bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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 FormalismWe 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

AbstractIn 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, <i>Lamellidens corrianus</i> (Lea) & <i>Parreysia cylindrica</i> (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
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
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.
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.
Differing Requirements for CCR4, E-Selectin, and α4β1 for the Migration of Memory CD4 and Activated T Cells to Dermal Inflammation
Authors: Gehad Ahmed , Al-Banna Nadia A. , Vaci Maria , Issekutz Andrew C. , Mohan Karkada , Latta Markus , Issekutz Thomas B. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
CCR4 on T cells is suggested to mediate skin homing in mice. Our objective was to determine the interaction of CCR4, E-selectin ligand (ESL), and α4β1 on memory and activated T cells in recruitment to dermal inflammation. mAbs to rat CCR4 were developed. CCR4 was on 5–21% of memory CD4 cells, and 20% were also ESL+. Anti–TCR-activated CD4 and CD8 cells were 40–55% CCR4+, and ∼75% of both CCR4+ and CCR4− cells were ESL+. CCR4+ memory CD4 cells migrated 4- to 7-fold more to dermal inflammation induced by IFN-γ, TNF, TLR agonists, and delayed-type hypersensitivity than CCR4− cells. CCR4+ activated CD4 cells migrated only 5–50% more than CCR4− cells to these sites. E-selectin blockade inhibited ∼60% of CCR4+ activated CD4 cell migration but was less effective on memory cells where α4β1 was more important. Anti-α4β1 also inhibited CCR4− activated CD4 cells more than CCR4+ cells. Anti–E-selectin reduced activated CD8 more than CD4 cell migration. These findings modify our understanding of CCR4, ESL, α4β1, and dermal tropism. There is no strict relationship between CCR4 and ESL for skin homing of CD4 cells, because the activation state and inflammatory stimulus are critical determinants. Dermal homing memory CD4 cells express CCR4 and depend more on α4β1 than ESL. Activated CD4 cells do not require CCR4, but CCR4+ cells are more dependent on ESL than on α4β1, and CCR4− cells preferentially use α4β1. The differentiation from activated to memory CD4 cells increases the dependence on CCR4 for skin homing and decreases the requirement for ESL.
Role of M2b Macrophages in the Acceleration of Bacterial Translocation and Subsequent Sepsis in Mice Exposed to Whole Body [137Cs] Gamma-Irradiation
Authors: Kobayashi Makiko , Nakamura Kiwamu , Cornforth Michael , Suzuki Fujio 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The influence of whole-body gamma-irradiation on the antibacterial host defense against Enterococcus faecalis translocation was investigated. Mice irradiated with or without 5 Gy [137Cs] gamma-rays were orally infected with 106 CFU/mouse E. faecalis. The pathogen was detected in the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) of irradiated mice 1–4 d postinfection, whereas E. faecalis was not isolated from MLNs of normal mice. All irradiated mice died within 5 d of infection, whereas no mortality was shown in normal mice infected with the pathogen. Irradiated mice inoculated with normal mouse MLN macrophages (Mϕ) were shown to be resistant against the infection, although the same mice inoculated with irradiated mouse MLNMϕ (I-MLNMϕ) died postinfection. I-MLNMϕ were identified as IL-10+IL-12−CCL1+LIGHT+ Mϕ (M2bMϕ) and were shown to be inhibitory on Mϕ conversion from resident Mϕ to IL-10−IL-12+Mϕ (M1Mϕ). M2bMϕ were demonstrated in MLNs of mice 10–35 d after gamma-irradiation. M1Mϕ were not induced by E. faecalis Ag in cultures of I-MLNMϕ, whereas normal mouse MLNMϕ were converted to M1Mϕ in response to the Ag stimulation. After treatment with CCL1 antisense oligodeoxynucleotides, M2bMϕ disappeared in MLNs of irradiated mice, and M1Mϕ were generated in MLNs of these mice following E. faecalis stimulation. These results indicate that M2bMϕ presented in the I-MLNMϕ populations were responsible for the impaired resistance of mice irradiated with gamma-rays to bacterial translocation and subsequent sepsis. E. faecalis translocation and subsequent sepsis may be controlled immunologically by the intervention of M2bMϕ present in MLNs.