the severe tissue reactions during the early stage of transplantation.
Inhibition of Kupffer Cell Activity Improves Transplantation of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells and Liver Functions
Authors: Hong Il-Hwa , Han Seon-Young , Ki Mi-Ran , Moon Young-Mi , Park Jin-Kyu , You Sang-Young , Lee Eun-Mi , Kim Ah-Young , Lee Eun-Joo , Jeong Jae-Ho , Kang Kyung-Sun , Jeong Kyu-Shik
Published: June 2012

Numerous approaches to cell transplantation of the hepatic or the extrahepatic origin into liver tissue have been developed; however, the efficiency of cell transplantation remains low and liver functions are not well corrected. The liver is a highly immunoreactive organ that contains many resident macrophages known as Kupffer cells. Here, we show that the inhibition of Kupffer cell activity improves stem cell transplantation into liver tissue and corrects some of the liver functions under conditions of liver injury. We found that, when Kupffer cells were inhibited by glycine, numerous adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) were successfully transplanted into livers, and these transplanted cells showed hepatoprotective effects, including decrease of liver injury factors, increase of liver regeneration, and albumin production. On the contrary, injected ASCs without glycine recruited numerous Kupffer cells, not lymphocytes, and showed low transplantation efficiency. Intriguingly, successfully transplanted ASCs in liver tissue modulated Kupffer cell activity to inhibit tumor necrosis factor-α secretion. Thus, our data show that Kupffer cell inactivation is an important step in order to improve ASC transplantation efficiency and therapeutic potential in liver injuries. In addition, the hepatoprotective function of glycine has synergic effects on liver protection and the engraftment of ASCs.
Correlation of Released HMGB1 Levels with the Degree of Islet Damage in Mice and Humans and with the Outcomes of Islet Transplantation in Mice
Authors: Itoh Takeshi , Takita Morihito , Sorelle Jeffrey A. , Shimoda Masayuki , Sugimoto Koji , Chujo Daisuke , Qin Huanying , Naziruddin Bashoo , Levy Marlon F. , Matsumoto Shinichi
Published: June 2012

Establishing reliable islet potency assay is a critical and unmet issue for clinical islet transplantation. Recently, we reported that islets contained high levels of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and damaged islets released HMGB1 in a mouse model. In this study, we hypothesized that the amount of released HMGB1 could reflect the degree of islet damage, and could predict the outcome of islet transplantation. Four groups of damaged mouse islets and three groups of damaged human islets were generated by hypoxic conditions. These islets were assessed by in vivo (transplantation) and in vitro (released HMGB1 levels, released C-peptide levels, PI staining, TUNEL staining, ATP/DNA, and glucose-stimulated insulin release test) assays. In addition, the ability of each assay to distinguish between noncured ( n = 13) and cured ( n = 7) mice was assessed. The curative rates of STZ-diabetic mice after receiving control, hypoxia-3h, hypoxia-6h, and hypoxia-24h mouse islets were 100%, 40%, 0%, and 0%, respectively. Only amounts of released HMGB1 and ratio of PI staining significant increased according to the degree of damages in both human and mouse islets. In terms of predictability of curing diabetic mice, amounts of released HMGB1 showed the best sensitivity (100%), specificity (100%), positive (100%), and negative predictive values (100%) among all the assays. The amount of released HMGB1 reflected the degree of islet damage and correlated with the outcome of islet transplantation in mice. Hence, released HMGB1 levels from islets should be a useful marker to evaluate the potency of isolated islets.
Events and Festivals: Fit for the Future?
Authors: Jones Calvin
Published: June 2012

Over recent decades, the events and festivals sector has enjoyed a period of sustained growth in terms of both commercial scale and media attention. now, however, a number of factors suggest that a retrenchment may be imminent, bringing with it significant threats to the viability of
much current activity. environmental factors, particularly fossil-fuel depletion and climate change regulation, will work to make travel (and hence event attendance) more costly. At the same time, the necessary unwinding of public and private debt, in the West at least, may put further pressure
on events' and festivals' revenues. This article examines these pressures in more detail and makes tentative suggestions as to how the sector might respond to ensure that it can continue to provide important social and cultural benefits in straitened times.
SuStainable Mega-eventS: beyond the Myth of balanced approacheS to Mega-event SuStainability
Authors: Hall C. Michael
Published: June 2012

The concept of sustainability is now integral to the lexicon of tourism and is increasingly becoming part of the discourse of mega-events. Yet despite the success of the concept of sustainable development in being adopted in tourism policy making and research, tourism is less sustainable
then ever if environmental measures are adopted. Similarly, substantial questions have been raised as to the sustainability of mega-events. Three frames of sustainability are used with reference to tourism and mega-events: economic sustainability, balanced sustainability, and steady-state
sustainability. each of these has implications for the paradigm under which mega-events are developed and attracted. Only steady-state sustainability is regarded as sufficient to maintain or enhance natural capital. however, the likelihood of the required policy learning to occur for this
paradigm to be adopted are slim given the role of political and corporate interests in promoting mega-events as a solution to problems of place competitiveness rather than as a symptom of the problems of contemporary neoliberal thinking with respect to events, places, and sustainability.
A Review of Business Events Literature
Authors: Mair Judith
Published: June 2012

This article examines the developments in research into business events over 10 years from 2000 to 2009. It examines the main themes of the research that has been undertaken and highlights research gaps. Before 2000, researchers had identified considerable gaps in the business events
literature. The reason most often cited for lack of research was the difficulty in obtaining statistics. Considerable research has been completed since then, yet researchers are still faced with the difficulties of obtaining meaningful statistics on the business events industry. Existing reviews
of the business events literature demonstrate that some of the main themes which have emerged as important research topics include the economic impact of events and the site selection process of conference and convention organizers. This review identified further areas that have been the focus
of considerable research efforts in the period from 2000 to 2009. These include the evaluation of satisfaction by meeting planners, the role of destination image in convention attendance, and the decision-making process of convention attendees. Research gaps and issues are still being identified
in many areas of business events. The article concludes with a discussion on this, including a lack of rigor in much business events research, a tendency towards descriptive statistics and analysis, a lack of research into the social and environmental impacts of business events, and a failure
to include reference to incentives in the business events literature.
How Sponsorships Work: the Sponsorship Engagement Model
Authors: Wakefield Kirk L.
Published: June 2012

Prior sponsorship research has focused almost entirely upon accurate recall and recognition of sponsors of events. This emphasis on awareness belies the fact that the primary sponsors of national and international events already possess high brand recognition and instead seek higher
level communication goals (preference and retention) from sponsorships. Audience data from two studies (an American football match and a 3-day motorsports event) demonstrate the psychological processes by which audiences are engaged through sponsorship activation. Importantly, this research
conceptualizes and measures the activation construct and illustrates subsequent effects on brand concreteness, brand attributions, and brand personality. These three factors, in turn, enhance the sponsoring brand's distinctiveness and lead to positive behavioral responses favorable to the
sponsor.
Event Studies: Discourses and Future Directions
Authors: Getz Donald
Published: June 2012

The field of event Studies is described and its evolution considered, with specific reference to three general subdivisions or discourses. Event tourism, event management, and disciplinary perspectives are all quite different in terms of their approach to studying planned events, the
concepts of interest, and related public and policy discourse. Major concepts being discussed in event management and event tourism are identified (both being highly instrumentalist in nature), while sociological and anthropological themes are examined to illustrate the disciplinary approach.
In particular, major differences between the three discourses are observable in the context of how event impacts are addressed, and this is reflected in public and political discourse. The article concludes with a discussion of future directions and the need for interdisciplinary theory building.
Symbiotic germination capability of four Epipactis species (Orchidaceae) is broader than expected from adult ecology
Authors: Teˇšitelová Tamara , Teˇšitel Jakub , Jersáková Jana , Rˇíhová Gabriela , Selosse Marc‐André
Published: June 2012

• Premise of the study: Both abiotic and biotic factors shape species distributions. Orchids produce minute seeds with few nutrient reserves, thus requiring mycorrhizal fungi for germination. Therefore, both environmental conditions and mycorrhizal fungi distribution affect their germination success, but these ecological requirements and their congruence with habitat preferences of adults remain poorly understood. We investigated the importance of these factors during germination in four forest orchid species of the genus Epipactis.

• Methods: We sowed seeds of three habitat specialists and one generalist in different forest types at sites harboring adults of at least one of these ecologically diverging species. We analyzed germination pattern and identified mycorrhizal fungi of both seedlings and adults.

• Key results: Habitat conditions had little influence on germination pattern as seedlings grew in more habitats than expected from the adults’ ecology. Ectomycorrhizal fungi availability did not limit germination. Suitable mycorrhizal fungi, mostly pezizalean ascomycetes, were recruited in various forest types, though the fungal communities differed according to habitat type. Finally, orchids with divergent ecological preferences shared similar mycorrhizal fungi.

• Conclusions: Limited adult distribution contrasted with successful seed germination at diverse sites and indicates existence of niche differentiation between adults and seedlings. Ecological specialization may thus be determined by factors other than mycorrhizal fungi that act later in the ontogeny, perhaps during the transition to above‐ground development.
Embryology in Trithuria submersa (Hydatellaceae) and relationships between embryo, endosperm, and perisperm in early‐diverging flowering plants
Authors: Friedman William E. , Bachelier Julien B. , Hormaza José I.
Published: June 2012

• Premise of the study: Despite their highly reduced morphology, Hydatellaceae bear the unmistakable embryological signature of Nymphaeales, including a starch‐rich maternal perisperm and a minute biparental endosperm and embryo. The co‐occurrence of perisperm and endosperm in Nymphaeales and other lineages of flowering plants, and their respective functions during the course of seed development and embryo germination, remain enigmatic.

• Methods: Development of the embryo, endosperm, and perisperm was examined histologically from fertilization through germination in flowers and fruits of Trithuria submersa.

• Key results: The embryo of T. submersa initiates two cotyledons prior to seed maturity/dormancy, and their tips remain in contact with the endosperm throughout germination. The endosperm persists as a single layer of cells and serves as the interface between the embryo and the perisperm. The perisperm contains carbohydrates and proteins, and functions as the main storage tissue. The endosperm accumulates proteins and aleurone grains and functions as a transfer cell layer.

• Conclusions: In Nymphaeales, the multiple roles of a more typical endosperm have been separated into two different tissues and genetic entities: a maternal perisperm (nutrient acquisition, storage, mobilization) and a minute biparental endosperm (nutrient transfer to the embryo). The presence of perisperms among several other ancient lineages of angiosperms suggests a modest degree of developmental and functional lability for the nutrient storage tissue (perisperm or endosperm) within seeds during the early evolution of flowering plants. Finally, we examine the evolutionary developmental hypothesis that, contrary to longstanding assumptions, an embryo‐nourishing perisperm along with a minute endosperm may represent the plesiomorphic condition for flowering plants.
Accompagner les encadrants publics pour soutenir leur processus de subjectivation au travail
Authors: Brunel Valérie
Published: June 2012

Résumé Cet article s’appuie sur notre pratique clinique d’intervenante psychosociologue pour dresser un constat sur les sources de la souffrance au travail des managers, notamment dans la fonction publique, et pour proposer un mode d’accompagnement soutenant le processus de subjectivation au travail et la reconstruction du pouvoir d’agir. Le rôle du manager est de bâtir, à l’intersection de logiques contradictoires qui traversent son activité, un compromis productif formant une aire de jeux praticable pour son équipe. Cette construction se pose comme un problème dans les services publics, où les réformes en cours viennent brouiller les objectifs comme les voies de l’action. Brouillage du sens et impossibilité d’agir avec pertinence sont sources de désubjectivation, pour le manager comme pour son équipe. L’objectif de l’intervention est de soutenir la pensée des managers, pour qu’ils puissent penser les conflits dans lesquels ils sont pris, et trouver des voies de développement de leur activité.