bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responsibility for dishonest negotiations: Comparative analysis
Authors: Manic Samir
Published: May 2012

The author analyzes the regulation of institutes of responsibility for
dishonest conducting of negotiations in normative acts of certain EU
countries and the Balkans. He analyzes the rules of behavior of parties
during negotiations established through the court practice and theory in
Switzerland, Germany, France and Hungary. In the paper the regulations of the
most significant secondary sources of Contract Law have also been included
and they are as follows: the Principles of European Contract Law (PECL) and
Common Conceptual Framework (DCFR). Because of the great role in the
regulation of pre-contract relationships, the author has devoted considerable
attention to the principle of scruple and honesty.
Prevalence of caries and gingivitis among school children in the municipality of Foca
Authors: Djordjevic Stevanka , Ivanovic Tanja , Zuza Aleksandra , Nogo-Zivanovic Dajana , Kulic Ljiljana
Published: May 2012

Introduction. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of caries
and gingivitis among adolescents who attend school in the municipality of
Foca, Republika Srpska. Material and Methods. The total number of 352 school
children - 135 students of the ninth grade of primary school (aged 15 years)
and 217 students of the third and fourth grade of high school (aged 17-18
years) - were included in this cross-section study. The incidence of dental
caries using DMFT index and its components was calculated as recommended by
the World Health Organization. Periodontal tissue condition was determined
using gingival index (GI) by L?e and Silness. Results. The mean DMFT in
students age 15 was 6.6, and in students age 17-18 was 9.5. The dominant
components of DMFT index in both studied groups were filled and carious
teeth. In regards to gender, female students age 15 had significantly greater
number of extracted teeth than male students (p<0.05). In older age group,
females had significantly more filled teeth than males (p<0.05). Mild
gingivitis was present in both studied groups. Conclusion. Our results showed
that caries prevalence in the tested groups was high and mild gingivitis was
present in most patients.
Application of screw-retained and cement-retained implant supported fixed restorations: A case report
Authors: Medojevic Aleksandar , Jovanovic-Medojevic Milica , Nejkovic Djordje
Published: May 2012

Implantology has become an important therapeutic procedure that allows
complete aesthetic and functional rehabilitation of the oro-facial system in
edentulous patients. Implant supported prosthetic restorations can be fixed
in two ways, by cement or screws. Both techniques have advantages and
disadvantages and their selection depend on situation in patient?s mouth. The
aim of this study was to describe complete process of prosthetic
rehabilitation in an edentulous patient, from pre-implant preparation,
through implant placement and fixation of final restoration on implants. In
this case report, one ceramo-metal bridge was fixed by screws in the lower
jaw while the other one was fixed using glass-ionomer cement in the upper
jaw. After bone augmentation and time necessary for its osseointegration (6
to 8 months), 16 implants were placed in both jaws. Eight weeks after the
implant placement, final prosthetic rehabilitation was achieved by
cementation of one ceramo-metal bridge in the upper jaw using glass ionomer
cement and fixation of the second bridge with screws in the lower jaw. To
achieve successful implant supported prosthetic rehabilitation, the treatment
protocol must be followed from the beginning to the end of the therapy.
Mandatory Disclosure of the Engagement Partner's Identity: Potential Benefits and Unintended Consequences
Authors: King Ronald R. , Davis Shawn M. , Mintchik Natalia
Published: May 2012

SYNOPSIS

This paper contributes to the deliberations on the potential consequences of requiring disclosure of the engagement partner's identity in the audit report. The PCAOB has recently suggested that this requirement will lead to enhanced audit quality due to increased engagement partner accountability and improved transparency of the audit process. The goal of our commentary is to examine this issue by considering factors that potentially affect audit quality in appearance and audit quality in fact, and applying insights from three distinct academic frameworks: source credibility, accountability, and the theory of affordances.

While prior evidence from source credibility research implies that a mandatory signature will likely increase audit quality in appearance, its impact on audit quality in fact remains unclear. Academic literature suggests that increased accountability will increase audit effort but is silent on the associated increase in audit effectiveness. As a result, mandatory disclosure is likely to increase the risk of over-auditing because audit services have the essential characteristics of a credence good. As for an increase in audit quality in appearance, the question remains whether the current perception of audit quality is too low or too high. The increase in public perceptions of audit quality without an associated increase in actual quality is a desirable accomplishment only when public perception of quality is below actual audit quality. Otherwise, the measure increases the gap between delivered audit quality and public perceptions of it. We suggest specific research opportunities in this area.
Use of histologic margin evaluation to predict recurrence of cutaneous malignant tumors in dogs and cats after surgical excision
Authors: Scarpa Filippo , Sabattini Silvia , Marconato Laura , Capitani Ombretta , Morini Maria , Bettini Giuliano
Published: May 2012

Objective—To assess the usefulness of histologic evaluation of surgical margins to predict local recurrence of cutaneous malignant tumors in dogs and cats treated by means of surgical excision.

Design—Prospective case series.

Animals—40 dogs and 20 cats.

Procedures—60 surgically excised tumors (20 soft tissue sarcomas [STSs], 20 mast cell tumors [MCTs], and 20 carcinomas) were examined histologically. Margins were classified as clean, close, or infiltrated; histologic grade was assessed in STSs and MCTs. Recurrence rates and recurrence-free intervals (RFIs) during a 24-month follow-up period were recorded, and method accuracy was calculated.

Results—Surgical margins were clean in 29 of 60 (48%) tumors, close in 11 (18%), and infiltrated in 20 (33%). Tumors recurred in 27 of 60 (45%) animals, with a mean ± SD RFI of 229 ± 173 days. Recurrence rates for animals that had tumors with infiltrated (16/20) or close (8/11) margins were significantly higher than recurrence rate for animals that had tumors with clean margins (3/29). Margin classification was a significant predictor of RFI. Accuracy of the method to predict recurrence was 94% for carcinomas, 87% for STSs, and 76% for MCTs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Histologic assessment of margin status was useful for predicting local recurrence of cutaneous malignant tumors in dogs and cats treated by means of excision alone. Method accuracy varied among tumor types and grades. Recurrence times suggested postsurgical follow-up should continue for ≥ 2 years. Results were similar for animals with infiltrated and close tumor margins, and careful postsurgical management is recommended for both.
Mitral valve repair under cardiopulmonary bypass in small-breed dogs: 48 cases (2006–2009)
Authors: Uechi Masami , Mizukoshi Takahiro , Mizuno Takeshi , Mizuno Masashi , Harada Kayoko , Ebisawa Takashi , Takeuchi Junichirou , Sawada Tamotsu , Uchida Shuhei , Shinoda Asako , Kasuya Arane , Endo Masaaki , Nishida Miki , Kono Shota , Fujiwara Megumi , Nakamura Takashi
Published: May 2012

Objective—To determine whether mitral valve repair (MVR) under cardiopulmonary bypass would be an effective treatment for mitral regurgitation in small-breed dogs.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—48 small-breed dogs (body weight, 1.88 to 4.65 kg [4.11 to 10.25 lb]; age, 5 to 15 years) with mitral regurgitation that underwent surgery between August 2006 and August 2009.

Procedures—Cardiopulmonary bypass was performed with a cardiopulmonary bypass circuit. After induction of cardiac arrest, a mitral annuloplasty was performed, and the chordae tendineae were replaced with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene chordal prostheses. After closure of the left atrium and declamping to restart the heart, the thorax was closed.

Results—Preoperatively, cardiac murmur was grade 3 of 6 to 6 of 6, thoracic radiography showed cardiac enlargement (median vertebral heart size, 12.0 vertebrae; range, 9.5 to 14.5 vertebrae), and echocardiography showed severe mitral regurgitation and left atrial enlargement (median left atrium-to-aortic root ratio, 2.6; range, 1.7 to 4.0). 45 of 48 dogs survived to discharge. Three months after surgery, cardiac murmur grade was reduced to 0/6 to 3/6, and the heart shadow was reduced (median vertebral heart size, 11.1 vertebrae, range, 9.2 to 13.0 vertebrae) on thoracic radiographs. Echocardiography confirmed a marked reduction in mitral regurgitation and left atrium-to-aortic root ratio (median, 1.7; range, 1.0 to 3.0).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—We successfully performed MVR under cardiopulmonary bypass in small-breed dogs, suggesting this may be an effective surgical treatment for dogs with mitral regurgitation. Mitral valve repair with cardiopulmonary bypass can be beneficial for the treatment of mitral regurgitation in small-breed dogs.
Use of a self-expanding metallic stent to palliate esophageal neoplastic obstruction in a dog
Authors: Hansen Katherine S. , Weisse Chick , Berent Allyson C. , Dunn Marilyn , Caceres Ana V. , Todd Kim L. , Diroff Jeremy S.
Published: May 2012

Case Description—An 11-year-old spayed female Collie was evaluated because of regurgitation, dysphagia, severe ptyalism, coughing, and weight loss of approximately 12 weeks’ duration. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma had been diagnosed prior to referral on the basis of results of radiographic and endoscopic examination and histologic evaluation of biopsy samples. A percutaneous endoscopically placed gastrostomy (PEG) tube had been inserted 2 weeks prior to referral, and the dog was being treated for infection at the gastrostomy site.

Clinical Findings—Physical examination findings included marked ptyalism, stertor, and inflammation and discharge at the gastrostomy site.

Treatment and Outcome—Surgical options were declined by the owner, and palliative treatment was chosen to alleviate clinical signs and facilitate PEG tube removal. With fluoroscopic guidance, a self-expanding metallic stent was placed in the esophageal lumen at the site of obstruction. Botulinum toxin A was injected into the mandibular salivary glands under ultrasonographic guidance as treatment for severe ptyalism. Following discharge, clinical improvement was reported until euthanasia for unrelated disease 12 weeks after stent placement. Necropsy revealed that the stent had not migrated and had remained patent with some tumor ingrowth but no evidence of stricture or obstruction.

Clinical Relevance—Esophageal stenting effectively treated obstruction and improved clinical signs and may be beneficial for palliative treatment in other animals with malignant esophageal tumors. Although the degree to which botulinum toxin A injection into salivary glands improved clinical signs could not be determined, it may potentially be useful as adjunctive treatment to reduce severe ptyalism.
Use of serial measurements of peritoneal fluid lactate concentration to identify strangulating intestinal lesions in referred horses with signs of colic
Authors: Peloso John G. , Cohen Noah D.
Published: May 2012

Objective—To determine the value of serial measurements of peritoneal fluid lactate concentration (PFL) for detecting strangulating intestinal lesions (SLs) in referred horses with signs of colic.

Design—Retrospective cohort study.

Animals—94 horses with signs of colic.

Procedures—Medical records of horses evaluated between September 2006 and February 2010 because of signs of colic were reviewed. All included horses had ≥ 2 peritoneal fluid samples collected, including one at admission and another within 1 to 6 hours after admission. Of the 94 horses, 26 were assigned to the SL group on the basis of findings at surgery or necropsy and 68 were assigned to the nonstrangulating intestinal lesion group because their signs of colic resolved with medical management. Peritoneal fluid lactate concentration was measured by use of a handheld lactate monitor. Data were analyzed by use of univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results—PFL at admission > 4 mmol/L, an increase in PFL over time, and especially an increase in PFL over time in horses with a PFL < 4 mmol/L at admission (OR, 62; sensitivity, 95%; specificity, 77%) were significant predictors of horses with an SL.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Serially determined PFL was a strong predictor for differentiating horses with SLs from horses with nonstrangulating intestinal lesions. Given the high OR, sensitivity, and specificity of these tests, serially determined PFL may have potential as a screening test for identifying horses with SLs. Further evaluation of the clinical value of PFL for predicting SLs in a prospective, multicenter study is warranted.
Concurrent patellar fracture and lateral collateral ligament avulsion as a result of trauma in three horses
Authors: McLellan Jonathan , Plevin Sarah , Taylor Elizabeth
Published: May 2012

Case Description—3 horses were evaluated because of lameness and swelling of the stifle joint subsequent to trauma.

Clinical Findings—All horses had characteristic clinical signs of stifle joint pain and effusion. A medial patellar fracture and lateral collateral ligament avulsion fracture were visible ultrasonographically in each. Radiography, including standard as well as flexed lateromedial, cranioproximal-craniodistal oblique (skyline patellar), and laterally stressed caudocranial views, revealed similar findings.

Treatment and Outcome—Arthroscopic surgery to remove the patellar fracture was attempted in 1 horse with severe desmitis of the lateral collateral ligament; it remained lame afterward. The other 2 horses, with less severe collateral ligament damage, were managed conservatively and returned to athletic use, despite the lack of surgical intervention to repair the patellar fractures.

Clinical Relevance—Special radiographic views were necessary for diagnosis of medial patellar fracture and lateral collateral ligament avulsion fracture in the 3 horses. Ultrasonographic findings pertaining to the collateral ligament may be prognostically important in such situations. The severity of a fracture involving ligament avulsion may be the limiting factor in horses with this combined injury, and this factor should be considered prior to attempting surgical correction of patellar fractures.
Impact of the Virtual Patient Introduction on the Clinical Reasoning Process in Dental Education
Authors: Zary Nabil , Johnson Gunilla , Fors Uno GH
Published: May 2012

Background
In the Virtual patient system Web-SP, the case authoring is entirely delegated to faculty. An analysis of the virtual patients (VPs) authored by faculty showed that the most common practice chosen by the case authors was to provide an introductory clinical vignette including rich anamnestic data. To evaluate the influence of the vignette, a controlled trial was conducted to determine if the absence of vignette would influence the students� therapeutic decisions and their clinical reasoning.
Methods
This double blind controlled trial randomized 57 fourth year dentistry students into two groups. Two virtual patient cases were created with the same content in both groups, but the VPs encountered by the intervention group lacked the introductory vignette. The therapy decisions and the history taking activity were scored and analysed by the course director. A stratified analysis was undertaken, stratifying by day.
Results
There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with respect to their therapeutic decision scores (p=.16). Participants in both groups were equivalent with respect to the number of relevant medical history questions asked (p=.33) and the number of irrelevant questions asked (p=.20)
Conclusions
This study indicates that vignettes did not have an impact on students' clinical reasoning process. The use of detailed vignettes or case introductions might not be needed. A possible reason includes students� prior exposure for a full semester to other VPs for course work and clinical reasoning. Perhaps the intervention was too subtle to impact on learners at this stage of development. Clinical vignettes might have more impact at earlier stages of student learning such as early in the semester but not as preparation for final exam. The limited number of participants may have concealed differences between the groups. We also need to investigate if the one-hour limit given the students might influence the therapeutic decisions.
The Imaging and Evaluation of Body Posture Defects in Hearing Impaired Children
Authors: Stachoń Aleksandra , Burdukiewicz Anna , Andrzejewska Justyna , Pietraszewska Jadwiga
Published: May 2012

The paper presents the use of a diagnostics device Posturometer-S applied to examine body posture in hearing impaired children. 46 subjects from the Maria Grzegorzewska School and Education Centre for Hard-of-Hearing Children in Wrocław were examined. The research was conducted through the use of a Posturometer-S, which is an electronic, non-invasive measuring device attached to a computer. It enables not only the imaging and evaluation of frontal and sagittal curves of the spine, but also spinal mobility. Previous research has indicated that incorrect body posture was more often observed in hearing impaired children than in healthy ones. Hence, constant control over body posture in children with hearing loss seems vital. Correct body posture has a great influence on functioning of the entire body. The results obtained by using the Posturometer-S and anthropological measurements helped to determine the types of body posture and postural defects in the examined subjects. The apparatus used in research enabled to determine the occurrence of kyphotic, lordotic and balanced body postures, the results as follows: incorrect kyphotic postures - 10,9% of the subjects, incorrect lordotic postures - 6,4% and incorrect balanced postures - 10,9% of the examined subjects. Correct body postures were observed in 67,4% of the examined children. The most frequent body posture abnormalities were: thoracic scoliosis (19,6%) and shoulder asymmetry (26,1%). Due to the screening tests, some children were referred for further diagnostic evaluation and physiotherapy.
BIOLOGICAL CLOCK - Is the Need for a Clock a Common Issue for Cells and Computers ?
Authors: Spólnik Paweł , Konieczny Leszek , Roterman Irena , Markiewicz Michał
Published: May 2012

The recurrent 24 hours oscillations of biological activities which are generally called circadian rhythms are considered to be a mechanism allowing synchronisation of biological processes. The oscillations are generated by operation of special clock-like intra-cell devices comprising commonly transcription-translation processes as basis of measuring the time. The clock mechanism is controlled by two cooperating working out-of-phase negative feedback loops. Directly the oscillations are driven by steering signals changing the adjustment of feedback loops. They are created de novo in each cycle by complexation of synthesized proteins after their concentration reaches suitably high values. The complexes inhibit the protein synthesis in the own system while inducing it simultaneously in the cooperating one initiating in this way the next oscillation wave. The inhibition of protein synthesis is correlated with the degradation of already synthesizes molecules allowing the return to starting point of oscillation. The alignment of the proper phase of peripheral tissue cells clocks is maintained by the central brain clock � master clock.
A Physical Model of the Nonlinear Sitar String
Authors: Siddiq Sadjad
Published: May 2012

The acoustic properties of the sitar string are studied with the aid of a physical model. The nonlinearity of the string movement caused by the bridge acting as an obstacle to the vibrating string is of special interest. Comparison of the model's audio output to recordings of the instrument shows interesting similarities. The effects dispersion and bridge have on the sound of the instrument are demonstrated in the model.
Nonlinear Influence of Sound on the Vibrational Energy of Molecules in a Relaxing Gas
Authors: Perelomova Anna
Published: May 2012

Dynamics of a weakly nonlinear and weakly dispersive flow of a gas where molecular vibrational relaxation takes place is studied. Variations in the vibrational energy in the field of intense sound is considered. These variations are caused by a nonlinear transfer of the acoustic energy into energy of vibrational degrees of freedom in a relaxing gas. The final dynamic equation which describes this is instantaneous, it includes a quadratic nonlinear acoustic source reflecting the nonlinear character of interaction of high-frequency acoustic and non-acoustic motions in a gas. All types of sound, periodic or aperiodic, may serve as an acoustic source. Some conclusions about temporal behavior of the vibrational mode caused by periodic and aperiodic sounds are made.
Estimation of Acoustic Impedance for Surfaces Delimiting the Volume of an Enclosed Space
Authors: Piechowicz Janusz , Czajka Ireneusz
Published: May 2012

Several methods can be applied for analyses of the acoustic field in enclosed rooms namely: wave propagation, geometrical or statistical analysis. The paper presents problems related to application of the boundary elements method to modelling of acoustic field parameters. Experimental and numerical studies have been combined for evaluation of acoustic impedance of the material used for the walls of a model room. The experimental studies have been carried out by implementing a multichannel measuring system inside the constructed model of an industrial room. The measuring system allowed simultaneous measurements of the source parameters - the loudspeaker membrane vibration speed, the acoustic pressure values in reception points located inside the model space as well as phase shifts between signals registered in various reception points. The numerical modelling making use of the acoustic pressure values measured inside the analyzed space allowed determination of requested parameters of the surface at the space boundary.
Morality of Christian Athletes in Competitive Sports - A Review
Authors: Kretschmann Rolf , Benz Caroline
Published: May 2012

Morality of Christian Athletes in Competitive Sports - A Review

Athletes' moral beliefs and values are challenged by competitive sports just as long as the professional elite-sports system exists. Christian athletes, as a distinguished group among competing athletes, are supposed to be people with specific and distinctive moral guidelines in everyday life that they validly integrate in competitive sports as well. No matter if they are competing in triathlon, athletics, or playing soccer, if they are playing in the lowest or highest division of their sport, or if they are being faced with unmoral situations, that is what we expect. They therefore stand in contrast to some athletes of today's competitive sports who do not seem to have any guideline at all anymore, who would not shy at anything to win a competition and who therefore give competitive sports a rather negative touch. The following review should shed some light on the world of Christian sportsmen. The relationships in the field of Christianity, ethics, morality, and sports will be investigated in-depth via analyzing the relevant literature. Both theoretical and empirical findings will be systematized according to their inner structure. Even though the findings to report are rare, the particular field of study reveals itself as an under-researched topic, likewise theoretically and empirically.
An Examination of the Motivation and Satisfaction of College Students Enrolled in Physical Education Courses
Authors: Chen Hsin-Chung , Stotlar David
Published: May 2012

An Examination of the Motivation and Satisfaction of College Students Enrolled in Physical Education Courses

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to find what factor structures are for the Learning Motivation Scale and Learning Satisfaction Scale, and test a model of learning motivation and learning satisfaction based on college students in Taiwan. Finally, to realize what the most important motivation influence is for students to select PE classes. Methods: The questionnaire was administered by purposeful sampling to 350 students. By using LISREL 8.51 and SPSS 17.0 Package Software, data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: The results of this study supported a five factor confirmatory factor analysis model of learning motivation as well as a five factor CFA model of learning satisfaction. In addition, the model of learning motivation and learning satisfaction in physical education was supported and the intellectual construct is the most significant motivation to select PE classes. Conclusion: The current study indicated that students' learning motivation significantly affects learning satisfaction in the PE field, although the path coefficient was somewhat low. In other words, from a statistical perspective, there might be some other constructs between learning motivation and learning satisfaction. From a practical perspective, besides letting students feel satisfied with PE classes, the most important values of PE classes are to provide intellectual sport knowledge, to design sport activities which can increase their social relations and an enjoyable atmosphere.
Trend and conservation of saker falcon (Falco cherrug) population in western Slovakia between 1976 and 2010
Authors: Chavko Jozef
Published: May 2012

Trend and conservation of saker falcon (Falco cherrug) population in western Slovakia between 1976 and 2010

During the 35-year study period (1976-2010) the nesting distribution, population size and dynamics, as well as negative factors influencing the saker falcon population in western Slovakia were surveyed. After 1993 all of the nesting pairs have gradually resettled to the neighbouring agrocoenoses, previously used for hunting and wintering. This process was considerably influenced by management practices, especially the installation of 151 nest boxes on electricity pylons in lowland agrocoenoses in western Slovakia. Since 2009 all pairs have been nesting in agrocoenoses. During the last decade the number of nesting pairs has increased 145% and the nesting area of the saker has increased three-fold in western Slovakia. Data about 47 pairs and 345 nesting events were used to evaluate the population trend. The pairs raised 797 fledglings in 247 successful breeding attempts. Average success for all breeding attempts was 2.3 fledglings, and 3.2 fledglings for successful breeding attempts. The main reasons for losses during the study period are considered to be drastic changes in feeding and breeding habitats, illegal shooting and poisoning as well as nest robberies.
The diet of the greater spotted eagle (Aquila clanga) in Belarusian Polesie
Authors: Dombrovski Valery
Published: May 2012

The diet of the greater spotted eagle (Aquila clanga) in Belarusian Polesie

During 1999-2009 the food remains from the nests of 43 breeding pairs of the greater spotted eagle in Belarusian Polesie (southern Belarus) were collected. 797 prey items were determined, including mammals (40%, 15 species andSylvaemussp., 4 orders), birds (36%, 35 species andPhylloscopussp., Corvidae sp., 11 orders), evertebrates (16%, Coleoptera, Odonatoptera, Gastropoda), reptiles (6%, 4 species andLacertasp.), amphibians (1%,Ranasp.) and fish (1%, 3 species). Small rodents from the genusMicrotus(M. arvalisandM. oeconomus) as well asArvicola amphibiuswere the most numerous mammal species, followed byErinaceus roumanicusandTalpa europaea.Rallidae (mostlyRallus aquaticus, Porzana porzanaandCrex crex), waders (mainlyGalinago gallinago), dabbling ducks (mainlyAnas platyrhynchosandAnas querquedula), Galliformes (Lyrurustetrix), Ciconiiformes (Ardea cinereaandBotaurus stellaris) were the most numerous bird prey species.Emberiza schoenicluswas predominated prey species among Passerines. Reptiles were frequently represented by snakes (mainlyNatrix natrix, but alsoVipera berusandCoronella austriaca). Biomass predominance in diet of the greater spotted eagles is as follows: birds (67.9%), mammals (25.3%), reptiles (3.4%), fish (3.0%) and amphibians (0.3%). Prey species with a body mass of 51-200 g (41.9%) and 11-50 g (38.3%) were predominant in the food spectrum of the greater spotted eagles. In the weight category of 1-50g, mammals were dominant, but from the categories of 51-200 g and heavier, birds occupied the leading position. The prey which made the largest contribution in total biomass of the greater spotted eagle were in the prey weight category from 601 to 1200 g (34%), then from 51 to 200 g (24%), from 11 to 50 g (16.6%) and more than 1200 g (16%). The species of the genusMicrotuswere equally represented in prey set of the greater spotted eagle in habitats with different degrees of anthropogenic transformation (24% in each habitat type). The share ofArvicola amphibiusin the diet of the greater spotted eagle decreased from 12% in natural habitats to 4% in transformed habitats; the share of birds decreased from 41% to 26% correspondingly. The share of Insectivora and Evertebrata, on the contrary, increased to 3% and 11% in natural habitats and to 6% and 27% in transformed habitats correspondingly.
Book review
Authors: Uhrin Marcel
Published: May 2012

Book review
The ecology of ectoparasitic species Carnus hemapterus on nestlings of common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) in Bratislava
Authors: Kaľavský Martin , Pospíšilová Barbora
Published: May 2012

The ecology of ectoparasitic speciesCarnus hemapteruson nestlings of common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) in Bratislava

The time course and abundance ofCarnus hemapteruson common kestrel's nestlings depends on their age and the type of nest. Ectoparasites were found in 97% of nests and the majority of nestlings (83%) were observed to be infested between their 10th and 15th day of life. The highest infestation rate ofCarnus hemapteruswas recorded on 5- to 10-day old nestlings. We have confirmed that theCarnus hemapterusspecies feeds on blood; however no negative impact on nestlings and the breeding success of common kestrel was confirmed.
The Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) diet in the Orava Region (N Slovakia)
Authors: Obuch Ján , Karaska Dušan
Published: May 2012

The Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) diet in the Orava Region (N Slovakia)

Food remains of the Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) were studied in samples collected from 26 nests. The samples were collected during spring thus represent the prey brought to the nest whilst rearing of chicks. In total 15,196 items of prey were determined. The dominant food items were two smaller species of rodents, Microtus arvalis (39.0%), Arvicola amphibius (12.1%), and the common frog (Rana temporaria; 27.9%). Other prey recorded had low dominance, however, represented a wide range of species. 43 species of mammals and over 80 species of birds were determined. The Orava Region is climatically one of the coldest regions in Slovakia. The abundance of food for nestlings depends mostly on gradational cycles of small species of rodents and on frogs as the alternative food components. The proportion of bigger species of prey is low: from mammals it was mainly Rattus norvegicus (2.3%), Erinaceus roumanicus (0.7%) and Lepus europaeus (0.5%), from birds Corvus cornix (1.1%), Perdix perdix (0.6%) and Asio otus (0.4%). The food supply creating suitable condition for reproduction of Eurasian eagle-owls in the Orava Region has been deteriorating over the last 20 years due to a decrease in agricultural production leading to diminution of non-forest areas.
Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) nesting in a nest box on a very high voltage electricity pylon
Authors: Mihók Jozef , Lipták Ján
Published: May 2012

Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) nesting in a nest box on a very high voltage electricity pylon

In 2008 an Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) nestled down for the first time in a wooden nest box with dimensions of 80×80×80 cm, installed on a very high voltage electricity pylon in open agricultural landscape near the village of Budkovce on the Východoslovenská rovina plain in Slovakia. Since 2008 it has nested in this nest box every year, raising 1 and 2×3 young. Nesting by an Eurasian eagle-owl in a nest box on a pylon in agricultural land has not previously been recorded in any part of its whole breeding range. An interesting discovery in 2010 was a clutch of four eggs laid by a common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) found in the corner of the box, despite the fact that the Eurasian eagle-owls female and chicks were in the nest box.
The nesting of the Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) in a man-made building
Authors: Hrtan Ervín
Published: May 2012

The nesting of the Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) in a man-made building

Pair of Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) was found in 2010 nesting in an abandoned man-made building in Východo-slovenská rovina Lowlands near a small fragment of riparian forest. Observation represents first case of nesting in such roost and second case of nesting on lowland in large open agrocoenosis in Slovakia.
Ural owl (Strix uralensis) nesting in floodplain forest in the Východoslovenská rovina Plain
Authors: Balla Miloš
Published: May 2012

Ural owl (Strix uralensis) nesting in floodplain forest in the Východoslovenská rovina Plain

Ural owls started nesting in smaller patches of woodland on the border between the Východoslovenská pahorkatina Upland and the Východoslovenská rovina Plain since 1994. The first data of the presence of Ural owls also in floodplain forest along the Latorica River in eastern Slovakia come from 1926, at first during the winter, and from 1998 also during the nesting period. In 2003 this species was heard in autumn courtship in this area, and on March 31, 2010 the first instance of nesting was noted in woodland to the south of the town Veľké Kapušany in the old nest of a common buzzard (Buteo buteo). This instance of nesting in wetland forest is the first nesting record of this species in this unusual nesting habitat in Slovakia.
Book review
Authors: Schröpfer Libor
Published: May 2012

Book review
Obituary
Authors: Meyburg Bernd , Newton Ian
Published: May 2012

Obituary
Methodological Rigors in Medical Journals from Developing Countries: An Appraisal of the Scenario in Asia
Authors: Sathian Brijesh
Published: May 2012

Several medical journals in developing countries are found to have methodological rigor when compared to those from developed European countries, which may contribute to the reasoning that research from Asian region is ‘fraudulent research’. It is very easy to find out whether the research is fraudulent or not by the critical review of the research article by the expert editors. It is sincerely recommended and encouraged by the Managing editor and Author that the contributing researchers follow a diligent and systematic pattern in conducting and presenting their studies. This will not only lead to improved quality of research but will also enhance and augment the quality of Asian journals and thus, contribute meaningfully to the progress of research and improvement of medical care in developing countries.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v1i5.6151 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2011;1 (5):141-43
Estimation and Comparison of Serum Levels of Sodium, Potassium, Calcium and Phosphorus in Different Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Poudel Bibek , Mittal Ankush , Yadav Binod Kumar , Sharma Prakriti , Jha Bharat , Raut Kanak Bahadur
Published: May 2012

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a worldwide growing issue and a public health problem. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of CKD has been described in several studies. High prevalence of CKD has also reported in the different studies from different part of world. The prevalence of reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in Australia was 11.2%. Singapore, a South-East Asian country, reported a CKD prevalence of 10.1%, while the prevalence of CKD in Japanese general population was reported to be 18.7%. Reduced kidney function is associated with a variety of biochemical abnormalities such as electrolytes. However, the extent of the changes and their magnitude in relation to different stages of CKD is not well defined especially in the early stages of CKD. Thus, the main objective of our study was to assess the variations in the serum levels of sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus in different stages of CKD. Materials and methods: It was a hospital based cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Clinical Biochemistry in collaboration with the Department of Internal Medicine (nephrology unit), Kathmandu, Nepal between 1st February, 2008 to 1st January, 2010. CKD was defined as per National Kidney Foundation Guidelines. The variables collected were age, gender, blood pressure, serum level of urea, creatinine , sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, urinary albumin, urinary total protein (UTP), urinary protein creatinine ratio (PCR). The One way ANOVA was used to examine the statistical significant difference between groups. Correlation of different parameters with markers of CKD was done by Pearson‘s correlation for quantitative data. A p-value of <0.05 (two-tailed) was used to establish statistical significance. Results: Increased values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure found up to the level of stage IV CKD. However, in stage V CKD a slight decrement of blood pressure from stage IV CKD was seen. With the progression of stages of CKD, sodium levels were found to be decreased (p<0.001). In contrast to that potassium and phosphorus levels were found to be increased with the stages of CKD and (p<0.001). Serum level of calcium was found to be declined with the augment in stages of CKD (p<0.001). Positive and negative correlation of different parameters with kidney damage markers was assessed by Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Conclusion: The elevation in serum level of potassium, phosphorus and decrease in serum level of calcium were obvious even among the patients with early stages CKD.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v1i5.6154 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2011;1 (5):160-167
Indirect revascularization for nonmoyamoya intracranial arterial stenoses: clinical and angiographic outcomes
Authors: Dusick Joshua R. , Liebeskind David S. , Saver Jeffrey L. , Martin Neil A. , Gonzalez Nestor R.
Published: May 2012

Object

Symptomatic intracranial arterial stenoses have a high rate of recurrent stroke despite medical and endovascular treatments. The authors present clinical and angiographic quantitative outcomes of indirect revascularization for patients with symptomatic intracranial stenosis.

Methods

Patients treated for symptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis by indirect revascularization were included. The patient population comprised those in whom medical management had failed and for whom endovascular therapy was unsuitable or had failed. Patients underwent encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS) with or without bur holes. Preoperative and postoperative angiograms were evaluated for change in caliber of extracranial blood vessels (superficial temporal artery [STA] and middle meningeal artery [MMA]) and for evidence of neovascularization.

Results

Thirteen patients underwent EDAS. Ischemic symptoms ceased within the follow-up period in all patients, returning in a delayed fashion in only 2. No other patients had recurrent TIAs or strokes after the initial postoperative period. Donor blood vessels increased in size relative to preoperative sizes in all but 1 case (average increase of 52% for proximal STA [p = 0.01], 74% for midpoint of STA [p = 0.01], and 84% for the MMA [p = 0.02]). In addition, 8 of 11 patients demonstrated direct spontaneous anastomoses from extracranial to middle cerebral artery branches, and all patients demonstrated angiographic evidence of vascular blush and/or new branches from the STA and/or MMA.

Conclusions

Indirect revascularization appears to be a safe and effective method to improve blood flow to ischemic brain due to intracranial arterial stenosis. Neovascularization and enlargement of the branches of the ECA were observed in all patients and correlated with improvement in ischemic symptoms. Indirect revascularization is an option for patients in whom medical therapy has failed and who are not suitable for endovascular treatment.
Translator-oriented, corpus-driven technical glossaries: the case of cooking terms
Authors: Tagnin Stella E.O. , Teixeira Elisa Duarte
Published: May 2012

Although there are many English–Portuguese technical glossaries on the market, very few are designed to meet the specific needs of translators, whose main task is the production of an idiomatic text either in the mother tongue or in the foreign language. For that purpose, a mere list of monolexical terms (usually based on previous compilations or abstract conceptual schemata, and their equivalents) will not suffice. Most importantly, the producer of a text needs to know how a word is used in context, and this can be inferred from the observation of authentic examples. Corpus Linguistics has proved to be an invaluable tool in retrieving technical terms and phraseologies from corpora. In this paper, we employ a corpus-based methodology or, more precisely, the ‘corpus-driven approach’, to compile a bilingual, monodirectional English–Portuguese glossary of cooking terms ( Teixeira and Tagnin, 2008 ), covering the various stages of the project, with an emphasis on the identification of candidate terms, and their subsequent validation through the generation of frequency and keyword lists using the lexical analysis software, WordSmith Tools.
Further Successes of the Meisenheimer Model
Authors: Baker Jon Baker , Muir Max
Published: May 2012

Our simple Meisenheimer model for predicting the principal site for nucleophilic substitution in aromatic perfluorocarbons is further tested on a series of recently published reactions in liquid ammonia primarily from Malykhin and coworkers. The model accurately predicts the experimental results for all of the reactions reported further confirming its general applicability.
A Phase Space Diagram for Gravity
Authors: Hernandez Xavier
Published: May 2012

In modified theories of gravity including a critical acceleration scale a0, a critical length scale rM = (GM/a0)1/2 will naturally arise with the transition from the Newtonian to the dark matter mimicking regime occurring for systems larger than rM. This adds a second critical scale to gravity, in addition to the one introduced by the criterion v < c of the Schwarzschild radius, rS = 2GM/c2. The distinct dependencies of the two above length scales give rise to non-trivial phenomenology in the (mass, length) plane for astrophysical structures, which we explore here. Surprisingly, extrapolation to atomic scales suggests gravity should be at the dark matter mimicking regime there.
The Smart Grids in China—A Review
Authors: Yu Yanshan , Yang Jin , Chen Bin
Published: May 2012

The concept of the smart grid has been gaining more and more attention worldwide since it was proposed by the U.S. Electric Power Research Institute in 2001. Recently, it has been propelled again by the promotion of low carbon economies in developing countries. To satisfy the exponential increase in electricity demand and alleviate environmental degradation caused by fossil fuel-based power generation, China has made great efforts in constructing a smart grid as a substitution of traditional energy-intensive power grid. In the 12th Five-Year Plan in particular, it was stated that emphasis should be placed on the development of renewable energy and smart grids. The objective of this paper is to provide an insight into the current research on smart grids, and shed light on the development of smart grids in China, based on the analysis of which, the obstacles and barriers in the development process are identified. Finally, policy prospects on the construction of smart grids in China are proposed from the aspects of technology, administration and management.
A Summary Catalogue of Microbial Drinking Water Tests for Low and Medium Resource Settings
Authors: Bain Robert , Bartram Jamie , Elliott Mark , Matthews Robert , McMahan Lanakila , Tung Rosalind , Chuang Patty , Gundry Stephen
Published: May 2012

Microbial drinking-water quality testing plays an essential role in measures to protect public health. However, such testing remains a significant challenge where resources are limited. With a wide variety of tests available, researchers and practitioners have expressed difficulties in selecting the most appropriate test(s) for a particular budget, application and setting. To assist the selection process we identified the characteristics associated with low and medium resource settings and we specified the basic information that is needed for different forms of water quality monitoring. We then searched for available faecal indicator bacteria tests and collated this information. In total 44 tests have been identified, 18 of which yield a presence/absence result and 26 of which provide enumeration of bacterial concentration. The suitability of each test is assessed for use in the three settings. The cost per test was found to vary from $0.60 to $5.00 for a presence/absence test and from $0.50 to $7.50 for a quantitative format, though it is likely to be only a small component of the overall costs of testing. This article presents the first comprehensive catalogue of the characteristics of available and emerging low-cost tests for faecal indicator bacteria. It will be of value to organizations responsible for monitoring national water quality, water service providers, researchers and policy makers in selecting water quality tests appropriate for a given setting and application.
Differential Effects of High-Carbohydrate and High-Fat Diet Composition on Metabolic Control and Insulin Resistance in Normal Rats
Authors: Ble-Castillo Jorge L. , Aparicio-Trapala María A. , Juárez-Rojop Isela E. , Torres-Lopez Jorge E. , Mendez Jose D. , Aguilar-Mariscal Hidemi , Olvera-Hernández Viridiana , Palma-Cordova Leydi C. , Diaz-Zagoya Juan C.
Published: May 2012

The macronutrient component of diets is critical for metabolic control and insulin action. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of high fat diets (HFDs) vs. high carbohydrate diets (HCDs) on metabolic control and insulin resistance in Wistar rats. Thirty animals divided into five groups (n = 6) were fed: (1) Control diet (CD); (2) High-saturated fat diet (HSFD); (3) High-unsaturated fat diet (HUFD); (4) High-digestible starch diet, (HDSD); and (5) High-resistant starch diet (HRSD) during eight weeks. HFDs and HCDs reduced weight gain in comparison with CD, however no statistical significance was reached. Calorie intake was similar in both HFDs and CD, but rats receiving HCDs showed higher calorie consumption than other groups, (p < 0.01). HRSD showed the lowest levels of serum and hepatic lipids. The HUFD induced the lowest fasting glycemia levels and HOMA-IR values. The HDSD group exhibited the highest insulin resistance and hepatic cholesterol content. In conclusion, HUFD exhibited the most beneficial effects on glycemic control meanwhile HRSD induced the highest reduction on lipid content and did not modify insulin sensitivity. In both groups, HFDs and HCDs, the diet constituents were more important factors than caloric intake for metabolic disturbance and insulin resistance.