bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gait Pattern In Patients After Mandible Reconstruction Using Free Fibula Or Iliac Crest Flaps In The Treatment Of Head And Neck Tumors
Authors: Kirwil Monika , Syczewska Małgorzata , Jaworowski Janusz , Tchórzewska-Korba Hanna , Krajewski Romuald
Published: May 2014

Streszczenie

Wstęp: Techniki chirurgii rekonstrukcyjnej z przeniesieniem wolnych płatów kostnych pozwalają na odtworzenie usuniętego wraz z nowotworem fragmentu kości twarzoczaszki i tkanek miękkich. Umożliwiają one prawidłowe funkcjonowanie i zachowanie walorów estetycznych pomimo rozległej resekcji. Wiążą się jednak z zaburzeniami funkcjonalnymi w okolicy, z której przeszczep został pobrany.

Celem pracy jest analiza zmian stereotypu i parametrów chodu, w przypadku wykorzystania płata ze strzałki i płata z talerza biodrowego, do rekonstrukcji żuchwy po resekcji nowotworu u pacjentów, leczonych z powodu nowotworu głowy i szyi.

Materiał i metody: Badania prowadzono u dwóch pacjentów, którzy przechodzili rekonstrukcję żuchwy z pobranego płata ze strzałki i płata z talerza biodrowego. W celu analizy parametrów chodu wykonano trzykrotne badanie chodu, przed-, miesiąc po i trzy miesiące po operacji. Po przebytym zabiegu operacyjnym pacjenci byli przez cały czas usprawniani ruchowo.

Wyniki: Przeprowadzona analiza wykazała pogorszenie parametrów chodu, miesiąc po pobraniu elementów kostnych (kość strzałkowa, kość talerza biodrowego) do rekonstrukcji, w obrębie twarzoczaszki i ich powrót do poziomu sprzed zabiegu, po 3 miesiącach. Wnioski: Pobranie fragmentu kości strzałkowej i talerza biodrowego wpływa negatywnie na funkcję chodu. Systematyczna rehabilitacja podczas pobytu w szpitalu i w trybie ambulatoryjnym, umożliwiła u przedstawionych pacjentów powrót do poziomu sprzed operacji.

Badania są kontynuowane wśród większej grupy pacjentów, aby uzyskać pełniejszy obraz patobiomechaniki narządu ruchu po pobraniu płatów kostnych. Ich wyniki umożliwią lepszy dobór metod rekonstrukcji oraz pozwolą na stworzenie standardu postępowania po obu zabiegach.
Changes in shape of elderly foot
Authors: Drzał-Grabiec Justyna , Podgórska Justyna , Rykała Justyna , Walicka-Cupryś Katarzyna , Truszczyńska Aleksandra
Published: May 2014

Streszczenie

Wstęp: Stopa ludzka jest ważną częścią statyczno-dynamiczną narządu ruchu. Zmiany które zachodzą z wiekiem w ukształtowaniu stóp powodują pogorszenie jakości życia, utratę mobilności oraz zwiększone ryzyko upadków.

Celem pracy była ocena zmian zachodzących w ukształtowaniu stóp u kobiet i mężczyzn po 60 roku życia.

Materiał i Metody: W badaniach wzięło udział 70 osób (35 kobiet i 35 mężczyzn), w wieku od 60 do 90 lat, średnia wysokości ciała badanych 167±5,6 cm, średnia masy ciała 78,1±12,1 kg. Grupę kontrolną stanowiło 70 osób (35 kobiet i 35 mężczyzn) w wieku 20-25 lat wysokość ciała badanych 172±7,3, masa ciała 70±8,4. Do oceny ukształtowania stóp wykorzystano bezinwazyjną metodę fotogrametryczną opartą na zjawisku mory projekcyjnej.

Wyniki: Analiza statystyczna wykazała istotne różnice w ukształtowaniu stóp osób po 60 roku życia w porównaniu do grupy kontrolnej pomiędzy większością badanych parametrów. W przypadku porównania badanych parametrów pomiędzy grupą kobiet i mężczyzn istotne różnice zachodzą jedynie w przypadku długości (P:p=0,0000; L:p=0,0000) oraz szerokości stóp (P:p=0,0017; L:p=0,0007). Pozostałe parametry nie wykazują różnic istotnych statystycznie.

Wnioski: 1. Ukształtowanie stóp kobiet i mężczyzn zmienia się wraz z wiekiem. 2. Zmiany w ukształtowaniu stóp kobiet i mężczyzn po 60 roku życia w większości parametrów nie są warunkowane przez płeć.
Premises For Buildng A Land Bank By Developers
Authors: Kania Katarzyna
Published: May 2014

In a development project, land is the key factor of production. The concepts of its identification, selection and development are fundamental to the pre-investment phase. The purpose of the article is to present a definition of a land bank and identify the factors which have an impact on creating land banks by developers. If the length of time between the actual acquisition of land and the commencement of construction work is difficult to predict, developers will increase the size of their land banks. The author assumes that one of the most important premises for developers to accumulate land resources is the land development system which creates land availability.
Diversification Principles Of Real Estate Portfolios
Authors: Śmietana Katarzyna
Published: May 2014

Diversifying an investment portfolio through the diversification of assets, which is accompanied by the dispersion of risk, is aimed at achieving an appropriate balance between the expected return and an acceptable level of investment risk. While considering the specificity of various forms of investing in property, the level of the liquidity risk of property assets and the risk of financial instruments in the real estate market, as well as the volume of the capital involved and the regional differentiation of its allocation, this paper intends to present the possible ways of diversifying the portfolio, including sectoral and geographical diversification on the assumption that investments are concentrated in metropolitan areas. The identification of investment portfolio diversification principles, including liquid assets and the real estate market, embraces this perspective on the conditions of the functioning of EU REITs, whose business goal is to manage professionally diversified real estate portfolios
Soft Skills and Their Wage Returns: Overview of Empirical Literature
Authors: Balcar Jiří
Published: May 2014

Psychological traits, attitudes and soft skills represent factors whose effect on an individual’s wages has begun to be examined recently. Today, there is an extensive empirical body on wage returns to the first two factors, but still a relatively small one on wage returns to soft skills, such as communication, cooperation, leadership etc. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of empirical literature on wage returns to soft skills. It suggests that soft skills are connected with significant wage returns and contribute to closing the gender wage gap. The end of the paper focuses on a discussion on methodological approaches to measurement of soft skills and relevancy of their approximation by job characteristics (incl. suggestion of using tools of competency modelling for this purpose).
Heterotopia on Screen- Blue Velvet (1986)
Authors: Filimon Eliza Claudia
Published: May 2014

Based on a framework consisting of postmodern theories of heterotopias, spatial pastiche, schizophrenic temporality and postmodern speed, this paper seeks to identify cinematic features in the works of the American director David Lynch, which exemplify time and space in postmodernism. Michel Foucault's theory of space will trigger the whole problematic of the time-space relation. This is followed by a discussion of Fredric Jameson's concepts of spatial pastiche and schizophrenic temporality and of the involute interaction between the two
Chinese and Saudi English Language Education Policies: A World System Perspective
Authors: Faruk Syed Md. Golam
Published: May 2014

The paper contends that the English Language Education Policies (ELEP) of a state depend largely on its movement in Wallerstein’s world system. To test the hypothesis, ELEPs of China and Saudi Arabia are compared and found to be similar due to the states’ parallel journey in the world system.
Psychological and educational aspects of p. freire’s pedagogy and its implementation in the training of professionals in Latin America
Authors: Zhizhko Olena
Published: May 2014

The article is dedicated to the results of scientific-pedagogical research, which presupposed the analysis of psychological and educational aspects of P. Freire’s pedagogy and its implementation in the training of professionals in Latin America.

The analysis of scientific-pedagogical works of such Latin American scientists as M. Arnold, A. Díaz-Barriga, M. Fernández-Enguita, A. Hirsch-Adler, T. Pacheco-Mendez, A. Richard, M. Suarez-Peñaloza, C. Tunnermann-Bernheim, et al. gives reason to believe that the concept of profession is embodied in certain socio-economic activities recognized by society, and by doing that, the person receives remuneration, appropriate to his/her knowledge, abilities, skills and obtains a social status which is established by community.

The professional education is defined as an organic holistic education - a system that ensures the reproduction of the productive forces (with higher or secondary qualifications) of the society. It is also the process and result of the acquisition (in the formal, informal and non-formal forms) of a certain level of knowledge, skills, norms and values of a particular profession and making a final cultural identity, which, among other values, includes environmental responsibility for our actions. It has an integral connection with adult education.

It has been found out that the training of specialists in Latin America is based on psychological and pedagogical aspects of pedagogy of P. Freire: the separation of powers, foresight that is not vertical, as in a traditional educational model, but has a horizontal location of the participants of the educational process and their active participation in it.
Vocational guidance school system in the gymnasium of Poland as an important condition for professional development of a personality
Authors: Bordakova Olena
Published: May 2014

Choice of profession is a long process that begins in early childhood and usually lasts for the whole life. That’s why it is so important to build a solid vocational guidance school system that will help students to make weighted decisions about their professional future. This system should perform the following functions: engage students in active selfawareness and self-esteem; change student’s self-appraisal if it’s different from his/her actual capabilities (too high or too low); help students to deepen their knowledge about professions that are interesting to them; teach students to compare their state of health with the demands of a chosen profession; acquaint them with the structure of education; collaborate with their parents. The result of its work is prepared, motivated, active and enterprising young people who know how to take initiative in finding job; adapt acquired professional skills to the needs of the labor market; acquire new skills in difficult situations such as unemployment, new working environment, retraining; be free moving in the new realities of free-market economy; use the art of self-presentation; prepare application documents; use computer and serf on the web. So, the successful choice of future professional life depends on the decision of a gymnasium graduate about his/her further direction of education. And the factor of this successful choice is the knowledge obtained by pupils about themselves, the world of professions, directions of further study in the conditions of lifelong learning program.
THE DYNAMIC OF GROWTH OF ACHIEVEMENT IN MATHEMATICS OF LATVIAN SCHOOL LEARNERS: ANALYSIS OF INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH
Authors: Šapkova Aļesja
Published: May 2014

Mathematics takes a specific place in the education of any country because the opportunities and success of youth in contemporary society are often dependent on their knowledge and skills exactly in the sphere of mathematics. Information about the status quo of mathematics education in the country is gained in international comparative research on education. The goal of the present research is to reflect the outcomes of the international project “Non-cognitive skills and Singapore learners - international comparison” organized by Singapore National Education Institute about the achievement of 2828 Latvian school learners of grade 9 in doing 12 mathematical sums. These outcomes were compared with Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2003 research outcomes that, in turn, made it possible to predict the outcomes of PISA 2012 research in mathematics education as well as evaluate the efficiency of the new standard of education in Latvia in the first six years. The article will also regard the causes of the low achievement of Latvian learners in doing sums in mathematics.
Analysis of Beams with Transversal Gradations of the Young's Modulus and Variable Depths by the Meshless Method
Authors: Sátor Ladislav , Sládek Vladimír , Sládek Ján
Published: May 2014

A numerical analysis based on the meshless local Petrov- Galerkin (MLPG) method is proposed for a functionally graded material FGM (FGMfunctionally graded material) beam. The planar bending of the beam is considered with a transversal gradation of Young's modulus and a variable depth of the beam. The collocation formulation is constructed from the equilibrium equations for the mechanical fields. Dirac's delta function is employed as a test function in the derivation of a strong formulation. The Moving Least Squares (MLS) approximation technique is applied for an approximation of the spatial variations of all the physical quantities. An investigation of the accuracy, the convergence of the accuracy, the computational efficiency and the effect of the level of the gradation of Young's modulus on the behaviour of coupled mechanical fields is presented in various boundary value problems for a rectangular beam with a functionally graded Young's modulus.
The Structure and Functions of Language
Authors: Searle John R.
Published: May 2014

This paper will discuss the nature of language. I find the present state of the subject, the Philosophy of Language, and the present state of Lin- guistics to be both, for different reasons, unsatisfactory. The problem with the Philosophy of Language is that its practitioners tend to lose sight of the psy- chological reality of language, i.e. of speaking and writing. Historically this is because the Philosophy of Language began with Frege’s logic and has continued to the present day to be heavily influenced by considerations of formal logic. Logicians need not be interested in the psychological reality of logical systems. Frege’s logical system is much more powerful than Aristotle’s, but for all I know Aristotle may be closer to the way people actually think. It does not matter to logicians.
Multiple Parallel Ordinations: the Importance of Choice of Ordination Method and Weighting of Species Abundance Data
Authors: Son Thijs Christiaan van , Halvorsen Rune
Published: May 2014

Most species-abundance matrices subjected to ordination are analysed by applying one ordination method to one single weighting (transformation) of the raw abundance values. We argue that such an approach is sub-optimal for identification of species-environment relationships. In order to capture the full range of qualitative and quantitative components of variation unique to each species-abundance matrix, data sets covering the full range of abundance weights from presence/absence to raw abundance data should be subjected to ordination. Furthermore, two or more ordination methods should be used in parallel to enhance detection of artifacts in the results. We describe and exemplify a multiple parallel ordination (MPO) procedure, which ensures that both qualitative and quantitative properties of the data set are revealed. This procedure implies that different ordination methods are applied in parallel, each with different weightings of elements in the species-abundance matrix. Two species-abundance matrices are used to exemplify the MPO procedure, one of individual counts from a marine benthic study of mollusc and echinoderm species and one of percent cover of vascular plants, bryophytes and lichens from a study of boreal forest understory vegetation. Striking differences between point configurations obtained by different ordination methods and strong dependence of ordination results on the weights given to abundance are demonstrated. Properties of species and data sets that may explain the observed variation in ordination results are analyzed and discussed. We show that the widely held belief that changes in ordination structure with changes of weighting function are brought about only by highly abundant and frequent species is an over-simplification. We conclude that the MPO procedure - applying more than one ordination method and more than one weighting function is likely to enhance the user’s insight into the multivariate structure of species-abundance matrices resulting from ordination analyses.
Justification of Financial Safety Analysis Approach in Cargo-and-Passenger Ferry Operations Management
Authors: Kirillova Yelena V. , Meleshenko Yekaterina S.
Published: May 2014

Currently, ferry services are widespread in Europe, the Baltic States, the CIS and they continue to progress rapidly despite the unstable global economy. An activity of modern cargo-and-passenger fleet is based on nevertheless the perspective of stable profit generation. In conditions of ferry market instability, the important task is to ensure the break-even analysis in operation of vessels and justification of relevant quantitative indicators. At the same time, when managing the production activity of the ferry operators and, in particular, when analysing the ferry operation the indicator of its financial safety factor is of great importance. This paper refines static indicators and determines dynamic indicators of critical quantity of cargoes and passengers in ferry loading; gives analytical method of its justification; develops analytical method and presents graphical method of financial safety factor estimation when loading of cargo only or boarding of passengers only, as well as performing composite actions - loading of cargoes and picking up passengers.
Problems of the Supply Chain Reliability Evaluation
Authors: Lukinskiy Valery , Lukinskiy Vladislav , Churilov Rostislav
Published: May 2014

Reliability is one of the most important characteristics of the functioning of supply chains. The carried out analysis have shown that, despite some progress, a number of questions remain open, in particular, the terminology, the selection of key indicators and methods of their calculation as well as there is no economic evaluation of redundant and restorable supply chains. The paper presents a formed conceptual apparatus of logistics systems' reliability theory, the discrete-continuous model of the simple supply chain’s functioning as well as it contains the proposal to assess the reliability not only with the help of faultlessness but as well by using the leading function of costs associated with the maintenance of supply chains’ operability
Overview of raptor monitoring activities in Europe
Authors: Vrezec Al , Duke Guy , Kovács András , Saurola Pertti , Wernham Chris , Burfield Ian , Movalli Paola , Bertoncelj Irena
Published: May 2014

Despite the key role of raptors (including birds of prey Falconiformes and owls Strigiformes) in ecosystems and their sensitivity to environmental change, a well coordinated, Europe-wide monitoring of raptors is lacking. EURAPMON, a Research Networking Programme of the European Science Foundation, was launched with the aim of establishing a sustainable Europewide network for monitoring of raptors. An overview of current monitoring schemes for raptor populations in 28 European countries, as reported by EURAPMON National Coordinators at the workshop in Murcia (Spain) in 2012, showed existing monitoring schemes to be limited to a restricted number of species (mostly diurnal and rare raptor species). The most widely monitored species are the Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos amongst diurnal raptors and the Eagle Owl Bubo bubo amongst owls. Broad coverage of a species range across Europe is reached only for restricted-range species. The key driver for monitoring, which is mostly coordinated by NGOs, is conservation, and the main end users are governmental institutions. International collaboration in the field of monitoring of raptors is mainly regional and not yet pan-European in scale. The involvement of volunteers in raptor monitoring was perceived as the main strength of many schemes, but insufficient manpower and a focus on rare species were recognised as the main weaknesses across Europe as a whole. Among priorities identified for the future development of monitoring schemes are: improvements to national coordination; support to increase the number of volunteers; and assurances of stable funding. Further analysis of EURAPMON questionnaires will identify knowledge gaps, which will steer good practice guidance on survey methodologies; the need for the latter was identified as the main benefit that National Coordinators expect to gain from international networking
A preliminary overview of monitoring for raptors in Croatia
Authors: Mazal Vlatka Dumbović , Mikulić Krešimir
Published: May 2014

There are 40 regularly occurring raptor species in Croatia (diurnal raptors and owls), but only for two species (Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus and Eleonora’s Falcon F. eleonorae) long-term monitoring (more than 10 years) of significant parts (i.e. > 80%) of their national population has been implemented. For 23 species (58%), the coverage of monitoring is limited to several locations (often within borders of given protected area), involving small percentage of national population or/and has started recently. Therefore, they do not satisfy the main purpose of national monitoring programmes, i.e. to draw conclusions about the trend of the species’ national population and to support the decision-making process about conservation measures to be applied. Besides the Institute of Ornithology and several ornithological NGOs, which are recognized as main actors for the implementation of raptors monitoring, the State Institute for Nature Protection (SINP) is setting up a framework for the nationwide bird monitoring complying with the legal provisions of the EU Birds Directive and the Natura 2000 network. The highest priority is to improve the coordination between state institutions, scientific and non-governmental organizations involved in raptor conservation with the final aim to develop a national raptor conservation strategy that sets priority target species and standardized monitoring systems
An overview of monitoring for raptors in Finland
Authors: Saurola Pertti
Published: May 2014

In Finland, population monitoring for both diurnal and nocturnal raptors has been almost entirely based on fieldwork carried out by voluntary raptor ringers. Responsible organisations include the Finnish Museum of Natural History, with economic support for administration from the Ministry of Environment, “Metsahallitus” (former National Board of Forestry) and WWF Finland. Since the early 1970s, numbers and productivity of four endangered species, the White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla, Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos, Osprey Pandion haliaetus and Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus have been monitored by country-wide Comprehensive Surveys, with the aim of checking all known nest sites of these species every year. The Gyrfalcon F. rusticolus was included in this group in the late 1990s. Data for monitoring the populations of the other raptor species have been gathered by the Raptor Grid and Raptor Questionnaire projects. The Raptor Grid project produces annual population indices, which are calculated from the data collected from 10 × 10 km study plots (n = ca. 130/year) and quite well reflect the annual population fluctuations and longterm trends of seven common species of diurnal and six species of nocturnal raptors breeding in the southern part of Finland. For the rest of the species, which are either rare all over Finland or breed mostly in the north, outside the good coverage of the distribution of Raptor Grid study plots, conclusions on population changes are based on the total numbers of occupied territories and active nests reported annually by the Raptor Questionnaires
Digital processing methods of images and signals in electromagnetic infiltration process
Authors: Kubiak Ireneusz
Published: May 2014

The article contains information about the capabilities of electromagnetic infiltration process in case of occurrence of strong interfering signals. As a methods supporting infiltration process used method of digital processing of signals and images in the form of histogram transformations, global and local thresholding of signal amplitudes and logical filters. The material presented in the article shows that risk can arise if the uncontrolled use of the computer. Risks that could decide our safety and security of our data. obtained images. Manipulation of histograms, threshold amplitudes of the emission signal correlated with the classified signals or logical filters highlight the weakness of the security used at the source. The presence of strong interfering signals such as vertical and horizontal synchronization signals blocking measurement receivers, do not prevent the reproduction of classified information. Opportunities of the electromagnetic infiltration in situations of weak compromising emissions occurs are presented in the article.
Application of the curvature scale space transform to the representation of three-dimensional models
Authors: Frejlichowski Dariusz
Published: May 2014

In this paper an algorithm for the representation of 3D models is described and experimentally evaluated. Three-dimensional objects are becoming very popular recently and they are processed in various ways - analysed, retrieved, recognised, and so on. Moreover, they are employed in various aplications, such as virtual reality, entertainment, Internet, Computer Aided Design, or even in biometrics or medical imaging. That is why the development of appropriate algorithms for the representation of 3D objects is so important recently. These algorithms - so called 3D shape descriptors - are assumed to be invariant to particular transformations and deformations. One of the possible approaches is based on the projections of a 3D object into planar shapes and representation of them using a 2D shape descriptor. An algorithm realising this idea is described in this paper. Its first stage is based on the rendering of 20 2D projections, from various points of view. Later, the obtained projections are stored in a form of bitmaps and the Curvature Scale Space algorithm is applied for the description of the planar shapes extracted from them. The proposed approach is experimentally compared with several other 3D shape representation methods.
Queuing models for wireless mesh networks
Authors: Hanczewski Sławomir , Sobieraj Maciej , Dominik Stasiak Michał , Weissenberg Joanna
Published: May 2014

In this paper we discuss a proposition of various applications of new queueing models that have been developed within the CARMNET project in nodes of the mesh network. These models allow characteristics of systems that service multi-rate traffic to be determined, e.g., the average queue length or the average waiting time for calls of a given class. The proposed models can be used to design, analyse and optimize multiservice networks
Bony Fishes from the Late Miocene and Pliocene Strata of Popovo Locality (Ukraine): Taxonomic Changes and Their Palaeoecological Explanation
Authors: Kovalchuk О. М.
Published: May 2014

Bony Fishes from the Late Miocene and Pliocene Strata of Popovo Locality (Ukraine): Taxonomic Changes and Their Palaeoecological Explanation. Kovalchuk, О. М. - Th e present paper deals with results of studying of the fossil fish remnants from the Late Miocene and Pliocene strata of Popovo locality (Southern Ukraine). Our aim was to show local taxonomic changes in freshwater fish communities through-out the specified range of geological time. Twenty seven species of the 20 genera, 6 families (Cyprinidae, Cobitidae, Siluridae, Salmonidae, Esocidae, Percidae) and 5 orders (Cypriniformes, Siluriformes, Salmoniformes, Esociformes, Perciformes) were identified from the 4 heterochronous bonyferous layers. Basing on taxonomic richness, diversity, complexity and similarity of communities, it can be assumed, that changes in their qualitative and quantitative composition were caused by hydrological regime transformation, palaeogeographical alterations and also local taphonomic features.
GIS Modeling of Solar Neighborhood Potential at a Fine Spatiotemporal Resolution
Authors: Chow Annie , Fung Alan , Li Songnian
Published: May 2014

This research presents a 3D geographic information systems (GIS) modeling approach at a fine spatiotemporal resolution to assess solar potential for the development of smart net-zero energy communities. It is important to be able to accurately identify the key areas on the facades and rooftops of buildings that receive maximum solar radiation, in order to prevent losses in solar gain due to obstructions from surrounding buildings and topographic features. A model was created in ArcGIS, in order to efficiently compute and iterate the hourly solar modeling and mapping process over a simulated year. The methodology was tested on a case study area located in southern Ontario, where two different 3D models of the site plan were analyzed. The accuracy of the work depends on the resolution and sky size of the input model. Future work is needed in order to create an efficient iterative function to speed the extraction process of the pixelated solar radiation data.
Physiological Function and Characterization of TRPCs in Neurons
Authors: Sun Yuyang , Sukumaran Pramod , Bandyopadhyay Bidhan , Singh Brij
Published: May 2014

Ca2+ entry is essential for regulating vital physiological functions in all neuronal cells. Although neurons are engaged in multiple modes of Ca2+ entry that regulates variety of neuronal functions, we will only discuss a subset of specialized Ca2+-permeable non-selective Transient Receptor Potential Canonical (TRPC) channels and summarize their physiological and pathological role in these excitable cells. Depletion of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ stores, due to G-protein coupled receptor activation, has been shown to activate TRPC channels in both excitable and non-excitable cells. While all seven members of TRPC channels are predominately expressed in neuronal cells, the ion channel properties, mode of activation, and their physiological responses are quite distinct. Moreover, many of these TRPC channels have also been suggested to be associated with neuronal development, proliferation and differentiation. In addition, TRPCs also regulate neurosecretion, long-term potentiation and synaptic plasticity. Similarly, perturbations in Ca2+ entry via the TRPC channels have been also suggested in a spectrum of neuropathological conditions. Hence, understanding the precise involvement of TRPCs in neuronal function and in neurodegenerative conditions would presumably unveil avenues for plausible therapeutic interventions for these devastating neuronal diseases.
The Formation of New Monetary Policies: Decisions of Central Banks on the Great Recession
Authors: Castro Ana , Teixeira José
Published: May 2014

The effect that the Great Recession had on monetary policies has led to the profound reorientation of central banks’ actions from 2007 to 2013. The purpose of this work is to analyze the monetary policies applied by the main central banks, mainly the European Central Bank, the Federal Reserve System of USA and the Bank of Japan, in order to raise thoughts on the guidelines that central banks should follow in the future. In the first section the bases of monetary policy before the crisis are described; in the second we explain the change in the orientation of the role of central banks during the crisis; and finally, we synthesize the bases on which the economic debate is taking place on the orientation of future monetary policies. We conclude that, in so far as the inoperativeness of transmission mechanisms still persists, monetary policies will remain in a process of change.
Microstructure Analysis of Ti-xPt Alloys and the Effect of Pt Content on the Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Behavior of Ti Alloys
Authors: Song Ho-Jun , Han Mi-Kyung , Jeong Hyeon-Gyeong , Lee Yong-Tai , Park Yeong-Joon
Published: May 2014

The microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion behavior of binary Ti-xPt alloys containing 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt% Pt were investigated in order to develop new Ti-based dental materials possessing superior properties than those of commercially pure titanium (cp-Ti). All of the Ti-xPt (x = 5, 10, 15, 20) alloys showed hexagonal α-Ti structure with cubic Ti3Pt intermetallic phase. The mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of Ti-xPt alloys were sensitive to the Pt content. The addition of Pt contributed to hardening of cp-Ti and to improving its oxidation resistance. Electrochemical results showed that the Ti-xPt alloys exhibited superior corrosion resistance than that of cp-Ti.
Effect of Polymer Infiltration on the Flexural Behavior of β-Tricalcium Phosphate Robocast Scaffolds
Authors: Martínez-Vázquez Francisco , Pajares Antonia , Guiberteau Fernando , Miranda Pedro
Published: May 2014

The influence of polymer infiltration on the flexural strength and toughness of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffolds fabricated by robocasting (direct-write assembly) is analyzed. Porous structures consisting of a tetragonal three-dimensional lattice of interpenetrating rods were impregnated with biodegradable polymers (poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)) by immersion of the structure in a polymer melt. Infiltration increased the flexural strength of these model scaffolds by a factor of 5 (PCL) or 22 (PLA), an enhancement considerably greater than that reported for compression strength of analogue materials. The greater strength improvement in bending was attributed to a more effective transfer of stress to the polymer under this solicitation since the degree of strengthening associated to the sealing of precursor flaws in the ceramic rod surfaces should remain unaltered. Impregnation with either polymer also improved further than in compression the fracture energy of the scaffolds (by more than two orders of magnitude). This increase is associated to the extraordinary strengthening provided by impregnation and to a crack bridging toughening mechanism produced by polymer fibrils.
A Simple Hydrophilic Palladium(II) Complex as a Highly Efficient Catalyst for Room Temperature Aerobic Suzuki Coupling Reactions in Aqueous Media
Authors: Guo Mengping , Liu Shiwen , Zhou Xiuling , Lv Meiyun , Chen Sanbao , Xiao Daoan
Published: May 2014

A study on room temperature Suzuki cross-coupling in an aqueous medium was carried out using a simple hydrophilic palladium (II) complex, trans-PdCl2(NH2CH2COOH)2 as catalyst in the presence of K2CO3 in air. This approach with a comparatively inexpensive and hydrophilic catalyst, mild reaction condition and aqueous media exhibits excellent catalytic activity towards the Suzuki coupling of aryl bromides and arylboronic acids, and good yields were obtained in the Suzuki coupling of activated aryl chlorides.
External Validation of the ASTER GDEM2, GMTED2010 and CGIAR-CSI- SRTM v4.1 Free Access Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) in Tunisia and Algeria
Authors: Athmania Djamel , Achour Hammadi
Published: May 2014

Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) including Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer-Global Digital Elevation Model (ASTER GDEM), Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), and Global Multi-resolution Terrain Elevation Data 2010 (GMTED2010) are freely available for nearly the entire earth’s surface. DEMs that are usually subject to errors need to be evaluated using reference elevation data of higher accuracy. This work was performed to assess the vertical accuracy of the ASTER GDEM version 2, (ASTER GDEM2), the Consultative Group on International Agriculture Research-Consortium for Spatial Information (CGIAR-CSI) SRTM version 4.1 (SRTM v4.1) and the systematic subsample GMTED2010, at their original spatial resolution, using Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) validation points. Two test sites, the Anaguid Saharan platform in southern Tunisia and the Tebessa basin in north eastern Algeria, were chosen for accuracy assessment of the above mentioned DEMs, based on geostatistical and statistical measurements. Within the geostatistical approach, empirical variograms of each DEM were compared with those of the GPS validation points. Statistical measures were computed from the elevation differences between the DEM pixel value and the corresponding GPS point. For each DEM, a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) was determined for model validation. In addition, statistical tools such as frequency histograms and Q-Q plots were used to evaluate error distributions in each DEM. The results indicate that the vertical accuracy of SRTM model is much higher than ASTER GDEM2 and GMTED2010 for both sites. In Anaguid test site, the vertical accuracy of SRTM is estimated 3.6 m (in terms of RMSE) 5.3 m and 4.5 m for the ASTERGDEM2 and GMTED2010 DEMs, respectively. In Tebessa test site, the overall vertical accuracy shows a RMSE of 9.8 m, 8.3 m and 9.6 m for ASTER GDEM 2, SRTM and GMTED2010 DEM, respectively. This work is the first study to report the lower accuracy of ASTER GDEM2 compared to the GMTED2010 data.
Poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) Microgel-Based Optical Devices for Sensing and Biosensing
Authors: Islam Molla , Ahiabu Andrews , Li Xue , Serpe Michael
Published: May 2014

Responsive polymer-based materials have found numerous applications due to their ease of synthesis and the variety of stimuli that they can be made responsive to. In this review, we highlight the group’s efforts utilizing thermoresponsive poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAm) microgel-based optical devices for various sensing and biosensing applications.
Measurement of the D/H, 18O/16O, and 17O/16O Isotope Ratios in Water by Laser Absorption Spectroscopy at 2.73 μm
Authors: Wu Tao , Chen Weidong , Fertein Eric , Masselin Pascal , Gao Xiaoming , Zhang Weijun , Wang Yingjian , Koeth Johannes , Brückner Daniela , He Xingdao
Published: May 2014

A compact isotope ratio laser spectrometry (IRLS) instrument was developed for simultaneous measurements of the D/H, 18O/16O and 17O/16O isotope ratios in water by laser absorption spectroscopy at 2.73 μm. Special attention is paid to the spectral data processing and implementation of a Kalman adaptive filtering to improve the measurement precision. Reduction of up to 3-fold in standard deviation in isotope ratio determination was obtained by the use of a Fourier filtering to remove undulation structure from spectrum baseline. Application of Kalman filtering enables isotope ratio measurement at 1 s time intervals with a precision (<1‰) better than that obtained by conventional 30 s averaging, while maintaining a fast system response. The implementation of the filter is described in detail and its effects on the accuracy and the precision of the isotope ratio measurements are investigated.
Reduced winter snowfall damages the structure and function of wintergreen ferns
Authors: Tessier Jack T.
Published: May 2014

• Premise of the study: The full impact of climate change on ecosystems and the humans that depend on them is uncertain. Anthropogenic climate change is resulting in winters with less snow than is historically typical. This deficit may have an impact on wintergreen ferns whose fronds lie prostrate under the snowpack and are thereby protected from frost.

• Methods: Frost damage and ecophysiological traits were quantified for three species of wintergreen fern (Dryopteris intermedia, Dryopteris marginalis, and Polystichum acrostichoides) near Delhi, NY following the winters of 2012 (which had very little snowfall) and 2013 (which had typical snowfall).

• Key results: Dryopteris intermedia was the most common species and had the highest percentage of frost‐damaged fronds and the highest percentage of its cover damaged in 2012. Frost damage was significantly less in 2013 for all species. Polystichum acrostichoides had the highest vernal photosynthetic rate in undamaged fronds, and all three species had a negative net photosynthetic rate in frost‐damaged fronds. The wintergreen fern community lost 36.69 ± 2.80% of its productive surface area to frost damage in 2012. Dryopteris intermedia had the thinnest leaves and this trait may have made it the most susceptible to frost damage.

• Conclusions: These results demonstrate that repeated winters of little snow may have a significant impact on the structure and functioning of the wintergreen fern community, and species will respond to a reduced snowpack on an individual basis.
Innovative Psychiatric Therapies and Legal Uncertainty: A Survival Guide for Clinicians
Authors: Simon Robert I
Published: May 2014

The fear of legal liability remains a real threat to stifle innovation in psychiatry.
Serotonin and the Action of LSD in the Brain
Authors: Aghajanian George K
Published: May 2014

By the early 1960s the 5-HT hypothesis of the action of LSD had become firmly established in the field.
Lithium Monotherapy: Miracle, Myth and Misunderstanding
Authors: Sachs Gary S , Lafer Beny , Truman Christine J , Noeth Mary , Thibault Amy B
Published: May 2014

It is not surprising that the striking successes reported should evolve into a faith in the power of the lithium ion.
Models for Addiction Treatment in Psychiatric Populations
Authors: Minkoff Kenneth
Published: May 2014

Methodologies for providing addiction treatment to psychiatric populations have been emerging relatively slowly.
Serenics for Aggressive Behaviors
Authors: Kravitz Howard M , Fawcett Jan
Published: May 2014

There is a pressing need for agents that specifically inhibit violent, destructive behaviors without producing behavioral or somatic side effects.
Assessment and Treatment of Comorbid Substance Abuse in Individuals with Schizophrenia
Authors: Ziedonis Douglas M , Fisher William
Published: May 2014

The Epidemiological Catchment Area study found that 47% of individuals with schizophrenia have or have had an alcohol or illicit drug use disorder during their lifetime.
Cognitive Impairment in Schizophrenia
Authors: Granholm Eric , Jeste Dilip V
Published: May 2014

Neuropsychological impairments in schizophrenic patients are commonly mild to moderate in severity and significantly less severe than those seen in progressive dementia.
Clinical Correlates of Stress-Induced Personality Disorder
Authors: Reich James
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

Objective: This article starts with the finding that some patients with an Axis I disorder who appear personality disordered when acutely ill may represent a distinct clinical subgroup. It examines the clinical correlates of this "stress induced" personality disorder group.

Methods: A group of male psychiatric outpatients (N = 165) was divided into three groups: The group with life-long personality disorders, "trait personality disorder [trait PD])" group (n = 24); the group with personality symptoms under the stress of an Axis I disorder, "stress-induced PD" or "state PD" group n = 63); and a group that had no personality disorders, "no-PD" group (n = 78). These three groups were compared on personality variables by direct comparison and logistic regression.

Results: Logistic regression showed a reasonable differentiation between the trait and state group. The variables of "reacts criticism," "suicide" and "needs approval" predicted the trait group while the variable "ashamed" predicted the state group. Logistic regression also showed reasonable differentiation between the state and no-PD groups. "Restricted expression of affect" predicted the no-PD group, while the variables of "acts childishly," "suicide," "sensitive to criticism/' "acts emotionally/' "feelings change," and "fearful" predicted the state group. The evidence seems to indicate the previously identified state group can be differentiated from its theoretical near neighbors using clinical criteria.
The Forensic Expert on the Road: New Hazards Along the Way
Authors: Simon Robert I , Gutheil Thomas G
Published: May 2014

Practicing medicine without a license in the state of examination or testimony exposes the forensic expert to a variety of penalties and sanctions.
A 34-year-old Woman With Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Delisi Stephen
Published: May 2014

Difficult-to-treat depression may require the use pharmacotherapy in conjuction with psychotherapy for full remission of symptoms.
Avoiding Bias in Expert Testimony
Authors: Gutheil Thomas G , Simon Robert I
Published: May 2014

The general practice clinician stepping into the arena of forensic psychiatry must take care to maintain objectivity.
A 54-year-old Man With Bipolar Type I Disorder
Authors: Zajecka John M
Published: May 2014

Treating sudden onset of manic symptoms in a patient with a history of complications requires careful consideration and observation.
Parenting the Child With a Behavior Disorder: A Family Approach
Authors: Foster Randall M
Published: May 2014

A method for helping parents make clear, appropriate demands on their children
Parenting Problems and the Mental Health Referral
Authors: Swinger Hershel K , Sandler Alan R
Published: May 2014

The pediatrician will be able to manage many problems of difficult parenting, but at times referral is clearly indicated. In the following article, suggestions are given on when, how, and why to refer the family for evaluation and counsel.
Causes and Consequences of Timing Errors Associated With Global Positioning System Collar Accelerometer Activity Monitors
Authors: Gaylord Adam J. , Sanchez Dana M.
Published: May 2014

Direct behavioral observations of multiple free-ranging animals over long periods of time and large geographic areas is prohibitively difficult. However, recent improvements in technology, such as Global Positioning System (GPS) collars equipped with motion-sensitive activity monitors, create the potential to remotely monitor animal behavior. Accelerometer-equipped activity monitors quantify animal motion with different amounts of movement presumably corresponding to different animal activities. Variations in motion among species and differences in collar design necessitate calibration for each collar and species of interest. We paired activity monitor data collected using Lotek GPS_4400 collars worn by captive Rocky Mountain elk Cervus elaphus nelsoni with simultaneously collected behavior observations. During our initial data screening, we observed many sampling intervals of directly observed behavior that did not pair to activity monitor data in a logical fashion. For example, intervals containing behaviors associated with little or no motion sometimes aligned with relatively high activity monitor values. These misalignments, due to errors associated with collar timekeeping mechanisms, would likely result in inaccurate classification models. We corrected timing errors by using defined breaks in animal behavior to shift times given by collar output, improving the average correct classification rate 61.7 percentage points for specific behaviors. Furthermore, timing errors were significantly reduced by increasing the GPS fix rate, by using a sampling interval divisible by 8 seconds, and by accurately timing the initial collar activation. Awareness and management of collar timing error will enable users to obtain the best possible estimates of true behavior when calibrating these collars and interpreting data from free-ranging animals.
Achieving RF Jamming with DSA-Enabled Cognitive Radio Swarms
Authors: Foster Jr. Robert L.
Published: May 2014

Recent studies prove that the current method of statically allocating and assigning RF spectrum is restrictive and inefficient and identify Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) as a feasible alternative. The author defines a system design which implemenst a declarative policy language using Semantic Web technologies. Swarms of multi-band, reconfigurable Cognitive Radio (CR) technology with fast channel switching and real time spectrum sensing capabilities have been identified as candidates for Multi-Channel Jamming Electronic Attacks (EA). Past demonstrations have shown that a single CR can be deployed in an EA on 802.11 networks. To extend the behavior of CRs beyond single multi-channel jamming, this chapter introduces a system architecture design that relies on a minimal set of CR capabilities to reduce the cost of designing the system.