bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineering of the Redox Ribozyme for the Determination of Its Architecture
Authors: Pattnaik Swetansu B , Jin Koichiro , Futai Kazuki , Suga Hiroaki
Published: June 2010

Here we report engineering efforts on an artificially evolved redox ribozyme, known as ribox02, and its more compact pseudoknot construct generated, combox02. The rigorous mutational works in the various regions suggested that the catalytically essential domain composed of three joining regions flanked by three stems. The architecture of combox02 can be an excellent framework for constructing libraries by randomizing sequences in this region for in vitro selection of novel ribozymes capable of catalyzing various chemical conversions of 5′-substrates.
Consequences of sampling an image and Fourier planes in a numerical light propagation model based on the Helmholtz–Kirchhoff approximation. II. Comparison between two numerical algorithms
Authors: Sokołowski Aleksander , WiJcek Tomasz
Published: June 2010

Two numerical algorithms describing a light propagation model based on the Helmholtz–Kirchhoff approximation have been compared. The first of them uses a fast Fourier transformation algorithm and the second one is based on ordinary numerical integration. The comparison shows that the results obtained with the algorithms are different generally. Both algorithms give the results in accordance with the experiment, only in specific and different ranges of propagation distance.
Between logos and icons: Notes towards a transfigurative culture
Authors: Vardoulakis Dimitris
Published: June 2010

This article will investigate the paradoxical relation between iconic logos, such as the Nike logo, and architectural icons, such as the Sydney Opera House. Both logos and icons are immediately recognizable worldwide. Yet they function in seemingly radically different ways logos as signifiers of a single company: icons as signifiers that always represent something different from exactly what they are. How can these two different ways of signification produce the same result of instant recognition?
Rythmus and the critique of political economy
Authors: Ford Thomas H
Published: June 2010

In his late unfinished work on aesthetic theory, Adam Smith develops the concept of rythmus to explore such arts as music, dance and poetry. Smith argues that rythmus communicates emotion in a very specific way. For Smith, narrative arts, such as drama or the novel, predominately seek to recreate or represent in the minds of their readership or audience the emotions of the characters that are portrayed. But what we experience through rythmus, by contrast, is an original, and not a sympathetic, feeling. Rythmus is the communicative medium of a paradoxical mode of collective feeling in which each person feels his or her own emotions, and yet all feel the same thing; in which social being is at once non-fungible and shared.
Gender-orientated media usage?
Authors: Vamos Michaela
Published: June 2010

This article considers the question: Is media usage and/or ownership by Austrian school children influenced by gender? The statistics it reports clearly demonstrate that media usage and possession is gender specific. The article also highlights which kinds of media are gendered. The
findings come from a survey questionnaire completed by approximately 1500 pupils attending secondary schools within Upper Austria.
Public art as an educational resource
Authors: Reis Ricardo
Published: June 2010

This article presents the results of a trans-disciplinary study focusing on public art and art education. It poses questions about public art as an educational resource, and acknowledges the need to clarify its educational role. The study investigated whether or not urban environments
with numerous works of public art contribute positively to the development of visual literacy. A survey was conducted of fifth and sixth grade students in three schools located in urban spaces with a lot of public art and three schools in places with very little. A finding was that students
who attended schools in environments with many public works were more skilled in the perception of urban space and more visually literate. This was due not only to their daily contact with them, but also to socio-cultural factors. Based on the results, the author produced an educational resource
for teachers and parents interested in developing children's visual literacy.
Introducing visual culture education into Greek primary schools: a curriculum intervention
Authors: Christopoulou Martha
Published: June 2010

This article reports on a case study research in Greece carried out in two primary-school classrooms with children aged between 10 and 12. The research aims were informed by a review of literature about visual culture education and recent developments in Greek art education. This article
describes the Greek educational context and a curriculum intervention. It presents the findings from the intervention and concludes that visual culture is a valuable and necessary part of art education that should be introduced into the national curriculum for primary-school art in Greece.
Securing freedom of expression through the digital transition?
Authors: Starks Michael
Published: June 2010

Two recent reports by organizations committed to safeguarding and strengthening freedom of expression and pluralism during the digital transition are reviewed. They point to opportunities but warn of risks in countries where democratic traditions are weak. Both offer guidance and recommendations
to governments, legislators, regulators, broadcasters and citizens. Another current initiative is a study to assess the impact of the digital transition on pluralism, freedom of expression and public interest services across the globe.
Challenges and opportunities of iDTV for audience measurement systems: a set-top box-based approach
Authors: Berte Katrien , Leroux Philip , Schuurman Dimitri , De Marez Lieven , De Bens Els , De Turck Filip
Published: June 2010

Advanced innovations such as digital transmission technologies and personal video-recorders (PVRs) have changed TV viewing behaviour. In order to maintain their position as the world's largest advertising channel, television broadcasters are increasingly dependent on accurate and in-depth
audience data. Unfortunately, the traditional measurement techniques fail to keep up with innovations of interactive digital TV (iDTV) such as video-on-demand (VOD), time shifted viewing, an electronic programme guide (EPG), ad avoidance using the PVR, etc. This article reflects on the current
state of audience measurement in Europe and describes our search to tackle some of the challenges. Contrary to traditional systems that use dedicated and expensive hardware, this article presents a set-top box-only approach.
TV competition livens up Down Under
Authors: Given Jock
Published: June 2010

Australia's TV audiences finally got digital multi-channels from terrestrial broadcasters in 2009. In 2010, parts of the country will switch off analogue TV, while other parts will start to receive services from a high-speed, government-funded, fibre-to-the-premises broadband network.
The Russian approach to the line-up of digital TV channels
Authors: Richter Andrei
Published: June 2010

The review examines most recent developments in the regulation of licensing and of the line-up of digital television. It points to legal loopholes used by the authorities to make changes at their will.
Keeping the balance: digital television in Denmark
Authors: Svendsen Erik Nordahl
Published: June 2010

Denmark started DTT (digital terrestrial television) with public service stations in 2006. After a thorough information campaign, analogue TV was switched off on 1 November 2009. The policy goals for DTT are to keep a balance between public and private channels; therefore new public
channels were started along with a new DTT pay service, which is hoped to stimulate competition with smaller packages against the dominant cable and satellite distributors.
Reviews
Authors: Iosifidis Petros , Son Chang Yong , Filippouli Elizabeth
Published: June 2010

Television Goes Digital, Darcy Gerbarg (Ed.) (2009) New York: Springer, 246 pp., ISBN 9780387799773, hardback, 67.99

Digital Korea: Convergence of Broadband Internet, 3G Cell Phones, Multiplayer Gaming, Digital TV, Virtual Reality, Electronic Cash, Telematics,
Robotics, E-Government and the Intelligent Home, Tomi Ahonen and Jim O'Reilly (2007) London: Futuretext, 320pp., ISBN 13 9780955606908, hardback, 24.95

The Price of Plurality: Choice, Diversity and Broadcasting Institutions in the Digital Age, Tim Gardam and David A.L.
Levy (Eds) (2008) Oxford: Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, 223 pp., ISBN 9780955888908, paperback, produced in association with Ofcom
Spray Solution pH and Glyphosate Activity
Authors: Penner Donald , Michael Jan
Published: June 2010

It was hypothesized 110 years ago that substances that dissolve in lipids pass more easily into cells than those that dissolve in water. Thus, weak acids such as glyphosate should more readily pass through the non-polar plant cuticle in the non-dissociated, more non-polar form. The objective of this study was to test this hypothesis in a series of studies in the greenhouse involving three weed species. The pH of the glyphosate spray solution was varied between 1.5 and 6. The glyphosate activity on giant foxtail, common lambsquarters, and velvetleaf (pH) was not affected by pH values between 1.5 and 6 when adjusted with hydrochloric acid (HCl). If diammonium sulfate, was also present, the results were similar; however, the glyphosate activity on velvetleaf was much greater. If the pH was lowered with sulfuric acid, H2SO4, an increase in the glyphosate activity on velvetleaf became evident as the pH was lowered from 6.0 to 1.5. This was attributed to the water conditioning effect of the SO4= in hard water. With tank-mixing glyphosate with 1 % NT®NT (N TANK) is a product of Adjuvants Plus, Kingsville, Ontario, Canada N9Y 255., a proprietary blend of surfactants and monocarbamide, which lowered the pH to 2.0, the water conditioning benefit of NT was decreased on velvetleaf as the pH was raised from 2.0 to 7.0. In summary, the hypothesis was disproved with respect to glyphosate.
Paul Wittgenstein and the Performance Of Disability
Authors: Howe Blake
Published: June 2010

Paul Wittgenstein's one-handedness has typically been framed as a physical limitation at odds with an able-bodied ideology driving musical performance. Contemporary reviews, for instance, frame the pianist's disability as a tragedy heroically transcended during the course of virtuosic performance; others suggest that Wittgenstein successfully "passed" as two-handed. A study of Wittgenstein's numerous one-hand arrangements reveals similar narratives: the pianist often attempted to imitate the sound of two-handed piano music, and many of his own keyboard exercises train his one hand to assume the load of two. The "deficiency" model can be seen most dramatically in three attempts to arrange Witt-genstein's commissions for left-hand piano into a more "normal" performance medium: Sergei Prokofiev's expressed (but abandoned) interest in arranging his left-hand piano concerto for piano two-hands, Alfred Cortot's completed draft of a two-hand arrangement of Ravel's Concerto pour la main gauche, and, most significantly, Friedrich Wührer's highly successful two-hand arrangements of Franz Schmidt's left-hand pieces for Wittgenstein, which explicitly adopt a program of "strengthening" and "filling in" the supposed weaknesses of a disabled performance medium. Yet, despite the stigma it may have accrued, one-handed pianism is but a more prominent, more public example of the "bodily limits" all performers must confront; similar discourse surrounds the deficiencies of small hands or stiff fingers, for example. For the performer's body must negotiate its corporeal finitude with the complex demands of the musical score. As seen here in the career of Wittgenstein, an aesthetics of disabled performance presents this dialectic in heightened microcosm.
Telomerase in the ovary
Authors: Liu Jun-Ping , Li He
Published: June 2010

Telomerase, an enzyme complex that binds the chromosome ends (telomeres) and maintains telomere length and integrity, is present in germ cells, proliferative granulosa cells, germline stem cells, and neoplastic cells in the ovary, but it is absent in differentiated or aged cells. Activation of telomerase in the ovary underpins both benign and malignant cell proliferation in several compartments, including the germ cells, membrana granulosa, and the ovarian surface epithelium. The difference in telomerase operation between normal and abnormal cell proliferations may lie in the mechanisms of telomerase activation in a deregulated manner. Recent studies have implicated telomerase activity in ovarian cancer as well as oogenesis and fertility. Inhibition of telomerase and the shortening of telomeres are seen in occult ovarian insufficiency. Studies of how telomerase operates and regulates ovary development may provide insight into the development of both germ cells for ovarian reproductive function and neoplastic cells in ovarian cancer. The current review summarizes the roles of telomerase in the development of oocytes and proliferation of granulosa cells during folliculogenesis and in the process of tumorigenesis. It also describes the regulation of telomerase by estrogen in the ovary.
English Ivy (Hederaspp., Araliaceae) Response to Goat Browsing
Authors: Ingham Claudia S. , Borman Michael M.
Published: June 2010

English ivy is an exotic liana that invades forests by forming dense monocultures on forest floors and by climbing trees. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of high-intensity–short-duration goat browsing to control English ivy in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Species composition and percent cover were determined in August 2006 before the first browsing treatment and before and after treatments in 2006 and 2007. A final assessment was made in July 2008. Browsing effects were evaluated by comparison of multiple means statistical methods. English ivy cover declined significantly in samples browsed once or twice compared with untreated samples. The difference between levels of browsing was also significant, indicating that repetition of browsing for a second year is effective. Species composition change was minimal, with the appearance of sword fern and removal of Himalayan blackberry from 2006 to 2008.
Response of Two Sagebrush Sites to Low-Disturbance, Mechanical Removal of Piñyon and Juniper
Authors: Baughman Carson , Forbis Tara A. , Provencher Louis
Published: June 2010

In the Great Basin of the western United States, expansion of Pinus monophylla (singleleaf piñyon) and Juniperus osteosperma (Utah juniper) out of historic woodlands and into Artemisia spp. (sagebrush) shrubland communities can facilitate the invasion of exotic downy brome (Bromus tectorum) and lead to decreases in ecological and economic values of shrublands. This expansion has, therefore, been the focus of management efforts, including the thinning or removal of trees in areas that were historically shrubland. Our study examined the effects of tree thinning at two sites located in eastern Nevada, near the center of the Great Basin. Such projects can be controversial, so our goal was to estimate and document the ecological effects of low-disturbance tree thinning at these two sites. Both sites were mechanically thinned using a feller-buncher and were aerially seeded with native grasses. Aerial seeding had no apparent effect at either site. The site that had lower tree cover before treatment (Ely, NV) showed an increase in native forbs and a small increase in invasives. The site that initially had very high tree cover and low shrub cover (Mt. Wilson, NV) showed increases in native forbs and species diversity and a substantial increase in invasives. We conclude that low-disturbance methods for thinning encroaching trees can have positive ecological effects in shrublands but that the initial cover of both trees and native herbaceous species should be considered to determine the potential of the site to recover naturally from the seedbank and the risk of invasion by downy brome.
Exploitation of Nutrient-Rich Soil Patches by Invasive Annual and Native Perennial Grasses
Authors: James Jeremy J. , Ziegenhagen L. , Aanderud Z. T.
Published: June 2010

Invasion of nutrient-poor habitats might be related to the ability of a species to exploit nutrient-rich microsites. Recent research suggests fast-growing species might have a greater ability to allocate root biomass to nutrient-rich microsites (root foraging precision) than slow-growing species. We examined if differences in relative growth rate (RGR) between invasive and native species were related to differences in foraging precision. We hypothesized that invasive species would: (1) have greater foraging precision than native species but (2) greater foraging precision would come at a cost in terms of root nutrient uptake rate. Foraging precision was evaluated on plants growing in soils with uniform or patchy nutrient distribution. Plants were harvested at a common time and a common developmental stage to separate indirect effects of RGR on foraging. Nutrient uptake rate was examined by exposing plants to a low or high nitrogen pulse. Invasives foraged more precisely than natives but had lower nitrogen uptake rate. Although these results support the idea of a positive relationship between RGR and foraging precision, biomass production in heterogeneous soils showed no relationship to foraging precision. Instead, species with greater RGR produced more biomass and root length across all treatments, allowing greater nutrient capture in heterogeneous soils. Although these results do not exclude a role for proliferation in influencing invasion of nutrient-poor systems or the potential for heterogeneity to influence population processes, these results suggest other traits may have an overriding importance in determining invader success in these systems.
Estrogen receptor β and the progression of prostate cancer: role of 5α-androstane-3β,17β-diol
Authors: Dondi Donatella , Piccolella Margherita , Biserni Andrea , Della Torre Sara , Ramachandran Balaji , Locatelli Alessia , Rusmini Paola , Sau Daniela , Caruso Donatella , Maggi Adriana , Ciana Paolo , Poletti Angelo
Published: June 2010

Prostate cancer (PC) develops in response to an abnormal activation of androgen receptor induced by circulating androgens and, in its initial stages, is pharmacologically controlled by androgen blockade. However, androgen ablation therapy often allows androgen-independent PC development, generally characterized by increased invasiveness. We previously reported that 5α-androstane-3β,17β-diol (3β-Adiol) inhibits the migration of PC cell lines via the estrogen receptor β (ERβ) activation. Here, by combining in vitro assays and in vivo imaging approaches, we analyzed the effects of 3β-Adiol on PC proliferation, migration, invasiveness, and metastasis in cultured cells and in xenografts using luciferase-labeled PC3 (PC3-Luc) cells. We found that 3β-Adiol not only inhibits PC3-Luc cell migratory properties, but also induces a broader anti-tumor phenotype by decreasing the proliferation rate, increasing cell adhesion, and reducing invasive capabilities in vitro. All these 3β-Adiol activities are mediated by ERβ and cannot be reproduced by the physiological estrogen, 17β-estradiol, suggesting the existence of different pathways activated by the two ERβ ligands in PC3-Luc cells. In vivo, continuous administration of 3β-Adiol reduces growth of established tumors and counteracts metastasis formation when PC3-Luc cells are engrafted s.c. in nude mice or are orthotopically injected into the prostate. Since 3β-Adiol has no androgenic activity, and cannot be converted to androgenic compounds, the effects here described entail a novel potential application of this agent against human PC.
Evaporation Method for Measuring Unsaturated Hydraulic Properties of Soils: Extending the Measurement Range
Authors: Schindler U. , Durner W. , von Unold G. , Müller L.
Published: June 2010

The evaporation method is frequently used for simultaneous determination of soil water retention and hydraulic conductivity relationships. Tension is measured at two depths within a short soil column as water evaporates from its surface. Water content and flux are determined by weighing the column. Tensions, water contents, and fluxes are used to derive the water retention curve and the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity function. The measurement range of the conventional procedure is limited on the wet end by the inability of pressure transducers to accurately register very small tension differences. Hence, the resulting calculated hydraulic gradient in the vertical direction is associated with large uncertainties. On the dry end, water cavitation in the tensiometer, which typically occurs around 70 to 90 kPa, is the limitation. We present here a new design based on improved tensiometers that resist cavitation to much higher tensions, some reaching values as high as 435 kPa. On the wet end, data from a simple steady‐state method were used to supplement the evaporation method. On the dry end, applying the new tensiometers enabled the quantification of hydraulic functions up to 293 kPa average tension. Experimental results and soil water simulation affirmed the validity of the linearization assumption, even on the dry end when nonlinear tension–depth profiles emerge. The application of evaporation functions as a supplement for frequent weighing reduces costs for the equipment and increases the effectiveness of the method. Their validity for deriving fluxes was confirmed for the extended range, too. Results are presented for soil samples of different textures (sand, loam, silt, clay, and peat), various origins, and various dry bulk densities.
Long‐Term Tillage and Poultry Litter Impacts Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Mineralization and Fertility
Authors: Watts Dexter B. , Torbert H. Allen , Prior Stephen A. , Huluka Gobena
Published: June 2010

Long‐term tillage and manure application can alter a soil's ability to sequester nutrients and mineralize C and N. A laboratory incubation study (C and N mineralization) evaluated the long‐term impact of poultry litter (PL) application (>10 yr) and tillage practice (>25 yr). Soil chemical properties (pH, total C, total N, and Mehlich‐1 extractable P, K, Ca, and Mg) were also assessed. Soil was collected (0–5‐, 5–10‐, and 10–20‐cm depths) from continuous soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] and corn (Zea maysL.) systems managed under conventional tillage (CT) or no‐till (NT) with either PL or inorganic fertilizer (IF) applications. The study was located in northeast Alabama on a Hartsells fine sandy loam (a fine‐loamy, siliceous, subactive, thermic Typic Hapludult). Poultry litter and NT increased soil nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg), primarily at the 0‐ to 5‐cm depth. No‐till concentrated nutrients near the soil surface as opposed to the more even distribution seen under CT. The NT‐PL treatment had higher soil C for corn and soybean (2.25 and 1.83 g kg−1C, respectively), followed by NT‐IF (1.73 and 1.11 g kg−1C, respectively). Carbon and N mineralization was higher at the 0‐ to 5‐cm depth for NT and CT compared with lower depths. Long‐term PL application increased C and N mineralization more than IF. As depth increased, more C and N mineralization occurred under CT due to plow layer mixing. Results indicated that long‐term tillage with PL application can increase soil C and N mineralization, nutrient retention, and organic matter.
Charcoal Volatile Matter Content Influences Plant Growth and Soil Nitrogen Transformations
Authors: Deenik Jonathan L. , McClellan Tai , Uehara Goro , Antal Michael J. , Campbell Sonia
Published: June 2010

A series of short‐term greenhouse experiments and laboratory incubations were conducted to evaluate the effect of macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia Maiden & Betche) nut shell (MNS) charcoal with varying volatile matter (VM) content on soil properties and plant growth in two tropical soils. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) were planted in an Andisol amended with four rates of MNS charcoal (0, 5, 10, and 20% w/w) containing relatively high VM content (225 g kg−1) with and without N fertilizer. Increasing rates of charcoal without N caused a significant decline in both lettuce and corn growth. Corn growth declined significantly with or without N at the two highest charcoal rates. In a third experiment, corn growth also declined significantly in an Ultisol amended with the MNS charcoal (5% w/w) with and without fertilizers. In a fourth experiment, charcoals with high VM (225 g kg−1) showed negative effects on plant growth while the low‐VM (63.0 g kg−1) charcoal supplemented with fertilizer showed a significant positive effect on corn growth. Results from the 2‐wk incubation experiments showed that high‐VM charcoal caused a significant decline in soil NH4+–N and a significant increase in soil respiration compared with the soil amended with low‐VM charcoal and the soil alone. We propose that phenolic compounds and other products in the high‐VM charcoal stimulated microbial growth and immobilization of plant‐available N. Our results demonstrate that VM content appears to be an important property of charcoal that has short‐term effects on soil N transformations and plant growth. Longer incubation experiments and field trials are needed to further elucidate the role of charcoal VM content on soil processes and plant growth.
Spatial Modeling of a Soil Fertility Index using Visible–Near‐Infrared Spectra and Terrain Attributes
Authors: Viscarra Rossel R. A. , Rizzo R. , Demattê J.A.M. , Behrens T.
Published: June 2010

Our objective was to develop a methodology to predict soil fertility using visible–near‐infrared (vis–NIR) diffuse reflectance spectra and terrain attributes derived from a digital elevation model (DEM). Specifically, our aims were to: (i) assemble a minimum data set to develop a soil fertility index for sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) (SFI‐SC) for biofuel production in tropical soils; (ii) construct a model to predict the SFI‐SC using soil vis–NIR spectra and terrain attributes; and (iii) produce a soil fertility map for our study area and assess it by comparing it with a green vegetation index (GVI). The study area was 185 ha located in São Paulo State, Brazil. In total, 184 soil samples were collected and analyzed for a range of soil chemical and physical properties. Their vis–NIR spectra were collected from 400 to 2500 nm. The Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission 3‐arcsec (90‐m resolution) DEM of the area was used to derive 17 terrain attributes. A minimum data set of soil properties was selected to develop the SFI‐SC. The SFI‐SC consisted of three classes: Class 1, the highly fertile soils; Class 2, the fertile soils; and Class 3, the least fertile soils. It was derived heuristically with conditionals and using expert knowledge. The index was modeled with the spectra and terrain data using cross‐validated decision trees. The cross‐validation of the model correctly predicted Class 1 in 75% of cases, Class 2 in 61%, and Class 3 in 65%. A fertility map was derived for the study area and compared with a map of the GVI. Our approach offers a methodology that incorporates expert knowledge to derive the SFI‐SC and uses a versatile spectro‐spatial methodology that may be implemented for rapid and accurate determination of soil fertility and better exploration of areas suitable for production.
Subtropical Soil Chronosequence on Holocene Marine Terraces in Eastern Taiwan
Authors: Huang Wen-Shu , Tsai Heng , Tsai Chen-Chi , Hseu Zeng-Yei , Chen Zueng-Sang
Published: June 2010

The Coastal Range in eastern Taiwan is characterized by rapid uplift at a rate of about 5 mm yr−1because of active arc‐continent collision since the Mio‐Pliocene. The Coastal Range includes three main levels of Holocene marine terraces, labeled the first, second, and third levels descending to the coast. The soils that have developed on the terraces provide a chronosequence for pedogenic studies. Thirteen soil pedons formed from conglomerate associated with tuff were sampled along three transects in the central and southern part of the eastern coast of Taiwan near the localities of Chang‐Bin, Cheng‐Gong, and Du‐Lan. The soils of the oldest terrace (first level) are mainly Typic Hapluderts with one Typic Hapludoll; the soils of the intermediate terrace (second level) are Vertic or Typic Hapludolls; and the soils of the youngest terrace (third level) are Typic Udipsamments. The degree of development of these soils can be determined from horizon index (HI), weighted profile development index (WPDI), weighted mean profile (WMP) clay, WMP silt, WMP sand, and WMP cation exchange capacity with correlation coefficients (r) >0.6 by linear or logarithmic functions. Comparisons of the chronofunctions based on WMP clay data in subtropical and Mediterranean climates suggest that climatic conditions not only control weathering intensity but also influence rates of soil development. The pedogenic evidence in this study supports the correlation of terraces suggested by previous geomorphic and tectonic studies. The anomalous, relatively weaker degree of soil development on the oldest terrace at Du‐Lan supports the conclusion that uplift rates in the Du‐Lan area are greater than at Chang‐Bin and Cheng‐Gong.
Long‐Term Tillage and Residue Management Influences Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics
Authors: Halpern Moshe T. , Whalen Joann K. , Madramootoo Chandra A.
Published: June 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of long‐term tillage and residue management on C and N pools in a sandy loam soil. Corn (Zea maysL.) was grown continuously since 1991 in a factorial experiment with three tillage treatments, directly seeded no‐till (NT), shallowly harrowed reduced tillage (RT), and moldboard plowed conventional tillage (CT), and two levels of residue input, roots plus corn stover (high input, HI) and roots only (low input, LI). Soils were collected at two depths (0–5 and 5–20 cm) in the fall of 2007. The soil organic C (SOC) and total N pools were greater in the NT and RT treatments than in the CT treatment. Residue management had a marginal (P < 0.1) effect on SOC and total N pools. The change in the SOC pool (0–20‐cm depth) after 16 yr showed a net loss of −6.3 Mg C ha−1from the CT treatment and net gains of 5.1 and 10.8 Mg C ha−1in the NT and RT treatments, respectively. Microbial biomass and the potentially mineralizable C and N concentrations in the 0‐ to 5‐cm depth were greater in the soil from the RT and NT treatments than from the CT treatment, with higher concentrations in the HI than LI residue treatment for both soil depths. Microbial biomass and potentially mineralizable C and N were also correlated with the SOC pool, which supports the use of these labile fractions as indicators of management‐induced changes in the SOC pool.
Synthetic Iron Oxides for Documenting Sulfide in Marsh Pore Water
Authors: Rabenhorst Martin C. , Megonigal J. Patrick , Keller Jason
Published: June 2010

In estuarine systems, naturally occurring soluble S2− is an indicator of anaerobic decomposition by the SO42−reduction pathway and can, at high concentrations, be detrimental to plant communities. Depth distributions of soluble S2− in marsh pore water are typically measured using either equilibrium dialysis samplers (peepers) or pore water extractors (sippers). The former technique provides concentrations equilibrated over one or more weeks at centimeter‐scale resolution, while the latter allows rapid sampling and analysis but with a coarser vertical resolution (5–10 cm). We report on a novel technology for documenting marsh pore water S2− concentrations based on reactive synthetic Fe oxides and image analysis, which allows rapid sampling but still captures small‐scale spatial resolution. During the last few years, this new technology associated with synthetic Fe oxides known as IRIS (Indicator of Reduction In Soils) has been developed to aid in documenting reducing conditions in wetland soils. Our recent work has shown that IRIS technology can be used to document and measure H2S levels in marsh soil pore water. The data obtained can provide detailed, quantitative information on S2− concentrations with millimeter‐scale spatial resolution.
Managing Runoff Water Quality from Recently Manured, Furrow‐Irrigated Fields
Authors: Lentz R. D. , Westermann D. T.
Published: June 2010

Nutrient losses in furrow irrigation runoff potentially increase when soils are amended with manure. We evaluated the effects of tillage, water‐soluble polyacrylamide (WSPAM), and irrigation management on runoff water quality during the first furrow irrigation on a calcareous silt loam soil that had received 45 Mg ha−1 (dry wt.) dairy manure applied in the fall. In Exp. 1, the amended soil was rototilled and irrigated that fall; furrow inflows were either treated with 10 mg L−1 WSPAM injected into furrow inflows only during furrow advance (Fall‐WSPAM), or were untreated (Fall‐Control). In Exp. 2, the first irrigation on the amended soil was delayed until the following spring and treatments included rototilled WSPAM (Spring‐WSPAM), with WSPAM applied as in Exp. 1, and untreated rototilled (Spring‐Control) or moldboard‐plowed soils (Spring‐Plow). Experiment 3 also delayed irrigation until spring and compared conventional vs. buried lateral furrow irrigation systems. We measured sediment, dissolved organic C (DOC), NO3–N, NH4–N, dissolved reactive P (DRP), and total P (TP) concentrations in irrigation furrow runoff. Runoff mass losses from Fall‐Control furrows were relatively large: sediment, 4505 kg ha−1; DOC, 10.7 kg ha−1; NO3–N, 28.1 g ha−1; NH4–N, 68.1 g ha−1; DRP, 132 g ha−1; and TP, 3381 g ha−1 Delaying the first irrigation until spring or treating the fall irrigation with WSPAM reduced runoff component losses by 80 to 100% relative to Fall‐Control. The Spring‐Plow treatment reduced runoff DRP mass losses by ∼60% compared with Spring‐Control. The buried lateral furrow system decreased runoff mass losses for sediment, DOC, and TP by >80% relative to conventional irrigation. This research demonstrated that several management practices may be successfully used to substantially reduce offsite nutrient transport during the first irrigation on furrow‐irrigated, manure‐amended fields.
Homology modeling of 3D structure of human chitinase-like protein CHI3L2
Authors: Iershov Anton , Odynets Konstantin , Kornelyuk Alexander , Kavsan Vadim
Published: June 2010

The human genome encodes six proteins of family 18 glycosyl hydrolases, two active chitinases and four chitinase-like lectins (chi-lectins) lacking catalytic activity. The present article is dedicated to homology modeling of 3D structure of human chitinase 3-like 2 protein (CHI3L2), which is overexpressed in glial brain tumors, and its structural comparison with homologous chi-lectin CHI3L1. Two crystal structures of CHI3L1 in free state (Protein Data Bank codes 1HJX and 1NWR) were used as structural templates for the homology modeling by Modeller 9.7 program, and the best quality model structure was selected from the obtained model ensemble. Analysis of potential oligosaccharide-binding groove structures of CHI3L1 and CHI3L2 revealed significant differences between these two homologous proteins. 8 of 19 amino acid residues important for ligand binding are substituted in CHI3L2: Tyr34/Asp39, Trp69/Lys74, Trp71/Lys76, Trp99/Tyr104, Asn100/Leu105, Met204/Leu210, Tyr206/Phe212 and Arg263/His271. The differences between these residues could influence the structure of the ligand-binding groove and substantially change the ability of CHI3L2 to bind oligosaccharide ligands.
Clinical Outcomes Associated with Depression, Anxiety and Social Support Among Cardiac Rehabilitation Attendees
Authors: Turner Alyna , Phillips Lisa , Hambridge John A. , Baker Amanda L. , Bowman Jenny , Colyvas Kim
Published: June 2010

Objective: To utilize existing medical record information in order to examine the relationship between depression, anxiety, levels of social support and clinical outcomes in cardiac rehabilitation attendees.

Method: In a tertiary care centre 389 records for cardiac rehabilitation outpatients were analysed. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales scores collected at week 4 of their cardiac rehabilitation programme were linked with medical record information on demographic, lifestyle, medical and other coronary heart disease risk factors, as well as follow-up cardiovascular events and readmissions for an average of 2.6 years. Variables of interest were anxiety and depression scores and proxy measures of social support. Clinical outcome measures were number of hospital admissions, length of stay and mortality.

Results: Multiple variable analysis revealed higher anxiety scores were associated with more hospital admissions and higher depression scores were associated with longer length of stay after controlling for other established prognostic risk factors. Depression, anxiety and social support were not associated with mortality, however there was a low mortality rate in the present study.

Conclusion: A comprehensive summary of the characteristics of cardiac rehabilitation patients was gathered through the linkage and examination of existing clinical databases. The results of this study provide some support for a prognostic role of depressive and anxiety symptoms and highlight the need for screening for psychological distress and provision of appropriate interventions when indicated.
Common Buckwheat-based EST Primers in the Genome of other Species of Fagopyrum
Authors: Joshi BK , Okuno K , Ohsawa R , Hara T
Published: June 2010

If the EST primers designed for one species can be used in related species, then the cost involvedin developing markers for DNA fingerprinting, genetic relationship studies, mapping, etc. forother species is significantly reduced. We tested the applicability of 17 EST primers developedfrom common buckwheat in other wild and cultivated Fagopyrum species. A total of 18accessions consisting of 4 subspecies and 2 species were used. Sequences of 93 cDNA cloneswere used to design primers using Primer3. Amplification products were different in bandintensity. In most of the cases, the bands of F. homotropicum were with high intensity. Allprimers showed single band except in Accession C9022. Three primers 23, 31 and 69 producedvery clear singe band. All primers amplified the genomic DNA of F. homotropicum (2x). Eightprimers amplified the DNA of all accessions. Results indicated that the transferability of ESTmarkers developed for common buckwheat decreased with an increase in genetic distancebetween them.Key words: Common buckwheat; EST markers; Fagopyrum species; transferabilityDOI: 10.3126/narj.v7i0.1863Nepal Agriculture Research Journal Vol.7 2006 pp.27-36
Nutritional Variation of Different Feed Ingredients and Compound Feed Found in Different Parts of Nepal
Authors: Tiwari MR , Khanal SK , Shrestha B , Jha RK
Published: June 2010

Many feed industries in various parts of the country have been producing and marketingdifferent types of compound feeds. The source of feed ingredients also varies greatly which willultimately lead to the variation in the quality of finished products. Altogether 493 samples of 50different feed ingredients and compound feed were collected from Baglung, Baitadi, Banke,Chitwan, Darchula, Dolakha, Dolpa, Gorkha, Ilam, Jhapa, Kathmandu, Kaski, Lalitpur,Lamjung, Morang, Mahottary, Makwanpur, Myagdi, Nawal Parasi, Parbat, Parsa, Rasuwa,Rupandehi, Sankhuwasava, Sunsari, Saptari, Sarlahi, Sindhupalchok, Siraha, Syangja andTanahun districts. Highest content of dry matter (99.51%), organic matter (98.45%), total ash(98.14%) and crude protein (67.85%) was recorded for oyster cell, white maize grain, oyster celland meat meal respectively. Similarly, the rice husk was found to be superior in crude fibrecontent (34.46%) In terms of mineral oyster cell was found to be superior in calcium content(35.94%) and bone meal in phosphorous content (1.59%) as compared to other feed ingredients.Key words: Crude fibre; crude protein; dry matter; feed ingredients; organic matter; total ashDOI: 10.3126/narj.v7i0.1872Nepal Agriculture Research Journal Vol.7 2006 pp.75-81
A Survey on Marketing Potential of Maize Seed Production in the Western Hill of Nepal
Authors: Joshi KR
Published: June 2010

A Marketing Rural Rapid Appraisal Survey (MRRA) was conducted from 12-16 June 2002 inBhakimli (1725 masl), Myagdi district. Two factors namely gender (male and female) and wealthcategory rich, medium and poor were considered in accessible area of Bhakimli. Semi-structuredquestionnaires and checklist were used to collect information on maize seed production, marketingopportunities and marketing system for producers, traders and consumers. The objectives of thestudy were to understand existing maize seed production, demand and supply; to identify theproblems associated with the seed marketing system and policy options for sustainable maize seedproduction. Farmers groups in Bhakimli were involved in maize seed production and managementof marketing. Successful seed production for long-term would ensure a continuous supply of openpollinated variety (OPV) seed in farmers' level. Seed production as a new commercial enterprisecreated employment opportunities as well as income generating in the Western hills of Nepal.Keywords: Commercial enterprises; community seed production; employment; income generating;marketing potentialDOI: 10.3126/narj.v7i0.1873Nepal Agriculture Research Journal Vol.7 2006 pp.82-87
Women’s health issues and safe abortion service for unwanted pregnancies
Authors: Rana Ashma
Published: June 2010

DOI: 10.3126/njog.v4i1.3323Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology June-July 2009; 4(1): 1-2
Managing cervical cancer in Nepal: Need of consensual guideline
Authors: Baral Gehanath
Published: June 2010

The purpose of this review is to bridge the pattern of intervention in optimal and sub-optimal facility level.Several guidelines for the screening and treatment of cervical cancer are reviewed. Routine screening isfound grossly lacking and non existent outside major health institution. Only nominal data and interventionefforts found published. There are three prongs of intervention level namely prevention/screening, treatmentand palliation together. Pap smear test is the standard screening tool wherever the cyto-diagnostic facilityexists. Visual Inspection with Acetic acid and Lugol's Iodine will be the feasible alternative at low resourcesetting. Primary surgical treatment for early cervical cancer is the best option. Likewise chemo-radiation withor without surgery will be the alternative option. Need of at least an operational guideline in each institutionis realized at this moment as a recommendation.Key words: Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN); colposcopy; Pap smear (Papanicolou stain); radicalhysterectomy; visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA).DOI: 10.3126/njog.v4i1.3324Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology June-July 2009; 4(1): 3-10
The prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis and Candida albicans infection in the lower genital tracts of antenatal patients in Abakaliki, Southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Sunday-Adeoye IM , Adeoye JOK , Umeora OUJ , Okonta PI
Published: June 2010

Aims: To determine the prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis and Candida albican infection among anasymptomatic pregnant population and to document their pregnancy outcomes.Methods: This was a prospective study involving antenatal clinic attendees at the Ebonyi State UniversityTeaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria. They were randomly recruited and informed consent obtained. Vaginalspecimens were collected from them and analyzed in the laboratory. They were followed up till delivery andpregnancy outcomes documented.Results: Two hundred expectant mothers were recruited. The prevalence rate of Trichomonas vaginalis andCandida albicans were 0.5% and 27.5% respectively. Due to the high dropout rate in the study, it wasimpossible to make any reasonable inference about the pregnancy outcomes associated with these conditions.Conclusion: There is probably the need for the use of more sophisticated methods for the detection ofTrichomonas vaginalis. The existing methods in most laboratories in the country may not be adequate. Thereis also probably the need for a larger sample size and a stricter follow up of the patients in order to documentany adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with these conditions.Keywords: Prevalence; Trichomonas vaginalis; Candida albicans; antenatal careDOI: 10.3126/njog.v4i1.3325Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology June-July 2009; 4(1): 11-14
Myomectomy: TU Teaching Hospital experiences
Authors: Gurung Geeta , Pradhan Neelam , Rawal Suniti , Rana Ashma , Ghimire Seeta , Baral Josie
Published: June 2010

Aim: To study, open myomectomy operation for uterine myoma/s as of present day practices in women ofreproductive age attending TU Teaching Hospital.Methods: This is a retrospective study where we reviewed the medical records of myomectomy cases from2060-2065(2003 April-2009 April).Result: Total 40 cases of myomectomy performed in TU Teaching hospital for myoma size varying from ≥ 10weeks (5), 12-16 weeks (15), 17-22 weeks (5), 23-28 weeks (5) and unknown (2) in women of reproductiveage [ 30-34(16), ≥ 29 (13), 35-39 (9), 40- 44 (1) and ≥ 45 (1)] in 13 (unmarried); nullipara (17); P1-2 (15)P3-4 (1) for reasons of infertility(12), dysmenorrhea (12), menorrhagia (8), urinary problems( 7) abdominalpain (3).At caesarean, myomectomy has been done in special circumstances for subbersous pedunculated myomaand broad ligament myoma, one each.Solitary myomas were 29 and multiple myomas were 8; a case each of broad ligament and cervical myoma(1), was later removed vaginally. Rests had abdominal procedure and was facilitated by Bonney's hoodincision and posterior incision 8 each, anterior 7, fundal 2, using multiple incision technique in 11 alongwith secondary tunneling incision (3). Uterine cavity was opened in 3 resulting in blood loss up to ≥ 500mlin 2. Degeneration were noticed in 11 [cystic (4), fatty (2), calcification (2) red (2) and myxoid (1)] and nonewith post operative morbidity. Pregnancies were recorded in 3 cases.Conclusion: Open abdominal myomectomy, for uterine myoma/s has been a recognized procedure forinfertile women in the past; but in view of less morbidity as shown by this present study myomectomy can besafely practiced in women desiring uterine preservation besides infertility care. .Key words: Degeneration; dysmenorrhoea; menorrhagia; myomectomyDOI: 10.3126/njog.v4i1.3326Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology June-July 2009; 4(1): 15-18