bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clasper Flaring: Maintenance Behavior, or a Normally Hidden Feature of
Male Whitetip Reef Sharks, Triaenodon Obesus?
Authors: Ritter EK , Compagno LVJ
Published: March 2013

Male whitetip reef sharks, Triaenodon obsesus, are able to pivot their claspers beyond regular flexing, including
spreading their distal tips in a funnel like fashion. The feature of this extended clasper flexing, labelled clasper flaring,
is described here. It is speculated to possibly reflect a pre- or post-copulation-related behavior.
New results on infinite dimensional duality in elastic-plastic torsion
Authors: Giuffrè Sofia , Maugeri Antonino
Published: March 2013

Aim of the paper is to announce very recent results on the existence of
Lagrange multipliers associated to the elastic-plastic torsion problem.
Common fixed point of multivalued mappings in ordered generalized metric spaces
Authors: Abbas Mujaid , Khan Rahim , Nazir Talat
Published: March 2013

In this paper, study of necessary conditions for the existence of common
fixed point of multi- valued mappings satisfying generalized contractive
conditions in the setting of ordered generalized metric spaces is initiated.
Examples to support our results are presented. These results establish most
general common fixed point theorems for multivalued maps in ordered
generalized metric spaces.
On V-r-invexity and vector variational-like inequalities
Authors: Mishra S.K. , Laha Vivek
Published: March 2013

In this paper, we consider the multiobjective optimization problems involving
the differentiable V-r-invex vector valued functions. Under the assumption of
V-r-invexity, we use the Stampacchia type vector variational-like
inequalities as tool to solve the vector optimization problems. We establish
equivalence among the vector critical points, the weak efficient solutions
and the solutions of the Stampacchia type weak vector variational-like
inequality problems using Gordan?s separation theorem under the V-r-invexity
assumptions. These conditions are more general than those appearing in the
literature.
Asymptotic similarity relation and generalized inverse
Authors: Djurcic Dragan , Konjokrad Valentina , Nikolic Rale
Published: March 2013

In this paper we discuss relationships among asymptotic similarity, weak
asymptotic equivalence and the generalized inverse in the class A of all
nondecreasing unbounded positive functions on a half-axis [a, +?) (a > 0). As
a main result, we prove proper characterizations of some classes of functions
in Karamata?s theory of regular and rapid variation.
Well-posedness by perturbations of variational-hemivariational inequalities with perturbations
Authors: Ceng Lu-Chuan , Gupta Himanshu , Wen Ching-Feng
Published: March 2013

In this paper, we consider an extension of the notion of well-posedness by
perturbations, introduced by Zolezzi for a minimization problem, to a class
of variational-hemivariational inequalities with perturbations in Banach
spaces, which includes as a special case the class of mixed variational
inequalities. Under very mild conditions, we establish some metric
characterizations for the well-posed variational-hemivariational inequality,
and show that the well-posedness by perturbations of a
variational-hemivariational inequality is closely related to the
well-posedness by perturbations of the corresponding inclusion problem.
Furthermore, in the setting of finite-dimensional spaces we also derive some
conditions under which the variational-hemivariational inequality is strongly
generalized well-posed-like by perturbations.
Resolvent operator technique for solving a system of generalized variational-like inclusions in Banach spaces
Authors: Ahmad Rais , Dilshad Mohammad , Akram Mohammad
Published: March 2013

In this paper, we apply H(?,?)-?-cocoercive operator introduced in [2] for
solving a system of generalized variational-like inclusions in q-uniformly
smooth Banach spaces. By using the approach of resolvent operator associated
with H(?,?)-?-cocoercive operator, an iterative algorithm for solving a
system of generalized variational-like inclusions is constructed. We prove
the existence of solutions of system of generalized variational-like
inclusions and convergence of iterative sequences generated by the algorithm.
An example through Matlab programming is constructed.
A fixed point result for multivalued generalized contraction maps
Authors: Latif Abdul
Published: March 2013

Using the concept of u-distance, a fixed point problem in metric spaces for
closed valued maps, is solved. Consequently, several known fixed point
results are either improved or generalized.
Exact solutions and conservation laws of a coupled integrable dispersionless system
Authors: Khalique Masood
Published: March 2013

In this paper we study the coupled integrable dispersionless system (CIDS),
which arises in the analysis of several problems in applied mathematics and
physics. Lie symmetry analysis is performed on CIDS and symmetry reductions
and exact solutions with the aid of simplest equation method are obtained. In
addition, the conservation laws of the CIDS are also derived using the
multiplier (and homotopy) approach.
Inequalities among quasi-arithmetic means for continuous field of operators
Authors: Micic Jadranka , Hot Kemal
Published: March 2013

In this paper we study inequalities among quasi-arithmetic means for a
continuous field of self-adjoint operators, a field of positive linear
mappings and continuous strictly monotone functions which induce means. We
present inequalities with operator convexity and without operator convexity
of appropriate functions. Also, we present a general formulation of converse
inequalities in each of these cases. Furthermore, we obtain refined
inequalities without operator convexity. As applications, we obtain
inequalities among power means.
Human Pancreatic β-Cell G1/S Molecule Cell Cycle Atlas
Authors: Fiaschi-Taesch Nathalie M. , Kleinberger Jeffrey W. , Salim Fatimah G. , Troxell Ronnie , Wills Rachel , Tanwir Mansoor , Casinelli Gabriella , Cox Amy E. , Takane Karen K. , Scott Donald K. , Stewart Andrew F.
Published: March 2013

Expansion of pancreatic β-cells is a key goal of diabetes research, yet induction of adult human β-cell replication has proven frustratingly difficult. In part, this reflects a lack of understanding of cell cycle control in the human β-cell. Here, we provide a comprehensive immunocytochemical “atlas” of G1/S control molecules in the human β-cell. This atlas reveals that the majority of these molecules, previously known to be present in islets, are actually present in the β-cell. More importantly, and in contrast to anticipated results, the human β-cell G1/S atlas reveals that almost all of the critical G1/S cell cycle control molecules are located in the cytoplasm of the quiescent human β-cell. Indeed, the only nuclear G1/S molecules are the cell cycle inhibitors, pRb, p57, and variably, p21: none of the cyclins or cdks necessary to drive human β-cell proliferation are present in the nuclear compartment. This observation may provide an explanation for the refractoriness of human β-cells to proliferation. Thus, in addition to known obstacles to human β-cell proliferation, restriction of G1/S molecules to the cytoplasm of the human β-cell represents an unanticipated obstacle to therapeutic human β-cell expansion.
Cytoplasmic-Nuclear Trafficking of G1/S Cell Cycle Molecules and Adult Human β-Cell Replication
Authors: Fiaschi-Taesch Nathalie M. , Kleinberger Jeffrey W. , Salim Fatimah G. , Troxell Ronnie , Wills Rachel , Tanwir Mansoor , Casinelli Gabriella , Cox Amy E. , Takane Karen K. , Srinivas Harish , Scott Donald K. , Stewart Andrew F.
Published: March 2013

Harnessing control of human β-cell proliferation has proven frustratingly difficult. Most G1/S control molecules, generally presumed to be nuclear proteins in the human β-cell, are in fact constrained to the cytoplasm. Here, we asked whether G1/S molecules might traffic into and out of the cytoplasmic compartment in association with activation of cell cycle progression. Cdk6 and cyclin D3 were used to drive human β-cell proliferation and promptly translocated into the nucleus in association with proliferation. In contrast, the cell cycle inhibitors p15, p18, and p19 did not alter their location, remaining cytoplasmic. Conversely, p16, p21, and p27 increased their nuclear frequency. In contrast once again, p57 decreased its nuclear frequency. Whereas proliferating β-cells contained nuclear cyclin D3 and cdk6, proliferation generally did not occur in β-cells that contained nuclear cell cycle inhibitors, except p21. Dynamic cytoplasmic-nuclear trafficking of cdk6 was confirmed using green fluorescent protein–tagged cdk6 and live cell imaging. Thus, we provide novel working models describing the control of cell cycle progression in the human β-cell. In addition to known obstacles to β-cell proliferation, cytoplasmic-to-nuclear trafficking of G1/S molecules may represent an obstacle as well as a therapeutic opportunity for human β-cell expansion.
High- and Moderate-Intensity Training Normalizes Ventricular Function and Mechanoenergetics in Mice With Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Hafstad Anne D. , Lund Jim , Hadler-Olsen Elin , Höper Anje C. , Larsen Terje S. , Aasum Ellen
Published: March 2013

Although exercise reduces several cardiovascular risk factors associated with obesity/diabetes, the metabolic effects of exercise on the heart are not well-known. This study was designed to investigate whether high-intensity interval training (HIT) is superior to moderate-intensity training (MIT) in counteracting obesity-induced impairment of left ventricular (LV) mechanoenergetics and function. C57BL/6J mice with diet-induced obesity (DIO mice) displaying a cardiac phenotype with altered substrate utilization and impaired mechanoenergetics were subjected to a sedentary lifestyle or 8–10 weeks of isocaloric HIT or MIT. Although both modes of exercise equally improved aerobic capacity and reduced obesity, only HIT improved glucose tolerance. Hearts from sedentary DIO mice developed concentric LV remodeling with diastolic and systolic dysfunction, which was prevented by both HIT and MIT. Both modes of exercise also normalized LV mechanical efficiency and mechanoenergetics. These changes were associated with altered myocardial substrate utilization and improved mitochondrial capacity and efficiency, as well as reduced oxidative stress, fibrosis, and intracellular matrix metalloproteinase 2 content. As both modes of exercise equally ameliorated the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy by preventing LV remodeling and mechanoenergetic impairment, this study advocates the therapeutic potential of physical activity in obesity-related cardiac disorders.
X-Box Binding Protein 1 Is Essential for Insulin Regulation of Pancreatic α-Cell Function
Authors: Akiyama Masaru , Liew Chong Wee , Lu Shusheng , Hu Jiang , Martinez Rachael , Hambro Ben , Kennedy Robert T. , Kulkarni Rohit N.
Published: March 2013

Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) often exhibit hyperglucagonemia despite hyperglycemia, implicating defective α-cell function. Although endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been suggested to underlie β-cell dysfunction in T2D, its role in α-cell biology remains unclear. X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) is a transcription factor that plays a crucial role in the unfolded protein response (UPR), and its deficiency in β-cells has been reported to impair insulin secretion, leading to glucose intolerance. To evaluate the role of XBP1 in α-cells, we created complementary in vivo (α-cell–specific XBP1 knockout [αXBPKO] mice) and in vitro (stable XBP1 knockdown α-cell line [αXBPKD]) models. The αXBPKO mice exhibited glucose intolerance, mild insulin resistance, and an inability to suppress glucagon secretion after glucose stimulation. αXBPKD cells exhibited activation of inositol-requiring enzyme 1, an upstream activator of XBP1, leading to phosphorylation of Jun NH2-terminal kinase. Interestingly, insulin treatment of αXBPKD cells reduced tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) (pY896) and phosphorylation of Akt while enhancing serine phosphorylation (pS307) of IRS1. Consequently, the αXBPKD cells exhibited blunted suppression of glucagon secretion after insulin treatment in the presence of high glucose. Together, these data indicate that XBP1 deficiency in pancreatic α-cells induces altered insulin signaling and dysfunctional glucagon secretion.
Efficacy of hCG and GnRH with Respect to Follicular Size and Presence of the Corpus Luteum in Cosynch Protocol Integrated with Norgestomet in Lactating Cows
Authors: Metіn Pancarci Şükrü , Lehіmcіoğlu Necdet Cankat , Ari Umut Çağin , Güngör Örsan , Akbulut Özay
Published: March 2013

Efficacies of hCG and GnRH with respect to follicular diameter in Cosynch protocol were investigated. Lactating cows (n=119) received injections of GnRH and PGF2 7 d apart. Norgestomet ear implant was inserted at GnRH administration and removed prior to PGF2 injections. Presence of the corpus luteum (CL) at GnRH and PGF2 injections, and diameter of preovulatory follicle [small (SPF) <8 mm or large (LPF) ≥8 mm] at PGF2 were determined with transrectal ultrasonography (USG). The animals were randomly treated with GnRH (0.01 mg; GPG, n=62) or hCG (1,500 IU; GPH, n=57) at timed artificial insemination (TAI) 56 h after injection of PGF2α. Pregnancies were diagnosed with USG 32-35 d after TAI. Pregnancies per TAI (P/TAI) were significantly (P<0.05) lower in GPH cows (28.1%; 16/57) compared to those in GPG animals (46.8%; 29/62). P/TAI with respect to follicular size did not differ between GPG and GPH cows, although P/TAI was numerically higher in LPF (30.0%; 15/50) than in SPF (14.3%; 1/7) in GPH cows. P/TAI in cows without CL at PGF2 was 2.5 (1.0-6.7) times higher (P<0.01) in GPG (20.0%; 3/15) compared to GPH (10.5%; 2/19). In conclusion, use of hCG in milieu of the second GnRH in Cosynch+progesterone insert protocol did not have any advantage in lactating cows.
Effect of Lysozyme Treatment on Quality and Bacterial Contamination of Chilled Chicken Legs
Authors: Kijowski Jacek , Marciszewska Celina , Cegielska-Radziejewska Renata , Popiół Anna
Published: March 2013

The effect of spraying lysozyme solutions of varying activity on microbiological stability and organoleptic features of chicken legs with skin was investigated. Lysozyme was applied at concentrations ranging from 3,000 to 48,000 U/mL. The effect of storage time at 4oC on the total aerobic bacterial count, coli titre, occurrence of enterococci, anaerobic spore forming bacilli, and pathogenic staphylococci was analysed along with the examination of sensory quality attributes. The investigations showed that the addition of lysozyme resulted in a considerable inhibition of growth of the initial aerobic bacterial counts and a limitation of disadvantageous organoleptic changes during cold storage of the legs. The lysozyme solution with the activity of 48,000 U/mL caused a 20-fold reduction in the initial aerobic bacterial count. Sensory examination showed that samples subjected to the action of lysozyme and stored for 120 h under cold storage conditions did not differ qualitatively from fresh legs. The obtained results revealed that lysozyme might be an effective agent extending shelf-life of portioned poultry meat.
Use of Calcium Sulfate as a Biomaterial in the Treatment of Bone Fractures in Rabbits – Preliminary Studies
Authors: Szponder Tomasz , Mytnik Ewa , Jaegermann Zbigniew
Published: March 2013

The paper presents preliminary results of the implantation of calcium sulfate type Hartform HF1 developed at the Institute of Glass and Ceramics in Warsaw. The study was conducted on 10 New Zealand White rabbits, in which after tibial osteotomy the biomaterial was implanted directly into the fracture site. The animals were divided into two groups based on the method of fracture stabilisation: intramedullary pinning using Kirschner wires in one group and acrylic external fixator in the other. After 12 weeks, bone union was observed in all animals as estimated by clinical and radiological findings. Histological tests revealed resorption of the biomaterial into the bone fracture area. It was concluded that type Hartform 1 calcium sulfate can be used as a biomaterial in veterinary orthopedics. Due to the lack of observable side effects during implantation and resorption, the material can be considered as a valuable ingredient in composite biomaterials containing calcium sulfate.
Evaluating the bio-hydrological impact of a cloud forest in Central America using a semi-distributed water balance model
Authors: Caballero Luis A. , Easton Zachary M. , Richards Brian K. , Steenhuis Tammo S.
Published: March 2013

Water scarcity poses a major threat to food security and human health in Central America and is increasingly recognized as a pressing regional issues caused primarily by deforestation and population pressure. Tools that can reliably simulate the major components of the water balance with the limited data available and needed to drive management decision and protect water supplies in this region. Four adjacent forested headwater catchments in La Tigra National Park, Honduras, ranging in size from 70 to 635 ha were instrumented and discharge measured over a one year period. A semi-distributed water balance model was developed to characterize the bio-hydrology of the four catchments, one of which is primarily cloud forest cover. The water balance model simulated daily stream discharges well, with Nash Sutcliffe model efficiency (E) values ranging from 0.67 to 0.90. Analysis of calibrated model parameters showed that despite all watersheds having similar geologic substrata, the bio-hydrological response the cloud forest indicated less plantavailable water in the root zone and greater groundwater recharge than the non cloud forest cover catchments. This resulted in watershed discharge on a per area basis four times greater from the cloud forest than the other watersheds despite only relatively minor differences in annual rainfall. These results highlight the importance of biological factors (cloud forests in this case) for sustained provision of clean, potable water, and the need to protect the cloud forest areas from destruction, particularly in the populated areas of Central America.
Small-scale contact angle mapping on undisturbed soil surfaces
Authors: Bachmann Joerg , Goebel Marc-O. , Woche Susanne K.
Published: March 2013

Research of the last years pointed out that most soils are neither completely hydrophilic nor hydrophobic, but exhibit a subcritical level of water repellency (i.e. contact angle, CA > 0° and < 90°). Soil water repellency (SWR) is mainly caused by organic compounds of different origin and structure, showing the relevance of biofilms and organic coatings present at many particle surfaces. Despite the importance of SWR for hydraulic processes like preferential flow phenomena, generation of heterogeneous moisture patterns, or surface run-off generation, detailed investigations on the spatial variability of SWR at various scales have rarely been carried out. We introduce a new and easy-to-apply operation for measuring the spatial distribution of SWR using a modified sessile drop method for direct optical assessment of CA at a small scale. The specific objectives of this paper are to apply a sampling and preparation technique that preserves the original spatial arrangement of soil particles and to characterize soil wettability in terms of CA at a high spatial resolution. Results revealed that the sampling and preparation technique allows determination of CA at the millimeter scale using droplets of 1 μL volume. Direct measurement on grain surfaces of the sand fraction is possible for grain sizes > 300 μm using drop volumes down to 0.1 μL. Geostatistical evaluation showed that the measurement grid scale is below the range of spatial dependency for droplets of 1 μL volume, but not for measurements on single grains (pure nugget effect). Results show further that the small-scale differences in wettability, especially for CA < 90°, cannot be detected by the conventional WDPT test. From these findings it can be concluded that the proposed technique allows the identification of small-scale variations in wettability that may promote the formation of heterogeneous flow fields and moisture patterns in soil under unsaturated conditions.
Combined proton NMR wideline and NMR relaxometry to study SOM-water interactions of cation-treated soils
Authors: Schaumann Gabriele E. , Diehl Dörte , Bertmer Marko , Jaeger Alexander , Conte Pellegrino , Alonzo Giuseppe , Bachmann Jörg
Published: March 2013

Focusing on the idea that multivalent cations affect SOM matrix and surface, we treated peat and soil samples by solutions of NaCl, CaCl2 or AlCl3. Water binding was characterized with low field 1H-NMR-relaxometry (20 MHz) and 1H wideline NMR spectroscopy (400 MHz) and compared to contact angles.

From 1H wideline, we distinguished mobile water and water involved in water molecule bridges (WaMB). Large part of cation bridges (CaB) between SOM functional groups are associated with WaMB. Unexpectedly, 1H NMRrelaxometry relaxation rates suggest that cross-linking in the Al-containing peat is not stronger than that by Ca.

The relation between percentage of mobile water and WaMB water in the context of wettability and 1H NMR relaxation times confirms that wettability controls the water film surrounding soil particles. Wettability is controlled by WaMB-CaB associations fixing hydrophilic functional groups in the SOM interior. This can lead to severe water repellency. Wettability decreases with increasing involvement of functional groups in CaB-WaMB associations. The results demonstrate the relevance of CaB and WaMB for the dynamics of biogeochemical and hydrological processes under field conditions, as only a few percent of organic matter can affect the physical, chemical, and biological functioning of the entire 3-phase ecosystem.
Tolerance of canola to drought and salinity stresses in terms of root water uptake model parameters
Authors: Yanagawa Aki , Fujimaki Haruyuki
Published: March 2013

Canola (Brassica napus) is cultivated for oil as a biofuel crop. Few quantitative data concerning its tolerance to abiotic stresses has been presented. We evaluated the tolerances of canola to drought and salinity stresses in terms of parameter values in a macroscopic root water uptake model. We conducted an experiment using nine columns with two plants in each: three columns were under drought stresses, another three were under saline stress and others provided potential transpiration. Two soil moisture and salinity probes were inserted into each of the six columns under stress to monitor water content and electrical conductivity. Weight of the columns was manually measured to obtain daily transpiration. Water uptake at each depth and time was calculated by substituting linearly interpolated matric and osmotic potentials into the stress response function. Determined stress response functions indicated that canola is more sensitive to drought compared to Jatropha. While, it was found to be as tolerant as Jatropha to salinity stress in terms of transpiration. Matric potential was more determining than osmotic potential to root water uptake of canola.
Influence of temperature on the biological parameters of the anholocyclic species Cinara tujafilina (Hemiptera: Aphidoidea)
Authors: Durak Roma , Borowiak-Sobkowiak Beata
Published: March 2013

Aphids are a good model to study insect reaction to habitat change. Temperature is one of the main factors that influences insects. This paper examines the influence of temperature on developmental stages, fecundity, survival rate and demographic parameters of Cinara tujafilina (Hemiptera: Aphidoidea, Lachnidae), connected with decorative plants of the Cupressaceae family. C. tujafilina was reared in a laboratory on T. orientalis at five constant temperatures of 10, 15, 20, 25 and 28°C, 70% humidity and 14L:10D. The pre-reproduction stage varied from 7 at 25°C to 19 days at 10°C. Developmental threshold was assigned at 3.5°C. The longest reproduction stage for the aphids developing was recorded at 25°C, namely 33 days, while the shortest, at the temperature of 10°C, lasted 8 days. At 25°C this species is characterised by the shortest pre-reproduction stage, the highest fecundity, the highest survival rate and the highest demographic parameters, particularly rm (0.17). The results suggest that the optimal temperature for the species is 25°C, and indicate that climatic change will favourably influence its development and increase its role as a pest of decorative plants.
Influence of climate change on carbon and oxygen isotope fractionation factors between glucose and α-cellulose of pine wood
Authors: Sensuła Barbara , Pazdur Anna
Published: March 2013

We present the first analysis of the influence of climate change on carbon and oxygen isotope fractionation factors for two saccharides (glucose and α-cellulose) of pine wood. The conifers grew in the Niepołomice Forest in Poland and the annual rings covered a time span from 1935 to 2000 AD. Glucose samples from acid hydrolysis of α-cellulose were extracted from annual tree rings. The carbon and oxygen isotope fractionation factors between glucose and α-cellulose were not stable over time. The mean value for the carbon isotope fractionation factors between glucose and α-cellulose was greater than unity. The mean value for the oxygen isotope fractionation factors between glucose and α-cellulose was lower than unity. We established, with respect to climate change, the significance of the interannual and intraannual variation in the carbon and oxygen isotope fractionation factors between both saccharides. We used moving interval correlation results for May of the previous year through September of the current year using a base length of 48 years. The relationship with summer temperature is the main climate signal in the carbon isotope fractionation factor between glucose and α-cellulose. The relationship with autumn sunshine is the main climate signal in the oxygen isotope fractionation factor between glucose and α-cellulose for the tree ring chronology.
U-Pb zircon age of the youngest magmatic activity in the High Tatra granites (Central Western Carpathians)
Authors: Burda Jolanta , Gawęda Aleksandra , Klötzli Urs
Published: March 2013

Detailed cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging of zircon crystals, coupled with Laser Ablation Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS) U-Pb zircon dating was used to develop new insights into the evolution of granitoids from the High Tatra Mountains. The zircon U-Pb results show two distinct age groups (350±5 Ma and 337±6 Ma) recorded from cores and rims domains, respectively. Obtained results point that the last magmatic activity in the Tatra granitoid intrusion occurred at ca. 330 Ma. The previously suggested age of 314 Ma reflects rather the hydrothermal activity and Pb-loss, coupled with post-magmatic shearing.
Determination of ecological significance based on geostatistical assessment: a case study from the Slovak Natura 2000 protected area
Authors: Klaučo Michal , Gregorová Bohuslava , Stankov Uglješa , Marković Vladimir , Lemenkova Polina
Published: March 2013

The Sitno Natura 2000 Site covers an area of 935,56 hectares. The Sitno region is significant due to the number of rare and endangered species of plants, and as a result is considered a location of great importance to the maintenance of floral gene pools. The study area suffers human impacts in the form of tourism. The main purpose of this study is to the measure landscape elements, determine the ecological significance of habitats within the Sitno area, and from this data, organize the study area into conservation zones. The results of this landscape quantification are numerical values that can be used to interpret the quality of ongoing ecological processes within individual landscape types. Interpretation of this quantified data can be used to determine the ecological significance of landscapes in other study areas. This research examines the habitats of Natura 2000 Sites by a set of landscape metrics for habitat area, size, density, and shape, such as Number of patches (NP), Patch density (PD), Mean patch size (MPS), Patch size standard deviation (PSSD) and Mean shape index (MSI). The classification of land cover patches is based on the Annex Code system.
Consistent patterns of rare earth element distribution in accessory minerals from rocks of mafic-ultramafic complexes
Authors: Lesnov Felix
Published: March 2013

This paper summarizes analytical data accumulated in the world literature and other materials about the regularities of the REE distribution in minerals contained in ultramafic and mafic rocks as accessory phases. These minerals are tentatively divided into two groups. The first includes garnets, zircons, apatites and perovskites, which can accumulate increased amounts of REE in their structure. The second consists of minerals whose structure can accumulate only limited contents of these trace elements. These are chrome-spinels, ilmenites, and micas. These minerals, in respect of REE geochemistry, are studied to a varying degree because of the different levels of accumulations of these elements, different degrees of occurrence in rocks, tiny sizes of their grains and other reasons. The analytical database formed on their basis includes about 600 original analyses. The overwhelming majority of presently available data on REE geochemistry in accessory minerals from ultramafic and mafic rocks have been published only in the recent 15 years. The studies became possible due to the development and introduction of new highly sensible microprobe analyses allowing detection of REE and many other trace elements in minerals grains directly in thin sections. The greatest numbers of these analyses were performed for garnets and zircons, fewer for apatites, and the fewest for chrome-spinels, ilmenites, micas, and perovskites. In general, the regularities of REE distribution in these minerals from ultramafic and mafic rocks are less studied compared to the rock-forming minerals from ultramafic and mafic rocks. Among the analytical methods, which were used to study the REE composition of accessory minerals, the most efficient was the mass-spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS).
Inhibition of Cholesterol Biosynthesis in Hypercholesterolemia – Is It the Right Choice? / Inhibicija Biosinteze Holesterola u Hiperholesterolemiji – Da Li Je Pravi Izbor?
Authors: Coskun Abdurrahman , Serteser Mustafa , Unsal Ibrahim
Published: March 2013

Cholesterol biosynthesis is a complex pathway comprising more than 20 biochemical reactions. Although the final product created in the pathway is cholesterol, the intermediate products, such as ubiquinone and dolichol, also provide vital metabolic functions. Statins are HGM-CoA reductase inhibitors that stop the production of cholesterol by directly inhibiting the mevalonate production. Mevalonate is a precursor of two additional vital molecules, squalene and ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10). We hypothesized that inhibiting the cholesterol biosynthesis with statins for an extended duration may potentiate the oxidative stress, neurodegenerative disease and cancer. Our recommendation was to measure muscle enzymes, antioxidant capacity, and ubiquinone to monitor patients receiving the statins for prolonged periods of time.
Modeling the Real Estate Prices in Olsztyn under Instability Conditions
Authors: Bełej Mirosław , Kulesza Sławomir
Published: March 2013

The paper deals with the description of the issues related to the dynamics of the real estate market in terms of sharp, unexpected changes in the housing prices which have been observed in the last decade in many European countries due to some macroeconomic circumstances. When such perturbations appear, the real estate market is said to be structurally unstable, since even a small variation in the control parameters might result in a large, structural change in the state of the whole system. The essential problem addressed in the paper is the need to define and discriminate between the intervals of stable and unstable real estate market development with special attention paid to the latter. The research aims at modeling hardly explored field of discontinuous changes in the real estate market in order to reveal the bifurcation edge. Assuming that the periods of sudden price changes reflect an intrinsic property of the real estate market, it is shown that the evolution path draws for most of the time a smooth curve onto the stability area of the equilibrium surface, and only briefly penetrates into the instability area to hop to another equilibrium state.
The Use of the Geographically Weighted Regression for the Real Estate Market Analysis
Authors: Cellmer Radosław
Published: March 2013

The article presents a method for developing geographically weighted regression models for analyzing real estate market transaction prices and evaluating the effect of selected property attributes on the prices and value of real estate. The property attributes were evaluated on a grading scale to determine the relative (percentage) indicators characterizing the relationships on the real estate market. The market data were analyzed to evaluate the influence of infrastructure availability on the prices of land in Olsztyn. The results were used to assess the effect of every utility service on the property transaction prices.
Statistical Forecasting of the Indicators of Polish Airport’s Operations
Authors: Fijorek Kamil , Leśniewska Agnieszka
Published: March 2013

From the perspective of airport management the knowledge of short-term future airport operation levels is a crucial part of the planning process. In this paper we evaluate the forecasting abilities of exponential smoothing (ETS) and seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) models applied to the monthly time series of cargo transport, aircraft complete operations and passenger flows generated by selected Polish regional airports.
Innovative Mechanisms in Territorial Industrial Systems – Western Pomerania Case
Authors: Świadek Arkadiusz , Szopik-Depczyńska Katarzyna
Published: March 2013

The major objective of the paper is to show the results of research that was made in industrial enterprises of the West Pomeranian region. The main objective of the research was an attempt to find the variable determinants that have an impact of the relationships among enterprises on their innovative performance. The research was conducted within regional industrial systems and the basic aim was to define the constraints for a model regional structure of innovation network tailored to the needs of Poland and one of its regions.
Constrictive pericarditis - a difficult diagnosis
Authors: Opris Mihaela , Sglimbea Anca , Maier Anca , Bardas A. , Sirbu Voichita , Suciu H.
Published: March 2013

Constrictive pericarditis is an uncommon condition, often of unknown etiology. The diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis can be difficult and is often delayed, because the signs and symptoms of this disease can be falsely attributed to other causes. We report the case of a 62-year-old woman presented with a one year history of progressively worsening dyspnea, peripheral oedema, prominent jugular distension, hepatomegaly, ascites. The patient is known with a history of effusive pericarditis. Blood test showed a normal white cell count, anaemia, raised CRP. Chest X-Ray shows a normal sized heart and without calcification of the pericardium. The echocardiographic exam showed septal bounce-abrupt transient rightward movement, left, right ventricular size decreased-heart tubularin shape, mild atrial enlargement, IVC plethoric and unresponsive to respiration, hepatic veins dilated. Doppler echocardiographic findings were consistent with constrictive pericarditis. Cardiac catheterization showed elevation and equalization of diastolic filling pressures, and dips and plateau configuration of ventricular pressure during diastole (square root sign). Based on these results pericardiectomy was necessary. Constrictive pericarditis was also confirmed at the time of surgery. The pericardium was found with thickening of up to 30 mm in some areas. Histopathological exam showed fibrosis and calcification within the pericardium with no evidence of malignancy or tuberculosis. The patient was discharged 10 days later. At 3 months she had no significant symptoms. Diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis remains challenging. Constrictive pericarditis should be suspected in patients with clinical features of right-sides heart failure. Echocardiography and cardiac catheterisation are important investigation in diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis and avoiding unnecessary treatments.
Pulmonary silicotuberculosis in an electrician male - Case report and literature review
Authors: Constandina Claudia , Raşcu Agripina , Trăilescu Ana Maria , Danteș Elena , Halichidis Stela , Arghir Oana Cristina
Published: March 2013

This is a case report of a pulmonary silicotuberculosis in a former smoker, male, 43 years old, having 21 years of occupational exposure to particulate coniotic-free crystalline-silicon dioxide as an electrician, developing symptoms as fever higher than 38°C, dry cough and diffuse chest pain, being diagnosed with miliary of the lung in 2002. Silicosis was confirmed later by histological exam obtained through an exploratory thoracotomy and it was included in the transient first to second stage of pneumoconiosis. Three years later, in July 2005, Pulmonary Tuberculosis was diagnosed by acid-fast stains positive smears. The evolution of the case was to a progressive deterioration till 2008, leading to silicosis stage III. Silicosis is a pulmonary fibrosis which must be always suspected in persons working in conditions of occupational exposure to dust of silicon dioxide, having suggestive radiological changes including micronodular radiological pattern or pseudotumoral one. Once the diagnosis of silicosis is confirmed, tuberculosis may be frequently associated. The more advanced silicosis is, the more the combination of the two diseases is commonly revealing and, often, the TB morbidity among workers in the silica industry exceeds that of general population. A hint orientation for the silicotuberculosis’ diagnosis, in this reported case, was represented by the radiological dynamic of the lesions. Tuberculosis lesions are less dense and imprecisely defined, located in upper lobes and develop necrotic centers.
Exploring the Relationship Between Training, Beliefs, and Teachers’ Corrective Feedback Practices: A Case Study of a Novice and an Experienced ESL Teacher
Authors: Junqueira Luciana , Kim YouJin
Published: March 2013

Abstract:

Using multiple data sources (observations, stimulated recalls, interviews), this study investigated the relationship between previous training, teaching experience, corrective feedback (CF) beliefs, and practices of a novice and an experienced ESL teacher. The findings revealed that both teachers provided similar amounts of CF and had comparable amounts of learner uptake and repair in their classes. However, the experienced teacher generated more teacher-learner interactions and more types of CF, which were also more balanced across linguistic targets. Teaching experience and teacher training did not appear to impact the teachers’ beliefs on the inefficacy of CF, while “apprenticeship of observation” seemed to have a greater influence on the belief systems of both teachers. These results point to several pedagogical implications for teacher education programs, which are discussed in the paper.
“Piety and Popishness”: Tolerance and the Epistolary Reaction to Richardson’s Sir Charles Grandison
Authors: Mello Patrick
Published: March 2013

Samuel Richardson’s Sir Charles Grandison (1753), in its every aspect, attempts to solve the problems of religious difference in the post-Jacobite world. Recent readings argue that despite the apparent openness of Sir Charles’s marriage proposal to his Catholic love interest, Clementina, the novel presents Catholicism as a threat to both the protagonist and his nation, reducing Sir Charles Grandison to a highly politicized tolerationist platform. For Richardson’s contemporary opponents, a “True Englishman” is an Anglican of conservative social values, an icon they believed Richardson countered by offering the religiously liberal Sir Charles as an alternative model of English character. Through my analysis of the anonymous epistolary responses to the novel, the social and political milieu that informed them, and the novel itself, I challenge the critical assumption that Sir Charles Grandison puts forward a recognizable tolerationist agenda, instead arguing that it works against politically authorized intolerance by unyoking religion from public policy altogether.
Shocked Sensibility: The Nerves, the Will, and Altered States in Sade’s L’Histoire de Juliette
Authors: Quinlan Sean
Published: March 2013

The Marquis de Sade modified his early ideas about sensibility in his post-revolutionary writings, especially in L’Histoire de Juliette (1799–1801). Throughout L’Histoire de Juliette, Sade’s characters discover that the power of the will—le moral—can master the physical world of sensation. To achieve this state, however, they must first understand the working of the sensory apparatus itself. By using this biomedical knowledge, Sade’s libertines could unleash their inner drives and push themselves into transcendent forms of experience. Sade’s method had two components: first, libertines must repress their sensibility in all its moral and physical dimensions in order to unleash its full power. Second, libertines learned to shock their nerves through extreme sensory experiences and thus overwhelm ingrained moral values and behaviour. Taken together, these experiential techniques potentially released the libertine’s creative mind. In this process, the libertine transcended the conventions of aesthetic mimesis, by substituting expressivity for reality itself.
Complex imaging features of accidental cerebral intraventricular gadolinium administration
Authors: Nayak Nita B. , Huang Jimmy C. , Hathout Gasser M. , Shaba Wisam , El-Saden Suzie M.
Published: March 2013

Gadolinium diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) is a contrast agent commonly used for enhancing MRI. In this paper, the authors report on 2 cases of postoperative inadvertent administration of Gd-DTPA directly into a ventriculostomy tubing side port that was mistaken for intravenous tubing. Both cases demonstrated a low signal on MRI throughout the ventricular system and dependent portions of the subarachnoid spaces, which was originally believed to be CSF with areas of T1 shortening in the nondependent portions of the subarachnoid spaces, and misinterpreted as basal leptomeningeal enhancement and meningitis. The authors propose that the appearance of profound T1 hypointensity within the ventricles and diffuse susceptibility artifact along the ependyma is pathognomonic of intraventricular Gd-DTPA and should be recognized.
Surgical outcomes in recurrent glioma
Authors: Hoover Jason M. , Nwojo Macaulay , Puffer Ross , Mandrekar Jay , Meyer Fredric B. , Parney Ian F.
Published: March 2013

Object

The object of this study was to assess outcomes after surgery for recurrent intracranial glioma.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed cases involving adult patients with intracranial glioma patients undergoing initial surgery (biopsy or resection) and one or more additional surgeries at their institution.

Results

A total of 323 operations were performed in 131 patients. The median survival was 76 months after first surgery, 36 months after second, 24 months after third, and 26.5 months after 4 or more surgeries. The overall complication rate was 12.8% after first surgery, 27.0% after second (OR 2.52, p = 0.0068), 22.0% after third (OR 1.92, not statistically significant [NS]), and 22.2% after 4 or more (OR 1.95, NS). Neurological complications occurred in 4.8% of patients at first surgery, 12.1% at second (OR 2.7, p = 0.0437), 8.2% at third (OR 1.75, NS), and 11.1% at 4 or more surgeries (OR 2.4583, NS). Regional complications occurred in 6.2% after first surgery, 9.9% after second surgery (OR 2.30, p = 0.095), 13.7% after third surgery (OR 3.31, p = 0.015), and 22.2% after 4 or more surgeries (OR 5.95, p = 0.056). Systemic complications occurred in 3.2% after first surgery, in 7.3% after second surgery (OR 2.3, p = 0.NS), in 4.1% after third surgery (OR 1.3, NS), and 0% after 4 or more surgeries. Reduction in Karnofsky Performance Status score occurred in 0% after first surgery, 8.1% after second surgery (OR 3.13, p = 0.0018), 10.2% after third surgery (OR 5.52, p < 0.0001), and 11.1% after 4 or more surgeries (OR 1.037, NS).

Conclusions

Postoperative survival is relatively prolonged but complication risk increases in patients with glioma who undergo multiple cranial surgeries. The largest increase in neurological risk occurs between the first and second surgery. In contrast, regional complication risk increases consistently with each surgery. The risk of systemic complications is not significantly altered with increasing surgeries. However, these complications only result in a modestly increased risk of functional decline after 2 or more surgeries. These findings may help counsel patients considering multiple glioma surgeries.
Surgical management of multicentric diffuse low-grade gliomas: functional and oncological outcomes
Authors: Terakawa Yuzo , Yordanova Yordanka N. , Tate Matthew C. , Duffau Hugues
Published: March 2013

Object

Multicentric diffuse low-grade gliomas (DLGGs) are defined as widely separated lesions in different lobes or hemispheres where there is no anatomical continuity between lesions. This condition is rare and its clinicopathological characteristics have been scarcely described in the literature. Here, the authors report the first consecutive surgical series of multicentric DLGGs with functional and oncological outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients surgically treated for histopathologically confirmed multicentric DLGGs between 2000 and 2012 was performed. Information regarding clinical features, surgical procedures, histopathological results, and clinical outcomes was collected and analyzed.

Results

Five consecutive patients were included in this study. There were 3 men and 2 women, whose mean age was 27.4 years (range 23–35 years). The mean follow-up period after surgery was 46 months (range 11–138 months). Gross-total or subtotal resection was achieved in all cases, using a single surgery in 3 patients and a 2-stage surgery in 2 patients. There was no mortality or permanent morbidity associated with surgery. The Karnofsky Performance Scale score ranged between 90 and 100 in all cases. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered in 2 patients because of tumor regrowth with no malignant transformation.

Conclusions

Multicentric DLGGs can be removed safely without inducing severe permanent neurological deficits. Interestingly, a single-stage resection of multiple lesions within different lobes may be performed if tumors are located in the same hemisphere. Therefore, the authors suggest considering surgery as the first therapeutic option for multicentric DLGGs, as in solitary DLGGs.