bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local Option, Alcohol and Crime
Authors: Billings Stephen B.
Published: January 2014

With the end of National Prohibition in 1933, 30 states gave counties and municipalities the local option to continue alcohol restrictions. Currently, 10% of U.S. counties still maintain a ban on some or all alcohol. Since the Prohibition movement advanced on the association between alcohol use and criminal behavior, this research examines the impact of county-level alcohol restrictions on multiple types of crime across five U.S. states. Standard panel models show a positive relationship between local option policy changes to allow alcohol and crime. The novelty of this research involves comparing the impact of alcohol restrictions across crimes classified by the degree to which an offense is often committed under the influence of alcohol. Results highlight impacts across a number of crime categories with crimes commonly committed under the influence of alcohol as well as crimes involving drug use and even crimes associated with obtaining alcohol all increasing when counties allow the sale and consumption of alcohol.
New Labour? The Effects of Migration from Central and Eastern Europe on Unemployment and Wages in the UK
Authors: Lemos Sara , Portes Jonathan
Published: January 2014

The UK was one of only three countries that granted free movement of workers to accession nationals following the enlargement of the European Union in May 2004. The resulting migration inflow, which was substantially larger and faster than anticipated, arguably corresponds more closely to an exogenous supply shock than most migration shocks studied in the literature. We evaluate the impact of this migration inflow – one of the largest in British history – on the UK labour market. We use new monthly micro-level data and an empirical approach that investigates which of several particular labour markets in the UK – with varying degrees of natives’ mobility and migrants’ self-selection – may have been affected. We found little evidence that the inflow of accession migrants contributed to a fall in wages or a rise in claimant unemployment in the UK between 2004 and 2006.
Identifying Families With Limited English Proficiency Using a Capture-Recapture Approach
Authors: Boscolo-Hightower Adrian , Rafton Sarah A. , Tolman Michelle , Zhou Chuan , Ebel Beth E.
Published: January 2014

Background and Objective:

Health providers need reliable estimates of the number of families with limited English proficiency (LEP) to assess language need and language service provision. Hospitals often lack reliable language screening tools and fail to provide interpretation for LEP families. The objective of this study was to develop a simple audit tool to more accurately identify LEP patients and families.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a retrospective cohort of patients admitted to a large pediatric hospital between July 1 and December 31, 2009. We used a “capture-recapture” approach to develop a simple audit tool to measure language screening, determine the rate of language interpretation, and estimate the number of LEP families. The captures were based on 2 independent sources: (1) language need identified at registration and (2) request for interpretation during hospital admission. Assuming a closed population, we estimated the number of LEP families missed by both captures.

Results:

During the study period, 6887 patients were admitted for care. There were 948 LEP families identified at registration and 847 families received interpretation at least once during hospital admission. We determined that the “ascertainment corrected” number of LEP families was 1031 (95% confidence interval: 1022–1040). The number of patients who had been “missed” by both methods was 15 (95% confidence interval: 7–24). Only 76% of LEP patients were identified in both data sources.

Conclusions:

A simple language audit tool can be used to determine language need, rates of interpretation, and unmet demand for language services, even when both sources of data are incomplete.
A Quality Improvement Initiative to Achieve High Nursing Presence During Patient- and Family-Centered Rounds
Authors: Sharma Anjali , Norton Laura , Gage Sandra , Ren Bixiang , Quesnell Amanda , Zimmanck Kim , Toth Heather , Weisgerber Michael
Published: January 2014

Objectives:

The objectives of this study were to: (1) identify local barriers to nursing presence on patient- and family-centered rounds (PFCR); and (2) increase nursing attendance during PFCR.

Methods:

An electronic survey needs assessment was administered to nursing staff on a single acute medical care unit to identify local barriers to nursing presence on PFCR. Daily tracking of nursing presence on rounds was then performed over a 7-month period. During this time period, 2 Plan-Do-Study Act cycles were conducted. The first intervention was a workshop for nurses about PFCR. The second intervention was the development of a strategy to contact nurses by using a hands-free communication device so that nurses were notified when rounds were starting on their patients. To evaluate the impact of our interventions, a p-chart was generated for the outcome of average daily nursing attendance (%) on PFCR per week over the 7-month period.

Results:

Two barriers identified on the survey were: (1) nurses were uncertain if physicians valued their input during PFCR; and (2) nurses were unsure when the physician team would be conducting rounds on their patients. On the p-chart, the average percentage of nursing attendance before interventions was 47%. After the nursing workshop, no change in the mean nursing attendance on PFCR was noted. After initiation of the hands-free contact strategy, nursing attendance on PFCR rose to 80%.

Conclusions:

A nursing contact strategy using a hands-free device led to a sustained increase in nursing attendance during PFCR.
International Perspectives: Point-of-Care Chest Ultrasound in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: An Italian Perspective
Authors: Raimondi Francesco , Cattarossi Luigi , Copetti Roberto
Published: January 2014

Lung ultrasound outperforms conventional radiology in the emergency diagnosis of pneumothorax and pleural effusions. Neonatologists and pediatricians are now adapting lung ultrasound to their specific clinical issues. The normal image is relatively unchanged throughout the age span, whereas progressively fading B-lines (comet-tail artifacts) describe the fluid-to-air transition of the neonatal lung. Also, an homogeneous white (hyperechogenic) lung with pleural image abnormalities and absence of spared areas is accurate in diagnosing respiratory distress syndrome. The evidence of bilateral confluent B-lines in the dependent areas of the lung (‘‘white lung’’) and normal or near-normal appearance of the lung in the superior fields is highly sensitive and specific for transient tachypnea of the newborn. Infantile pneumonia has recently been proved to be accurately diagnosed by ultrasound after a short training period. In summary, chest ultrasonography is not yet ready to replace conventional chest radiology. However, when appropriately applied, a lung ultrasound scan can save time and radiation exposure to achieve a critical diagnosis.
Chemically Mediated Mate Finding of the Polyphagous Solitary Parasitoid Itoplectis naranyae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)
Authors: Itadani H , Ueno T
Published: January 2014

Polyphagous solitary parasitoids have difficulty finding mates that can be widely dispersed because of their polyphagous natures. Males of polyphagous species are more likely to rely on compounds characteristic of the female or on sex pheromones to find mates. However, the mating biology of few polyphagous parasitoids has been studied and sex pheromones are known for only a few species of parasitoids altogether. Here we examined the mating biology of the polyphagous parasitoid Itoplectis naranyae Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), which attacks a variety of lepidopteran pupae. The existence and timing of emission of female sex pheromones and male response with age were studied in the laboratory. A field test was also conducted to confirm the attractiveness of newly emerged females to wild males over a distance. The results confirmed that volatile compounds are used in the sexual communication in I. naranyae. Females attracted males most strongly shortly after emergence; pupae and older females were much less attractive. Older (30-d-old) males were most responsive to female sex pheromones. Males with prior experience with females responded more strongly than naïve males. The field test showed that traps containing virgin females attracted wild males. These results showed that this solitary polyphagous species uses volatile compounds to find scattered mates at close and moderate ranges. The existence of chemically mediated mate finding suggests that sex pheromone traps may be useful in management of I. naranyae as a biological control agent.
Modeling the Area-Wide Integration of Male Annihilation and the Simultaneous Release of Methyl Eugenol-ExposedBactroceraspp. Sterile Males
Authors: Barclay Hugh J , McInnis Donald , Hendrichs Jorge
Published: January 2014

We present simple models that describe the factors influencing application of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) alone, followed by the factors affecting the integration of the Male Annihilation Technique (MAT) and SIT simultaneously to annihilate wild males and replace them with methyl eugenol (ME)-exposed sterile males that are less responsive to the toxic MAT baits. The removal by MAT of large numbers of males to deprive females of mates is rather ineffective to suppress populations unless a proportion of females are also attracted to baits. When simultaneously implementing SIT and MAT, much less stringent requirements for the annihilation of the wild male population apply and the sterile fly release rate can be reduced to only ≈5% of that when SIT is applied alone. The main determinants of control efficiency are whether a proportion of wild females is attracted to MAT baits, whether most of the wild males respond to the MAT baits before mating, and whether a majority of ME-exposed sterile males do not respond to the baits. However, a high remating frequency in mated females, and the release of only sterile males or both sterile males and females, do not greatly affect the ease of control. We conclude that the simultaneous MAT and SIT application is synergistic and the combination appears to be an extremely powerful control strategy for tephritid fruit fly pests that are attracted to ME.
Variation in Fitness among Geographically Isolated Colorado Potato Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Populations
Authors: Chen Jie , Alyokhin Andrei , Mota-Sanchez David , Baker Mitchell , Whalon Mark
Published: January 2014

Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), is a major pest of potatoes in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. It adapts quickly to adverse environments, thereby limiting the longevity of control strategies. Better understanding of variability among geographically isolated populations of this insect might create an opportunity to customize control techniques for local conditions. We investigated insecticide resistance, heat tolerance, and growth potential in six beetle populations collected from different locations in the United States. Significant differences were detected in insecticide resistance, egg mass size, and egg hatchability among the tested populations. Large egg mass size appeared to be offset by lower egg hatchability. We also observed a female-biased sex ratio at least in one of the strains. Population growth rates were different among the strains, but this parameter was not correlated to insecticide resistance. This suggests that using allopatric populations in comparative studies of insecticide resistance might result in confusing effects of geographic isolation with the effects of selection toward resistance.
First Records, New Species, and a Key of the Charipinae (Hymenoptera: Cynipoidea: Figitidae) from the Nearctic Region
Authors: Ferrer-Suay Mar , Selfa J , Pujade-Villar J
Published: January 2014

The Charipinae material deposited in the United States National Museum of Natural History (Smithsonian Institution) and some specimens deposited in the Canadian National Collection of Insects from the Nearctic region have been revised. In all, 337 specimens have been included in this study and 27 species have been determined. Sixteen species are reported for the first time from the Nearctic region: Alloxysta arcuata (Kieffer, 1902), Alloxysta brevis (Thomson, 1862), Alloxysta castanea (Hartig, 1841), Alloxysta citripes (Thomson, 1862), Alloxysta darci (Girault, 1933), Alloxysta fracticornis (Thomson, 1862), Alloxysta halterata (Thomson, 1862), Alloxysta macrophadna (Hartig, 1841), Alloxysta mullensis (Cameron, 1883), Alloxysta pilipennis (Hartig, 1840), Alloxysta postica (Hartig, 1841), Alloxysta proxima (Belizin, 1962), Alloxysta ramulifera (Thomson, 1862),Phaenoglyphis heterocera (Hartig, 1841), Phaenoglyphis salicis (Cameron, 1883), and Phaenoglyphis stricta (Thomson, 1877). Seven new species are described: Alloxysta buffingtoni Ferrer-Suay & Pujade-Villar n. sp., Alloxysta huberi Ferrer-Suay & Pujade-Villar n. sp., Alloxysta neartica Ferrer-Suay & Pujade-Villar n. sp., Alloxysta texana Ferrer-Suay & Pujade-Villar n. sp., Alloxysta vicenti Ferrer-Suay n. sp., Phaenoglyphis jeffersoni Ferrer-Suay & Pujade-Villar n. sp., and Phaenoglyphis kenaii Ferrer-Suay & Pujade-Villar n. sp. Diagnoses are given for the species newly recorded in this region and their main diagnostic features are present in different plates. New species are completely described and illustrated. A key to identify the Charipinae present in the Nearctic region is also given.
Basic Biology and Host Use Patterns of Tephritid Flies (Phytalmiinae: Acanthonevrini, Dacinae: Gastrozonini) Breeding in Bamboo (Poaceae: Bambusoidea)
Authors: Dohm P , Kovac D , Freidberg A , Rull J , Aluja M
Published: January 2014

We report results of field collections, laboratory rearing, and behavioral observations of tephritids belonging to the tribes Acanthonevrini and Gastrozonini in Malaysia and Thailand. The focus of the study was on general biology, seasonal history, mating, oviposition, larval biology, larval habits, and microhabitats. Host association with bamboo was unequivocally established for 31 species. Adult flies fed on liquids oozing from plants or other sources. Most species developed in the rainy season, when bamboo shoots were available. In Thailand, adult flies gathered along streams in the dry season. Observed sexual behavior patterns appeared to be simple in Gastrozonini, whereas in some Acanthonevrini, the males produced a foamy “nuptial gift,” which was offered to females during courtship. Eggs were laid under sheaths or in injuries to the bamboo surface. The main obstacle to oviposition and penetration of shoots appeared to be the hard culm sheaths.Thelarvae entered feeding substrates via injuries, holes created by other insects, or by squeezing in between culm sheaths and bamboo walls. Larvae of Gastrozonini and Rioxoptilona (Acanthonevrini) fed on living or dead bamboo shoots. Larvae of other Acanthonevrini developed in water-filled internode cavities, scraping particles from walls or collecting them from the water surface. Bamboo growth stages and degree of protection by culm sheaths were used to classify microhabitats. These determined to a large extent which guilds of flies could be found. While larvae of some bamboo tephritids destroyed thin bamboo shoots or branches, most acted as secondary pests and did not cause substantial economic losses.
Life Table Analysis ofPropylea quatuordecimpunctata(Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) at Constant Temperatures
Authors: Papanikolaou Nikos E , Milonas Panagiotis G , Kontodimas Dimitris C , Demiris Nikos , Matsinos Yiannis G
Published: January 2014

A life table analysis of the 14-spotted ladybird beetle, Propylea quatuordecimpunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), reared on bean aphid, Aphis fabae Scopoli (Hemiptera: Aphididae), was conducted at four constant temperatures (17, 20, 25, and 30 ± 1°C). A temperature dependence in the coccinellid's net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of increase, finite rate of increase, mean generation time, and doubling time was detected. Estimated values of intrinsic rate of increase were 0.065, 0.095, 0.166, and 0.190 females per female per day at 17, 20, 25, and 30°C, respectively, where Lactin model indicated that the maximum value is achieved at 29.23°C. Females of ≈75, 50, 45, and 20 d old reach their maximum reproductive potential at 17, 20, 25, and 30 ± °C, respectively. In addition, temperature affected the risk of death of immature and female adults, as the survival curves at the examined temperatures were significantly different. The mean survival times decreased from 19.9 to 8.0 d and 123.1 to 33.5 d from 17 to 30°C for entire immature stages and female adults, respectively.
Male Reproductive Competition and Components of Female Fitness in Relation to Body Size in Northern Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: French B Wade , Hammack Leslie
Published: January 2014

In insects, larger males generally have a reproductive advantage over smaller males when competing for mating partners. We examined male reproductive competition together with precopulation and copulation durations, female longevity, and fecundity in the northern corn rootworm in relation to the body size of males and females that were combined for mating. Longevity and fecundity were determined for individually caged, mated females. Of the females in 108 combinations of two males and one female, 35 chose not to mate. Of the females in the 73 combinations that resulted in copulation, 38 were small and 35 were large. The proportions of large and small males that mated did not vary significantly with female size, but large males were more than twice as likely as small males to mate. The precopulation duration did not vary with either male or female size, and no interaction occurred between male and female size for either the precopulation or copulation duration. However, both male and female size affected the duration of copulation, with small males copulating longer than large males and large females copulating longer than small females.Nofemale longevity or egg number differences occurredamongthe body size categories of the mating pairs. The implications of the results for insect resistance management are discussed, considering that the evolution of resistance to certain management strategies, such as resistance to the use of insecticides or of Bt maize, may be accompanied by changes in body size.
Timing marine–freshwater transitions in the diatom order Thalassiosirales
Authors: Alverson Andrew J.
Published: January 2014

With species found throughout both marine and fresh waters, the diatom order Thalassiosirales is one of the most phylogenetically and ecologically diverse lineages of planktonic diatoms. A clear understanding of the timescale of Thalassiosirales evolution would provide novel insights into the rates and patterns of species diversification associated with major habitat shifts, as well as provide valuable context for understanding the age and evolutionary history of the model species, Cyclotella nana (= Thalassiosira pseudonana). The freshwater fossil record for Thalassiosirales is extensive, well characterized, and generally supportive of a Miocene origin for the major freshwater lineages. The marine record is, by comparison, more sparse and in many cases, unverified. The discovery of freshwater thalassiosiroids in Eocene sediments pushed the freshwater fossil record considerably further back in time, highlighting an apparent gap of some 30 million years. An alternative interpretation is that the Miocene and Eocene reports represent competing hypotheses. In the absence of additional independent and decisive fossil data, I explored the relative plausibility of these two scenarios with Bayesian relaxed molecular clock methods under a range of fossil calibration schemes. Although I found no support for the Eocene fossil dates, the two major freshwater colonization events probably occurred much earlier than previously thought—as early as the Paleocene for Cyclotella, followed by an Eocene origin for the cyclostephanoid lineage. Much of the extant freshwater diversity in both lineages traces back to the Miocene, however, giving the impression of a single Miocene origin. Efforts to infer the timescale of Thalassiosirales evolution more accurately would benefit from a systematic reevaluation of the marine fossil record and formal integration of fossil species into existing phylogenetic hypotheses.
A Psychometric Validation of the Beliefs Toward Mental Illness Scale
Authors: Royal Kenneth D. , Thompson Juan M.
Published: January 2014

Background and Purpose: This study measured Protestant Christians’ beliefs about mental illness using the Beliefs Toward Mental Illness Scale (BMI). Methods: This study used a state-of-the-art item response theory technique, namely the Rasch rating scale model (RRSM), to evaluate the psychometric properties of the BMI and to produce a ruler of the construct hierarchy. Results: Using Messick’s framework for evaluating construct validity, sufficient evidence was obtained that suggests the BMI is psychometrically sound regarding substantive, content, structural, and generalizable aspects of validity. Conclusions: The BMI is a psychometrically sound instrument that is appropriate for measuring beliefs toward mental illness.
Strategy to Improve Quality in Emergency Medical Services: from Assessment to Policy
Authors: Tozija Fimka , Jankulovski Nikola
Published: January 2014

The aim of this paper was to present the strategic approach applied for improvement of quality in emergency medical services (EMS) in the Republic of Macedonia. This approach was accomplished through three stages: (I) assessment and recommendations for policies; (II) development of innovative evidence-based programmes; and (III) policy implementation. Strategic assessment of EMS was performed by applying WHO standard methodology. A survey was conducted in 2006/2007 on the national level in fifteen general hospitals, four university hospitals, and sixteen pre-hospital EMS. The overall evaluation was based on a hospital emergency department (ED) questionnaire, information on the general characteristics of the pre-hospital dispatch centre, review of ED medical records, and the patient questionnaire. The key findings of the assessment showed that EMS required extensive changes and improvements. Pre-hospital EMS was not well-developed and utilised. Hospital EDs were not organised as separate divisions ran by a head medical doctor. The diagnostic and treatment capacities were insufficient or outdated. Most of the surveyed hospitals were capable of providing essential diagnostic tests in 24 h or less. There was no follow-up of the EMS patients or an appropriate link between the hospital EDs and primary health care facilities. The main findings of the assessment, recommendations, and proposals for action served as the basis for new policies and integrated into Macedonia’s official strategy for emergency medical services 2009-2017.
In Vivo Protective Effects of Gallic Acid Isolated from Peltiphyllum Peltatum Against Sodium Fluoride-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rat Erythrocytes
Authors: Nabavi Seyed Fazel , Habtemariam Solomon , Sureda Antoni , Hajizadeh Moghaddam Akbar , Daglia Maria , Naba Seyed Mohammad
Published: January 2014

Gallic acid has been identified as an antioxidant component of the edible and medicinal plant Peltiphyllum peltatum. The present study examined its potential protective role against sodium fluoride (NaF)-induced oxidative stress in rat erythrocytes. Oxidative stress was induced by NaF administration through drinking water (1030.675 mg m-3 for one week). Gallic acid at 10 mg kg-1 and 20 mg kg-1 and vitamin C for positive controls (10 mg kg-1) were administered daily intraperitoneally for one week prior to NaF administration. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase and catalase), and the level of reduced glutathione were evaluated in rat erythrocytes. Lipid peroxidation in NaF-exposed rats significantly increased (by 88.8 %) when compared to the control group (p<0.05). Pre-treatment with gallic acid suppressed lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Catalase and superoxide dismutase enzyme activities and glutathione levels were reduced by NaF intoxication by 54.4 %, 63.69 %, and 42 % (p<0.001; vs. untreated control group), respectively. Pre-treatment with gallic acid or vitamin C significantly attenuated the deleterious effects. Gallic acid isolated from Peltiphyllum peltatum and vitamin C mitigated the NaF-induced oxidative stress in rat erythrocytes.
Liver Aspartate Transaminase Isoenzymes as Biomarkers of Chronic Exposure to Chromium(VI)
Authors: Najafi Mohammad , Roustazadeh Abazar , Moshtaghie Ali Asghar , Ani Mohsen
Published: January 2014

Exposure to hexavalent chromium compounds is associated with the risk of lung cancer, dermatitis, gastrointestinal ulcers, and other tissue damages. The aim of this study was to compare liver isoenzyme and total serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) as cytotoxic biomarkers of acute and chronic cytotoxicity of CrVI. We investigated the extent of cell damage caused by chromium(VI) in acute (2.5 mg kg-1) daily doses administered over five days and chronic (0.25 mg kg-1 and 0.5 mg kg-1) daily doses administered over 15 to 60 days by measuring total AST in serum and low molecular weight AST (LMW-AST) and high molecular weight AST (HMW-AST) activities in thirty liver fractions. We also evaluated the kinetic properties and electrophoretic mobility of the LMW- and HMW-AST isoenzymes in liver subcellular fractions. Liver LMW-AST and total serum AST activities significantly decreased after 15 days of exposure (P<0.05). With continued treatment, AST activity increased by 15.67 % (P<0.05). Interestingly, changes in serum AST activity were similar to changes in the liver LMW-AST isoenzyme. Our results confirmed that total serum AST activity may serve as a reliable tissue biomarker for long-term exposures to CrVI, but they also suggest that the LMW-AST isoenzyme could be even more sensitive.
Prevalence and Correlates of Hypertension in A Transitional Southeastern European Population: Results from the Albanian Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Petrela Elizana , Burazeri Genc , Pupuleku Fatjona , Zaimi Edmond , Rahman Mizanur
Published: January 2014

We assessed the prevalence and socioeconomic and behavioural correlates of hypertension in the young to middle-aged population of Albania, a transitional post-communist country in the Western Balkans. We analysed a sample of 2,837 men and 3,580 women aged 15 to 49 from the 2008/2009 Albanian Demographic and Health Survey. Hypertension was defined as SBP≥140 mm Hg, or DBP≥90 mm Hg, or if the subjects were under treatment for hypertension. Data on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and behavioural factors were also collected. Logistic regression was used to assess the association of hypertension with covariates. Hypertension was significantly higher among men (27.3 %) than women (20.0 %), and significantly increased with age. The harmful effect of excessive weight and obesity on hypertension was stronger among women than among men and this effect increased with age, especially in women. Smoking and alcohol were risk factors for hypertension in men, but not women. Education had a protective effect on hypertension in women but not in men.
Oxalate: From the Environment to Kidney Stones
Authors: Brzica Hrvoje , Breljak Davorka , Burckhardt Birgitta C , Burckhardt Gerhard , Sabolić Ivan
Published: January 2014

Oxalate urolithiasis (nephrolithiasis) is the most frequent type of kidney stone disease. Epidemiological research has shown that urolithiasis is approximately twice as common in men as in women, but the underlying mechanism of this sex-related prevalence is unclear. Oxalate in the organism partially originate from food (exogenous oxalate) and largely as a metabolic end-product from numerous precursors generated mainly in the liver (endogenous oxalate). Oxalate concentrations in plasma and urine can be modified by various foodstuffs, which can interact in positively or negatively by affecting oxalate absorption, excretion, and/or its metabolic pathways. Oxalate is mostly removed from blood by kidneys and partially via bile and intestinal excretion. In the kidneys, after reaching certain conditions, such as high tubular concentration and damaged integrity of the tubule epithelium, oxalate can precipitate and initiate the formation of stones. Recent studies have indicated the importance of the SoLute Carrier 26 (SLC26) family of membrane transporters for handling oxalate. Two members of this family [Sulfate Anion Transporter 1 (SAT-1; SLC26A1) and Chloride/Formate EXchanger (CFEX; SLC26A6)] may contribute to oxalate transport in the intestine, liver, and kidneys. Malfunction or absence of SAT-1 or CFEX has been associated with hyperoxaluria and urolithiasis. However, numerous questions regarding their roles in oxalate transport in the respective organs and male-prevalent urolithiasis, as well as the role of sex hormones in the expression of these transporters at the level of mRNA and protein, still remain to be answered.
Total sulphur content in deposits of the Zofiówka monocline (sw part of upper silesian coal basin)
Authors: Marcisz Marek
Published: January 2014

Streszczenie

Dokonano charakterystyki zmian zawartości siarki całkowitej w 29 pokładach węgla kamiennego złóż Pniówek i Zofiówka, występujących w monoklinie Zofiówki - obszarze o podstawowym znaczeniu dla pol- skiej bazy węgli koksowych. Wytypowane do badań pokłady reprezentują warstwy siodłowe, rudzkie, załęskie i orzeskie, tj. pokłady gnip 500,400 i 300 (namur B - westfal B). Charakterystyki zmian S,d dokonano na podstawie utworzonej cyfrowej bazy danych obejmującej 2730 próbek, spośród których w 2661 oznaczono zawartość tego pierwiastka. Przeprowadzono podstawowe analizy statystyczne, za pomocąktórych określono m.in. liczbę próbek, w których oznaczono zawartość siarki całkowitej w poszczególnych pokładach, a także min., maks. oraz średnią zawartość tego pierwiastka w danym pokładzie. Prześledzono zmiany zawartości siarki całkowitej w układzie wertykalnym (wraz z głębokością) i horyzontalnym (w dwóch kierunkach: E-W oraz N-S). Wykreślono także mapy izoliniowe zawartości siarki całkowitej we wszystkich badanych pokładach węgla. Wyniki badań wykazały, że zawartość siarki całkowitej w badanych pokładach złóż monokliny Zofiówki zmienia się w zakresie od 0,21% S,d w pokładzie 406/1 do 2,18% S,d w pokładzie 361. Zawartość średnia siarki całkowitej w złożach monokliny Zofiówki wynosi 0,65% S,d. Nie wykazano żadnej ogólnej tendencji zmian zawartości siarki cał- kowitej. W każdym z pokładów obserwuje się odmienny charakter tych zmian. Przedstawione w artykule rezultaty stanowią część wyników uzyskanych w ramach projektu badawczego pt.: „Inteligentna koksownia spełniająca wymagania najlepszej dostępnej techniki”, opartego na współpracy nauki z przemysłem, realizowanego w ramach Programu Operacyjnego „Innowacyjna Gospodarka” i finansowanego w większości ze środków Europejskiego Funduszu Rozwoju Regionalnego.
Land cover as a factor affecting the structure
and modifying the dynamics of a landscape system
Authors: Solon Jerzy , Lechnio Jerzy
Published: January 2014

of the landscape from the viewpoint of the structure’s durability, characteristics and speed of change. The research focused on the area surrounding Płock.

In the analysed period (1987-2010) slight changes were detected with regard to the land cover, though they were significant in terms of the natural environment. No single dominant process determining land cover change was identified. Fluctuations prevailed (producing a slightly different picture in each microregion), with a fixed pattern maintained. Distribution, shape and spatial location of land cover types are only partly determined by land lie and habitat quality. Fragmentation of the terrain is relatively high, which reflects intense land use, at the same time indicating opportunities to preserve the wildlife and vegetation typical for agrocenoses.
DEVELOPMENT OF A NOVEL TECHNOLOGY FOR RAPIDLY ROTATING SYSTEMS FOR MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Klaeger Uwe , Schmucker Ulrich , Galazky Veikko
Published: January 2014

Rapidly rotating systems such as centrifuges are widely used in medicine and laboratories to efficiently separate different constituents of liquids. Rotors, which hold sample containers, are an essential part of centrifuges. Since they are subjected to extreme mechanical loads, rotors are one of a centrifuge’s core safety components. Their deficits served as the point of departure for the development of a novel manufacturing technology, which is based on carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP). Its supporting structure is entirely in the loading plane, thus enabling the rotor to absorb higher centrifugal forces while requiring the same amount of material. The new design concept for the load-bearing structure includes a geodesically molded annular support member. It transmits forces better than present products and increases rigidity. In order to eliminate the known problems with obtaining the necessary manufacturing quality of hollow fiber composite bodies, the authors developed the process of centrifugal infusion. Their proposed solution is based on generating higher gravitation forces, thus effectively eliminating detrimental gas pockets and simultaneously optimizing surface quality and impregnation.
ALGORITHM FOR ISO 14649 (STEP-NC) FEATURE RECOGNITION
Authors: Pobożniak Janusz
Published: January 2014

The paper focuses on the algorithm for the recognition of manufacturing features defined in ISO 14649 (STEP-NC). First, the features defined in STEP-NC standard are discussed and then commonly used feature recognition methods are presented. Then the developed algorithm for recognition is presented in details starting with the discussion of STEP-NC features from the point of view of their recognition. The steps of the algorithm responsible for the recognition of profile based, transition and group features are presented. The software developed to verify the algorithm is also described. The final part includes the directions for the future research works. This paper adds to the works aimed to strengthen the position and use the full benefits of this new ISO 14649 standard.
STUDYING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE NiCrN ALLOY FORGING PROCESS
Authors: Schmidt Jerzy , Kazakov Alexander , Zagórski Andrzej , Świątoniowski Andrzej
Published: January 2014

Chromium- and nickel based alloys offer good mechanical properties, while keeping them also in highly corrosive environment. In addition, the introduction of the nitrogen at the level of 0.3 to 0.5% to the alloy structure, increases the plastic deformation ability of the cast alloy. This observation is fully confirmed by the results of the plastic deformation tests (performed on Gleeble), which are presented in this paper. The laboratory samples made of NiCrN wrought alloy and processed by die forging, demonstrated the significant increase of the yield stress and plastic deformation ability for the applied deformation degrees. The experiments showed about twofold increase of the resistance to cyclic loading for the forged products, when comparing it to the initial alloy state after casting. The developed technology (validated by numerical simulations) has been used to manufacture the workpiece for the propeller shaft. The results of the deformation performance for the element subjected to plastic processing have been compared with the material in its cast state.
DYNAMIC BUSINESS MODEL BASED ON RESEARCH IN POWER ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY
Authors: Koskinen Jari , Takala Josu , Awali Joseph Sebuwufu
Published: January 2014

The recent global economic crisis has caused an uncertain and challenging business environment and has battered managements that are running businesses all over the world. This paper focuses on new capabilities that can be used successfully in a fast changing business environment for improving firms’ efficiency.

This research utilizes constructive approach including interviews and case studies. The relevant findings of the study are the elements of the key success factors: entrepreneurial strategy, R&D to market performance, dynamic operational excellence and innovativeness with links to the key actions which have led to new business model called dynamic business model (DBC). This research focuses on power electronics business industry which at the same time is a limitation. This research helps directors and managers to think more widely and make better decisions for the success of the company. This research results bring additional value of the previous studies regarding a firm’s key success factors and dynamic capabilities.
The algebraic fundamental group of a reductive group scheme over an arbitrary base scheme
Authors: Borovoi Mikhail , González-Avilés Cristian
Published: January 2014

We define the algebraic fundamental group π
1(G) of a reductive group scheme G over an arbitrary non-empty base scheme and show that the resulting functor G↦ π1(G) is exact.
Hunting in the dark by a peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Authors: Hirata Kazuhiko , Nakahama Shota , Yoshioka Toshiro
Published: January 2014

A peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) was observed preying on a mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) in Hokkaido, northern Japan, before dawn. The observation was made on 13 January 2013 about 40 minutes before sunrise, in the dark. Although there were sparse street lamps and car traffic nearby the observation point, it is not as evenly and continuously well-lit as urban areas. This suggests the potential of peregrine falcon to forage successfully in non-urban habitat under low light conditions.
Diet of the ural owl (Strix uralensis) in Slovakia
Authors: Obuch Ján , Danko Štefan , Mihók Jozef , Karaska Dušan , Šimák Ladislav
Published: January 2014

A Central European subspecies of the Ural owl Strix uralensis macroura (Wolf, 1810) is widespread in the territory of Slovakia. The work presents unpublished data on the diet of this subspecies from several territorial units of eastern and northern Slovakia, obtained from pellets and the nest linings in boxes (1 ,564 pieces). There is less data about prey brought to young in the nest but still not yet consumed (137 pieces). Published data from analysis of the stomachs of dead and shot owls come from the first six decades of the 20th century. Together with existing published data, 2,134 pieces of the diet of S. uralensis from Slovakia are evaluated. They indicate the dominance of non-forest species Microtus arvalis and a more plentiful representation of larger species of prey: Lepus europaeus, Sciurus vulgaris and Corvus sp. In upper Orava the diet of young S. uralensis also consists of frogs Rana temporaria, moles Talpa europaea and mountain species of rodents: Microtus agrestis, M. subterraneus, Sicista betulina and Arvicola amphibius. In data from the mountains of central Slovakia the Clethrionomys glareolus has high abundance, and in eastern Slovakia the Apodemus flavicollis and A. agrarius are more represented, and in the lowlands also the Cricetus cricetus. Upon evaluation ofmaterial from the entire breeding grounds of S. uralensis it can be deduced that the basic diet consist of mammals (88.6%) from the orders Soricomorpha and Rodentia. In the countries of Central Europe the species M. arvalis, M. subterraneus, A. flavicollis and Muscardinus avellanarius are more abundantly represented, and in the Baltic states the species Sorex araneus, M. agrestis, M. oeconomus and M. rossiaemeridionalis. The species S. betulina and A. agrarius occur in the diet of S. uralensis from Central Europe up through the Far East.
Application of landscape metrics
in the evaluation of geodiversity
Authors: Malinowska Ewa , Szumacher Iwona
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this study is to present opportunities for using landscape metrics to evaluate geodiversity on individual landscape levels. The research area is located to the west of the Płock Urban and Industrial Agglomeration in Poland. Within this area, hierarchically organized regional units were delimited (Richling, Malinowska, Szumacher 2013). The area is divided into 87 first-level regions, 36 second-level regions and 9 third-level regions. The units have been treated as basic fields for geodiversity analysis purposes using selected landscape measures and metrics, to include area, density, size, edges and diversity (among others, Shannon’s Diversity Index (SDI), Shannon’s Evenness Index (SEI), domination (D) and redundancy (R)) generated in Patch Analyst v. 5, Fragstats v. 4.0, ArcGIS v.10 and Statistica v. 10 software.
Application of the catena concept
in studies of landscape system dynamics
Authors: Malinowska Ewa , Szumacher Iwona
Published: January 2014

The concept of catena in landscape surveys is used to demonstrate the surroundings of landscape units, their vertical structure and inter-unit processes, as well as the mosaic nature of the landscape. Furthermore, it reflects the structural and functional heterogeneity of the surveyed area, at the same time indicating types of links between landscape units, depending on a variety of geological, habitat-related and biotic conditions, including land use and its transformation arising from anthropopressure.

The catena survey performed included four key morphological and lithological units with varied landscape structure and functioning: glacial upland, vast outwash plains, the Wisła River valley and deepened channel valleys, as well as dune hills and hillocks. The results prove that the functioning of landscape systems depends on the forms of land use and their durability. Characteristics of leading components in catenas are diverse despite a similar genesis of landforms and relief shaping processes.
Abrasion, Erosion and Cavitation Erosion Wear Properties of Thermally Sprayed Alumina Based Coatings
Authors: Matikainen Ville , Niemi Kari , Koivuluoto Heli , Vuoristo Petri
Published: January 2014

Thermally-sprayed alumina based materials, e.g., alumina-titania (Al2O3-TiO2), are commonly applied as wear resistant coatings in industrial applications. Properties of the coatings depend on the spray process, powder morphology, and chemical composition of the powder. In this study, wear resistant coatings from Al2O3 and Al2O3-13TiO2 powders were sprayed with plasma and high-velocity oxygen-fuel (HVOF) spray processes. Both, fused and crushed, and agglomerated and sintered Al2O3-13TiO2 powders were studied and compared to pure Al2O3. The coatings were tested for abrasion, erosion, and cavitation resistances in order to study the effect of the coating structure on the wear behavior. Improved coating properties were achieved when agglomerated and sintered nanostructured Al2O3-13TiO2 powder was used in plasma spraying. Coatings with the highest wear resistance in all tests were produced by HVOF spraying from fused and crushed powders.
Quantifying Compressibility and Slip in Multiparticle Collision (MPC) Flow Through a Local Constriction
Authors: Akhter Tahmina , Rohlf Katrin
Published: January 2014

The flow of a compressible fluid with slip through a cylinder with an asymmetric local constriction has been considered both numerically, as well as analytically. For the numerical work, a particle-based method whose dynamics is governed by the multiparticle collision (MPC) rule has been used together with a generalized boundary condition that allows for slip at the wall. Since it is well known that an MPC system corresponds to an ideal gas and behaves like a compressible, viscous flow on average, an approximate analytical solution has been derived from the compressible Navier–Stokes equations of motion coupled to an ideal gas equation of state using the Karman–Pohlhausen method. The constriction is assumed to have a polynomial form, and the location of maximum constriction is varied throughout the constricted portion of the cylinder. Results for centerline densities and centerline velocities have been compared for various Reynolds numbers, Mach numbers, wall slip values and flow geometries.
Entropy Estimation of Generalized Half-Logistic Distribution (GHLD) Based on Type-II Censored Samples
Authors: Seo Jung-In , Kang Suk-Bok
Published: January 2014

This paper derives the entropy of a generalized half-logistic distribution based on Type-II censored samples, obtains some entropy estimators by using Bayes estimators of an unknown parameter in the generalized half-logistic distribution based on Type-II censored samples and compares these estimators in terms of the mean squared error and the bias through Monte Carlo simulations.
Democracy versus the Domination of Instrumental Rationality: Defending Dewey’s Argument for Democracy as an Ethical Way of Life
Authors: Cruickshank Justin
Published: January 2014

For some, the problem with the domination of instrumental rationality is the tendency towards anomie. However, this fails to recognise the instrumental use of norms by elite groups to manipulate public opinion. Such manipulation can then allow elite groups to treat the citizenry as a means for the pursuit of their self-interest. Horkheimer was one of the first to recognise the problem in this form, but was unable to offer any solution because he conceptualised the citizenry as passive. By contrast, Dewey argued for an active citizenry to value participation in public life as good in, and of, itself. This is associated with his conception of democracy as an ethical way of life offering the possibility for the domination of instrumental rationality to be transcended. In this article Dewey’s resolution of the problem is addressed in the light of the weaknesses attributed here to Horkheimer and to later developments by Bellah, Bernstein, Gellner, Habermas and Honneth.
Residential Racial Composition and Black-White Obesity Risks: Differential Effects of Neighborhood Social and Built Environment
Authors: Li Kelin , Wen Ming , Henry Kevin
Published: January 2014

This study investigates the association between neighborhood racial composition and adult obesity risks by race and gender, and explores whether neighborhood social and built environment mediates the observed protective or detrimental effects of racial composition on obesity risks. Cross-sectional data from the 2006 and 2008 Southeastern Pennsylvania Household Health Survey are merged with census-tract profiles from 2005–2009 American Community Survey and Geographic Information System-based built-environment data. The analytical sample includes 12,730 whites and 4,290 blacks residing in 953 census tracts. Results from multilevel analysis suggest that black concentration is associated with higher obesity risks only for white women, and this association is mediated by lower neighborhood social cohesion and socioeconomic status (SES) in black-concentrated neighborhoods. After controlling for neighborhood SES, black concentration and street connectivity are associated with lower obesity risks for white men. No association between black concentration and obesity is found for blacks. The findings point to the intersections of race and gender in neighborhood effects on obesity risks, and highlight the importance of various aspects of neighborhood social and built environment and their complex roles in obesity prevention by socio-demographic groups.