bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Female gray treefrogs, Hyla versicolor, are responsive to visual stimuli but unselective of stimulus characteristics
Authors: Reichert Michael S. , Galante Holland , Hoebel Gerlinde
Published: July 2014

The visual ecology of nocturnal anurans is poorly understood but there is growing evidence that vision plays a role in important behaviors such as mate choice. While several recent studies demonstrated that females are responsive to visual cues when selecting mates, the forces responsible for these preferences are unknown. We investigated the responsiveness of female gray treefrogs, Hyla versicolor, to video playbacks of calling conspecific males in which we varied attributes of the vocal sac, a conspicuous visual characteristic of calling males and a target of female choice in other species. Females responded surprisingly strongly to the video playbacks but did so indiscriminately with respect to variation in vocal sac characteristics. We followed up on these results with a series of additional tests that examined female responses to abstract stimuli. Females continued to respond to such stimuli, leading us to conclude that their behavior was related to a generalized phototactic response. Because of this, we were unable to make conclusions regarding female preferences for vocal sac characteristics. Nonetheless, our results are significant in two respects. First, we illustrate that despite much effort into improving video playback methodologies, challenges remain, and we offer our experimental design as a method to ensure that appropriate conclusions can be drawn from such studies. Second, we argue that the female phototactic response has potentially significant behavioral implications and in general the consequences of anuran visual preferences deserve further investigation.
Is warmer better? Decreased oxidative damage in notothenioid fish after long-term acclimation to multiple stressors
Authors: Enzor Laura A. , Place Sean P.
Published: July 2014

Antarctic fish of the suborder Notothenioidei have evolved several unique adaptations to deal with subzero temperatures. However, these adaptations may come with physiological trade-offs, such as an increased susceptibility to oxidative damage. As such, the expected environmental perturbations brought on by global climate change have the potential to significantly increase the level of oxidative stress and cellular damage in these endemic fish. Previous single stressor studies of the notothenioids have shown they possess the capacity to acclimate to increased temperatures, but the cellular level effects remain largely unknown. Additionally, there is little information on the ability of Antarctic fish to respond to ecologically relevant environmental changes where multiple variables change co-comittently. We have examined the potential synergistic effects increased temperature and pCO2 have on the level of protein damage in Trematomus bernacchii, Pagothenia borchgrevinki, and Trematomus newnesi, and combined these measurements with changes in total enzymatic activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in order to gauge tissue-specific changes in antioxidant capacity. Our findings indicate that total SOD and CAT activity levels displayed only small changes across treatments and tissues. Short-term acclimation to decreased seawater pH and increased temperature resulted in significant increases in oxidative damage. Surprisingly, despite no significant change in antioxidant capacity, cellular damage returned to near basal levels, and in T. bernacchii, significantly decreased, after long-term acclimation. Overall, these data suggest notothenioid fish currently maintain the antioxidant capacity necessary to offset predicted future ocean conditions, but it remains unclear if this capacity comes with physiological trade-offs.
Local membrane deformation and micro-injury lead to qualitatively different responses in osteoblasts
Authors: Lopez-Ayon G. Monserratt , Liu Heng-Yen , Xing Shu , Maria Osama M. , LeDue Jeffrey M. , Bourque Helene , Grutter Peter , Komarova Svetlana V.
Published: July 2014

Micro-damage of bone tissue is known to regulate bone turnover. However, it is unknown if individual bone cells can differentiate between membrane deformation and micro-injury. We generated osteoblasts from mouse bone marrow or bone morphogenetic protein 2-transfected C2C12 cells. Single cells were mechanically stimulated by indentation with the atomic force microscopy probe with variable force load either resulting in membrane deformation only, or leading to membrane penetration and micro-injury. Changes in the cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in fluo4-AM loaded cells were analyzed. When deformation only was induced, it resulted in an immediate elevation of [Ca2+]i which was localized to the probe periphery. Multiple consecutive local Ca2+ responses were induced by sequential application of low level forces, with characteristic recovery time of ~2 s. The duration of [Ca2+]i elevations was directly proportional to the tip-cell contact time. In contrast, cell micro-injury resulted in transient global elevations of [Ca2+]i, the magnitude of which was independent of the tip-cell contact time. Sequential micro-injury of the same cell did not induce Ca2+ response within 30 s of the first stimulation. Both local and global Ca2+elevations were blocked in Ca2+-free media or in the presence of stretch-activated channel blocker Gd3+. In addition, amount of Ca2+ released during global responses was significantly reduced in the presence of PLC inhibitor Et-18-OCH3. Thus, we found qualitative differences in calcium responses to mechanical forces inducing only membrane deformation or deformation leading to micro-injury.
Exploring detraditionalisation through gender reflexivity in late modernity: the negotiation of family/filial responsibilities among Taiwanese (younger) professional men
Authors: Chen Bo-Wei , Ghaill Mairtin Mac an
Published: July 2014

This article maps out gendered practices among Taiwanese (younger) professional men, examining how they make sense of their gendered identities through local traditions and cultural practices, such as kin values and filial responsibilities. Although existing literature suggests that late modernity is marked by a decline in tradition, such claims are often under-theorised, with little connection to lived experience. Drawing on qualitative research undertaken in Taiwan, this article explores how the tension between tradition and detraditionalisation is culturally lived out by elder and younger generations. Specifically, it argues that traditions do not disappear but rather become a complex resource in making sense of the men’s gendered identities. By situating gendered reflexivity within the tension between tradition and detraditionalisation, the article brings together some of the theoretical and cultural complexities involved in understanding contemporary gender relations in Taiwan at a time of rapid global change.
Forschung für Nachhaltige EntwicklungenResearch for Sustainable Development
Authors: Gertz Carsten , Altenburg Sven , Guimarães Thiago , Maaß Jacqueline , Grießhammer Rainer , Bergmann Matthias , Betker Frank
Published: July 2014

Die FONA-Mitteilungen fassen Ergebnisse des Projekts €LAN zusammen, das untersucht hat, wie Kommunen auf die zu erwartenden Kostensteigerungen bei Energiepreisen reagieren müssen. So sollten Kommunen enger kooperieren, um etwa die Stadt-Land-Beziehungen
verträglich zu gestalten. Die SÖF-Mitteilungen stellen die neue Fördermaßnahme Umwelt- und gesellschafts verträgliche Transformation des Energiesystems vor. 33 Projekte samt wissenschaftlicher Koordination werden in den nächsten Jahren die deutsche
Energiewende wissenschaftlich begleiten.
Germany – Europe – World 2042: A Transformative Longitudinal Study
Authors: Bergmann Matthias , Burandt Simon , Heinrichs Harald , Kümmerer Klaus , Lang Daniel
Published: July 2014

The Leuphana University of Lüneburg has launched an initiative that will conduct a longitudinal study on sustainability transformations in conjunction with transformative research.
Treffen wir uns – klimafreundlich! Die Onlinekonferenz zu Climate-Friendly Climate ResearchChanging the Way We Meet! The Virtual Conference on Climate-Friendly Climate Research
Authors: Pawloff Adam , Getzinger Günter , Helgenberger Sebastian , Kirchhoff Tobias , Röthler David , Schmitz Dominik , Zagel Bernhard
Published: July 2014

Climate-Friendly Climate Research verfolgt das Ziel, das Forschungs system klimafreundlicher zu gestalten. Mit der Onlinekonferenz wurde eine wichtige Möglichkeit für gemeinsames Lernen und Austausch geschaffen.
Die Ratio der ,Klima-Religion“. Eine theologisch-ethische Auseinandersetzung mit klimaskeptischen ArgumentenThe Reason of “Climate-Religion”. A Theological-Ethical Critique of Climate Skeptical Arguments
Authors: Rosenberger Michael
Published: July 2014

Climate skeptics put forth many arguments against climate protection. Among them, two are particularly interesting from a theological point of view: First, climate protection is described as a new, secular religion, with dogmas and declared heretics and with a system of purchasable
indulgence analogous to medieval Catholicism. Second, this “climate-religion” gains its power largely from inducing fear – fear of apocalyptic catastrophes coming soon if people won't change their lifestyles fundamentally. The article, written in a perspective of theological
ethics, does not deny the skeptics' analysis of climate protection as religion. It rejects, however, the underlying negative evaluation of any religion as behind the times and as lacking any rationality, providing evidence for the reasonability of “climate religion”.
On Clifford analysis for holomorphic mappings
Authors: Luna-Elizarrarás M. E. , Shapiro M. , Struppa D. C.
Published: July 2014

In the classical theory of several complex variables, holomorphic mappings are just n-tuples of holomorphic functions in m variables, with arbitrary n andm, and no relations between these functions are assumed. Some 30 years ago John Ryan introduced complex, or complexified, Clifford analysis which is, in a sense, the study of certain classes of holomorphic mappings where the components are not independent, and instead obey the relations generated by the Cauchy- Riemann and Dirac-type operators. In this paper, we take a closer look at this theory emphasizing some additional properties that holomorphic mappings satisfy in this context. Our attention is mostly restricted to the case of low dimensions where it is possible to identify new and interesting properties and to single out the special role played by bicomplex analysis.
Efficient computation of pairings on Jacobi quartic elliptic curves
Authors: Duquesne Sylvain , El Mrabet Nadia , Fouotsa Emmanuel
Published: July 2014

This
paper proposes the computation of the Tate pairing, Ate pairing and its variations on the special Jacobi quartic elliptic curve

Y
2

=
d

X
4

+

Z
4

$Y^{2}=dX^{4}+Z^{4}$

. We improve
the doubling and addition steps in Miller's algorithm to compute the Tate pairing. We use the birational equivalence between Jacobi quartic curves and Weierstrass curves, together with a specific point representation to obtain the best result to date among curves with quartic
twists. For the doubling and addition steps in Miller's algorithm for the computation of the Tate pairing,
we obtain a theoretical gain up to

27
%

$27\%$

and

39
%

$39\%$

, depending on the embedding degree and the extension
field arithmetic, with respect to Weierstrass curves and previous results on Jacobi quartic curves. Furthermore and for the first time, we compute and implement Ate, twisted Ate and optimal pairings on the Jacobi quartic curves. Our results are up to

27
%

$27\%$

more efficient compared to the case of Weierstrass curves with
quartic twists.
Aspects of Die Geometry Influencing Drawability of Metals During Wire Drawing: A Literature Review
Authors: Banda Floyd , Siaminwe Levy , Mwenda Henry M.
Published: July 2014

Drawn metal wires such as copper cables, aluminium wires and steel wires have found several applications which have an impact on the domestic and commercial economic uses, namely power cables, welding cables, wire ropes, wire meshes, electrode and filler wire, etc. All these applications require the use of good quality wires. However, this is not easily achieved since wire production faces many challenges. The influence of the drawing die on drawability and the need to maintain the required quality characteristics of the wire stand out among these challenges. This paper gives a background to wire drawing by highlighting the challenges of attaining the required drawability and quality characteristics during wire drawing. It was found from the literature that the draw die geometry has the greatest influence on the quality of copper, aluminium and steel wire products.
Ultraschall-Messung von Strömungsprofilen in opaker Polymerschmelze während der Extrusion
Authors: Putz Veronika , Burzic Ivana , Zagar Bernhard G. , Miethlinger Jürgen
Published: July 2014

Bei der Extrusion von Polymeren ist das Strömungsprofil der Polymerschmelze von Interesse. Mit dem Ultraschall-Pulsed-Wave-Verfahren können Strömungsprofile auch in optisch opaken Medien gemessen werden. Dieser Beitrag beschreibt einen neu entwickelten Messeinsatz, der in eine beheizte Kapillardüse integriert werden kann. Er koppelt den Ultraschall-Transducer akustisch an die zu messende Flüssigkeit, während er für Schutz (vor hohen Temperaturen und Drücken in der Schmelze) sorgt. Die gezeigten Messergebnisse wurden in-line während der Extrusion von Polypropylen gewonnen.
Optimization of Machine Repair System with Controlling Arrival and Switching Failure
Authors: Chang Chia-Jung , Chang Fu-Min , Ke Jau-Chuan
Published: July 2014

This study investigates the machine repair problem involving a controlling arrival policy and standbys switching failure. The operation of controlling arrival policy is that when the number of customers reaches the maintenance facility’s capacity, no further arriving failed machines are allowed to enter the system until the system capacity decreases to a certain threshold value. We develop the steady-state solutions and some import system characteristics, such as the expected number of failed machines in the system, machine availability, the average switching failure rate, effective arrival rate, and expected waiting time in the system, etc. A cost model is developed to determine the optimal control policy at a minimum cost. A sensitivity analysis is also conducted to investigate the effect of changes in the system parameters on the expected cost function. Finally, we present some managerial insights through an application example.
Virtual Mechanical Testing of Asphalt Mixture Based on X-ray Computed Tomography
Authors: Hu Chichun , Zhang Xiaoning , Wang Yuhong
Published: July 2014

In order to study the relationship between the microstructure and the mechanical performance of asphalt mixtures, a program was developed using on Matlab to make three-dimensional reconstruction of computed tomography image slices. The model was input into ANSYS to make meshing, and indirect tensile test simulation was conducted. The specimen deformation and strain distribution within the mastic and the aggregate were calculated. The research results revealed that the deformation and strain distributions on two sides of the specimen were not symmetrical, and the maximum stress within the mastic was not located in the center of the specimen. In addition, the strain within the mastic was much greater than that within the aggregate. The results suggest that the improvement of the asphalt binder property should be taken into account when designing an asphalt mixture so that early-age plastic deformation and late-age cracking due to greater localized binder strain can be avoided.
Short-term effects of NPH insulin, insulin detemir, and insulin glargine on the GH–IGF1–IGFBP axis in patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Ma Zhulin , Christiansen Jens Sandahl , Laursen Torben , Lauritzen Torsten , Frystyk Jan
Published: July 2014

Objective

Insulin regulates the GH–IGF1 axis. Insulin analogs differ from human insulin in receptor affinity and possibly liver accessibility. Therefore, we compared the GH–IGF1 axis response with human NPH insulin, insulin detemir, and insulin glargine in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods

A total of 17 patients (seven were women) with T1D (age of 42 (24–63) years (mean and range), BMI of 24.7 (19.5–28.3) kg/m2, HbA1c of 7.2 (6.3–8.0) % (55 (45–64) mmol/mol), T1D duration of 26 (8–45) years) were studied using a randomized, three-period crossover design. Patients received s.c. injections of equal, individual doses of NPH, detemir, and glargine at 1800 h. Plasma glucose, serum total IGF1, bioactive IGF, IGF-binding protein (IGFBPs), and GH were measured hourly for 14 h post-injection.

Results

When compared with the area under the curve (AUC) following NPH and glargine, detemir resulted in the lowest 6–14 h AUC (mean and range) of IGFBP1 (1518 (1280–1800)) vs 1621 (1367–1922) vs 1020 (860–1210) μg/l×h) and GH (17.1 (14.1–20.6) vs 15.4 (12.7–18.6) vs 10.2 (8.5–12.3) μg/l×h), but in the highest AUC of bioactive IGF (3.8 (3.5–4.2) vs 3.7 (3.4–4.0) vs 4.4 (4.1–4.8) μg/l×h) (allP<0.01). These differences were unrelated to plasma glucose. By contrast, profiles of total IGF1, IGFBP2, and IGFBP3 were comparable.

Conclusions

Independent of plasma glucose, a single dose of detemir caused larger suppression in serum IGFBP1 than NPH and glargine, whereas bioactive IGF was higher, thereby explaining the lower GH levels. Thus, detemir appears to be more liver specific than NPH insulin and glargine.
GPER1 is regulated by insulin in cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts
Authors: De Marco Paola , Romeo Enrica , Vivacqua Adele , Malaguarnera Roberta , Abonante Sergio , Romeo Francesco , Pezzi Vincenzo , Belfiore Antonino , Maggiolini Marcello
Published: July 2014

Elevated insulin levels have been associated with an increased cancer risk as well as with aggressive and metastatic cancer phenotypes characterized by a poor prognosis. Insulin stimulates the proliferation, migration, and invasiveness of cancer cells through diverse transduction pathways, including estrogen signaling. As G protein estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1) mediates rapid cell responses to estrogens, we evaluated the potential of insulin to regulate GPER1 expression and function in leiomyosarcoma cancer cells (SKUT-1) and breast cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which were used as a model system. We found that insulin transactivates theGPER1promoter sequence and increases the mRNA and protein expression of GPER1 through the activation of the PRKCD/MAPK1/c-Fos/AP1 transduction pathway, as ascertained by means of specific pharmacological inhibitors and gene-silencing experiments. Moreover, cell migration triggered by insulin occurred through GPER1 and its main target geneCTGF, whereas the insulin-induced expression of GPER1 boosted cell-cycle progression and the glucose uptake stimulated by estrogens. Notably, a positive correlation between insulin serum levels and GPER1 expression was found in cancer fibroblasts obtained from breast cancer patients. Altogether, our data indicate that GPER1 may be included among the complex network of transduction signaling triggered by insulin that drives cells toward cancer progression.
Частота виявлення мікоплазм урогенітального тракту жінок у м. Дніпропетровськ
Authors: Bubalo K. V. , Golodok L. P. , Vinnikov A. I.
Published: July 2014

The frequency of urogenital mycoplasmas detection in women of different ages was studied in culture with the help of DUO test-system in order to determine their etiological significance in the development of inflammatory processes of women urogenital tract. We identified the researched cultures Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum in the diagnostic titer >104 TEM/ml indicating severe contamination by microorganisms, and in the titer <103 TEM/ml, the carrier state of the identified microorganisms. Of 120 studied isolates of women urogenital tract there have been identified 113 strains of genital mycoplasmas, among which 63%  – U. urealyticum, 32% – M. hominis, 3% – microbial association of U. urealyticum – M. hominis. According to the study of frequency of detection of urogenital mycoplasma using DUO test-system culture method, it was found that the most frequently observed ones were U. urealyticum in 75 women (63%) of all individuals, M. hominis in 38 women (32%) in different diagnostic titers (>104 TEM/ml, <103 TEM/ml) in 4 women (3%) U. urealyticum – M. hominis was observed in microbial associations and mycoplasma were not found in 3 women (2%) of all surveyed patients. U. urealyticum and M. hominis in the diagnostic titer of >104 TEM/ml was observed in 55 women (46%) and 20 women (17%), respectively, and the titer of <103 CFU/ml U. urealyticum was observed in 20 women (17%), and M. hominis in 18 women (15%). Analysis of genital mycoplasmas distribution among women of different ages has shown that there was the certain correlation between the patient age and frequency of genital mycoplasmas detection: the highest detection rate was observed in women age of 24–29. The dominant pathogen of urogenital tract inflammatory processes in women in 24–29 age group is U. urealyticum. The comparison of DUO test-system and PCR data has shown that DUO test-system in culture allowed more sensitive quantitave characterization of mycoplasmas, however, for the more effective laboratory diagnostics it was necessary to use complex methods to increase the probability of pathogen detection. Incidence of mycoplasmas in women with the presence of inflammation was higher than in women having the inflammation in the genital tract. In this case, potential symptom-free carriers exist for the development of inflammation of urogenital tract of women. Scientists have proved that mycoplasma could cause vulvovaginitis, urethritis, paraurethritis, bartholinitis, adnexitis, salpingitis, endometritis, and ovaritis.
Фенотипическая пластичность в соотношении полов у Idotea baltica basteri (Crustacea, Isopoda) в Одесском заливе Черного моря
Authors: Varigin A. Y.
Published: July 2014

The degree of phenotypic plasticity in the Idotea baltica basteri Audouin, 1827 (Crustacea, Isopoda) sex ratio of the fouling community in the Odessa bay of the Black Sea was determined. The ratio of males and females in three main phenotypes of I. baltica basteri, namely: uniformis, albafusca and lineata was found. Crustaceans were collected on the underwater surface of traverses, located in three sea districts with the different degrees of water exchange intensity with the open sea. Water depth at the wall of traverses ranged from 1 to2,5 m. In the first most opened district among the individuals of uniformis phenotype the ratio of males and females was equal to 1:4, that for albafusca – 1:1,3 and lineata – 1:1. In the second area with the release of drainage waters among the individuals of uniformis phenotype this ratio was equal to 1:4,5, while the albafusca and lineata figures were 1:1,5 and 1:1, accordingly. In the third region, with the most difficult water exchange, among the individuals of phenotypes the ratios of males and females were as follows: uniformis – 1:8, albafusca – 1:2, and lineata – 1:1. When moving from the opened to semi-enclosed area among the individuals of all phenotypes there was a gradual decline in the proportion of males and accordingly, increases of the proportion of females. The greatest number of males in all areas under study is observed among the individuals of lineata phenotype, and that of females – among the individuals of uniformis phenotype. It is found that monochromatic colored females prefer to stay in the shaded places among the seagrass beds and brightly colored males usually move actively along the outside of the substrata.
Ecological fidelity of functional traits based on species presence-absence in a modern mammalian bone assemblage (Amboseli, Kenya)
Authors: Miller Joshua H. , Behrensmeyer Anna K. , Du Andrew , Lyons S. Kathleen , Patterson David , Tóth Anikó , Villaseñor Amelia , Kanga Erustus , Reed Denné
Published: July 2014

Comparisons between modern death assemblages and their source communities have demonstrated fidelity to species diversity across a variety of environments and taxonomic groups. However, differential species preservation and collection (including body-size bias) in both modern and fossil death assemblages may still skew the representation of other important ecological characteristics. Here, we move beyond live-dead taxonomic fidelity and focus on the recovery of functional ecology (how species interact with their ecosystem) at the community level for a diverse non-volant mammal community (87 species; Amboseli, Kenya). We use published literature to characterize species, using four functional traits and their associated categorical attributes (i) dietary mode (11 attributes; e.g., browser, grazer), (ii) preferred feeding habitat (16 attributes; e.g., grassland, woodland), (iii) preferred sheltering habitat (17 attributes; e.g., grassland, underground cavity), and (iv) activity time (7 attributes; e.g., diurnal, nocturnal, nocturnally dominated crepuscular). For each functional ecological trait we compare the death assemblage's recovered richness and abundance structure of constituent functional attributes with those of the source community, using Jaccard similarity, Spearman's rho, and the Probability of Interspecific Encounter (evenness). We use Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate whether these empirical comparisons are significantly different from expectations calculated from randomized sampling of species from the source community. Results indicate that although the Amboseli death assemblage is significantly overrepresented by large-bodied species relative to the Amboseli source community, it captures many functional dimensions of the ecosystem within expectations of a randomized collection of species. Additional resampling simulations and logistic regressions further illustrate that the size bias inherent to the Amboseli death assemblage is not a major driver of deviations between the functional ecological properties of the death assemblage and its source community. Finally, the Amboseli death assemblage also enhances our understanding of the mammal community by adding nine species and two functional attributes previously unknown from the ecosystem.
Laboratory investigation to study the corrosion initiation of rebars in fly ash concrete
Authors: Zafar Idrees , Sugiyama Takafumi
Published: July 2014

The objective of this study is to detect reliably the onset of corrosion in fly ash concrete using an embedded reference electrode. The half-cell potential of rebars in fly ash concrete subjected to 10% sodium chloride solution is monitored using an embedded reference electrode and an alternating current impedance spectroscope, along with other impedance parameters such as polarisation resistance and specific concrete resistance. At initiation of corrosion, the values of chloride threshold levels are obtained and the effect of long curing for fly ash concrete on chloride threshold values is analysed. The combination of two corrosion monitoring systems allows the estimation of corrosion initiation in fly ash concrete. It is found that chloride threshold values for fly ash concrete given a longer curing period approach the values for Portland cement concrete. Probabilistic analysis of the experimental data is carried out to find a best-fit probability distribution for time to initiate corrosion and chloride threshold values of fly ash concrete.
Numerical analysis with joint model on RC assemblages subjected to progressive collapse
Authors: Yu Jun , Tan Kang Hai
Published: July 2014

The behaviour of structures subjected to progressive collapse is typically investigated by introducing column-removing scenarios. Previous experimental results show that large-deformation performances of reinforced concrete (RC) assemblages under a middle column removal scenario (MCRS) involve discontinuity due to bar slip and fracture near the joint interfaces. To consider the effects of the discontinuity on structural behaviour, a component-based joint model is introduced into macromodel-based finite-element analysis (macro-FEA), in which beams are modelled as fibre elements. The joint model consists of a series of non-linear springs, each of which represents a load transfer path from adjoining members to a joint. The calibration procedures of spring properties are illustrated systematically. In particular, a macro-bar stress–slip model is developed to consider the effects of large post-yield tensile strains and finite embedment lengths on the bar stress–slip relationship. Comparisons of simulated and observed responses for a series of RC assemblages indicate that macro-FEA incorporating the joint model is a practical approach to simulate the essential structural behaviour of RC assemblages under a MCRS, including catenary action. Finally, the macro numerical model is used to investigate the effects of boundary conditions, bar curtailment and beam depth on the structural behaviour of RC assemblages. The results suggest that beam depth affects the fixed-end rotation contributed by bar slip, and further significantly influences the development of catenary action.
Lipid Profiling Reveals Different Therapeutic Effects of Metformin and Glipizide in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Zhang Yifei , Hu Chunxiu , Hong Jie , Zeng Jun , Lai Shenghan , Lv Ankang , Su Qing , Dong Yan , Zhou Zhiguang , Tang Weili , Zhao Jiajun , Cui Lianqun , Zou Dajin , Wang Dawang , Li Hong , Liu Chao , Wu Guoting , Shen Jie , Zhu Dalong , Wang Weiqing , Shen Weifeng , Ning Guang , Xu Guowang
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE

We recently demonstrated a beneficial effect of metformin compared with glipizide in type 2 diabetic patients regarding cardiovascular outcomes for 3-year treatment in the SPREAD-DIMCAD study. However, the potential mechanism for the clinical effects remains unclear. Here, we performed a comprehensive lipidomics study to evaluate the different lipid metabolites in serum samples obtained from participants in this study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Liquid chromatography–quadrupole time of flight–mass spectrometry was used to evaluate the different lipid metabolites in serum samples obtained from the participants (21 patients in glipizide group and 23 patients in metformin group) before and after each year of treatment (at 0 [baseline], 1, 2, and 3 years of study drug administration).

RESULTS

A total of 118 serum lipid molecular species was identified and quantified. During treatment, metformin induced a substantially greater change in serum lipid species compared with glipizide, especially at the 2- and 3-year time points (with 2, 11, and 12 lipid species being significantly different between the groups after each year of treatment [1, 2, or 3 years], P < 0.05). Among the significantly changed lipid species, three lipid metabolites were linked to long-term composite cardiovascular events (adjusted P < 0.05). After treatment, triacylglycerols (TAGs) of a relatively higher carbon number showed a clearly increased trend in metformin group compared with the glipizide group, whereas the changes in TAGs with different double bonds were minimal.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings revealed the differential therapeutic effects of metformin and glipizide on comprehensive lipidomics, which were comparable with their different long-term effects on cardiovascular outcomes.
Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonist or Bolus Insulin With Optimized Basal Insulin in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Diamant Michaela , Nauck Michael A. , Shaginian Rimma , Malone James K. , Cleall Simon , Reaney Matthew , de Vries Danielle , Hoogwerf Byron J. , MacConell Leigh , Wolffenbuttel Bruce H.R. ,   for the 4B Study Group
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE

Mealtime insulin is commonly added to manage hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes when basal insulin is insufficient. However, this complex regimen is associated with weight gain and hypoglycemia. This study compared the efficacy and safety of exenatide twice daily or mealtime insulin lispro in patients inadequately controlled by insulin glargine and metformin despite up-titration.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this 30-week, open-label, multicenter, randomized, noninferiority trial with 12 weeks prior insulin optimization, 627 patients with insufficient postoptimization glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were randomized to exenatide (10–20 µg/day) or thrice-daily mealtime lispro titrated to premeal glucose of 5.6–6.0 mmol/L, both added to insulin glargine (mean 61 units/day at randomization) and metformin (mean 2,000 mg/day).

RESULTS

Randomization HbA1c and fasting glucose (FG) were 8.3% (67 mmol/mol) and 7.1 mmol/L for exenatide and 8.2% (66 mmol/mol) and 7.1 mmol/L for lispro. At 30 weeks postrandomization, mean HbA1c changes were noninferior for exenatide compared with lispro (–1.13 and –1.10%, respectively); treatment differences were –0.04 (95% CI –0.18, 0.11) in per-protocol (n = 510) and –0.03 (95% CI –0.16, 0.11) in intent-to-treat (n = 627) populations. FG was lower with exenatide than lispro (6.5 vs. 7.2 mmol/L; P = 0.002). Weight decreased with exenatide and increased with lispro (−2.5 vs. +2.1 kg; P < 0.001). More patients reported treatment satisfaction and better quality of life with exenatide than lispro, although a larger proportion of patients with exenatide experienced treatment-emergent adverse events. Exenatide resulted in fewer nonnocturnal hypoglycemic episodes but more gastrointestinal adverse events than lispro.

CONCLUSIONS

Adding exenatide to titrated glargine with metformin resulted in similar glycemic control as adding lispro and was well tolerated. These findings support exenatide as a noninsulin addition for patients failing basal insulin.
Denial of Humanity and Forms of Enslavement in the Russian Gulag: Early Narratives of Gulag Survivors (1919–1940)
Authors: Tucan Gabriela , Tucan Dumitru
Published: July 2014

Although the foundations of the Soviet concentration camp system date back to the Bolshevik Revolution and Russian Civil War, the amplitude of human suffering in the Gulag would not be known in detail until after 1962, i.e. the year when A. Solzhenitsyn’s One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich was published. But even before the start of World War II, the totalitarian Soviet universe spoke the language of oppression that public opinion in the West constantly refused to acknowledge. This paper tries to recover a neglected corpus of early autobiographical narratives depicting the absurd Soviet concentration system, in the authentic voice of a number of Gulag survivors (G. Kitchin, Tatiana Tchernavin, Vladimir Tchernavin, S. A. Malsagoff, etc.).
Chromium Resistant Bacteria: Impact on Plant Growth in Soil Microcosm
Authors: Sayel Hanane , Joutey Nezha Tahri , Bahafid Wifak , El Ghachtouli Naima
Published: July 2014

Three chromium resistant bacterial strains, Pseudomonas fluorescens PF28, Enterobacter amnigenus EA31 and Enterococcus gallinarum S34 isolated from tannery waste contaminated soil were used in this study. All strains could resist a high concentration of K2Cr2O7 that is up to 300 mg/L. The effect of these strains on clover plants (Trifolium campestre) in the presence of two chromium salts CrCl3 and K2Cr2O7 was studied in soil microcosm. Application of chromium salts adversely affected seed germination, root and shoot length. Bacterial inoculation improved the growth parameters under chromate stress when compared with non inoculated respective controls. There was observed more than 50% reduction of Cr(VI) in inoculated soil microcosms, as compared to the uninoculated soil under the same conditions. The results obtained in this study are significant for the bioremediation of chromate pollution.
Significance of the Climate and Energy Package for the Development of Renewable Energy Sources in the European Union
Authors: Pach-Gurgul Agnieszka
Published: July 2014

The utilisation of renewable energy in the European Union seems, at the present stage of energy policy development, inevitable. It offers many benefits, including, above all:

the possibility of increasing the energy security of a given state or region thanks to the diversification of the sources of energy supply,

the limitation of imports from energy suppliers, such as of natural gas or oil, thus reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels,

ecological effects connected with the elimination of greenhouse gas emissions and other substances harmful to the natural environment,

economic and social benefits, such as the creation of new jobs.

The Climate and Energy Package obliges member states to pursue a common aim – to increase the share of renewable energy to 20% in the general energy balance of the European Union by 2020. This is a challenging task, since the renewable energy sector requires significant financial support to increase its competitiveness, compared to traditional energy sources. When adopting the Energy Package, leaders of member states did not anticipate the economic crisis and its impact on the European Union’s economy, and on the energy sector in particular.
Determinants of the Issuance of Put/Call Convertibles in the Non-Financial Sector of the US Market
Authors: Kaźmierczak Damian , Marszałek Jakub
Published: July 2014

The aim of this article is to characterize and show the differences between issuers of ordinary convertibles and convertibles with attached put/call provisions (put/call convertibles). The research was carried out on a sample of 379 firms in the US market, outside the financial sector, between 2002 and 2011. It turns out that the issuers of put/call convertibles are the companies with a higher risk exposure, associated with, inter alia, a higher level of indebtedness and worse ratio between the issue value to the fixed assets value. Adding the put/call provisions is aimed at decreasing issuers’ risk exposure, which may increase the market demand for this type of convertible securities.
Share Capital Increase Strategies and the Efficiency of Listed Companies – A Polish-German Comparative Analytical Study
Authors: Stajnóg Artur
Published: July 2014

This paper presents a theoretical-empirical study comprising a comparative analysis of the influence of specific strategies for increasing share capital on the economic efficiency of companies listed on the Polish and German capital markets. The paper consists of three parts. The first part includes the evaluation of possible relations between the efficiency of a company’s activities and the process of share capital increase. The second part contains the results of empirical research on changes in share capital in the examined companies, which are listed on the WIG-20 and DAX indices. The third part presents the results of the study on their efficiency in the context of methods applied in order to increase share capital. The assessment of the efficiency of publicly-listed companies was conducted by means of the nonparametric DEA method, using measures oriented on input and constant returns-to-scale. The effects (results) are shown by means of the following ratios: return on sales, return on equity, and return on assets, whereas the inputs are illustrated by ratios of share capital dynamics, financing total assets by share capital and equity dilution.
Embodied civic education: The corporeality of a civil body politic
Authors: Phillips Donna Paoletti
Published: July 2014

This study explores the lived experience of democratic civic education for middle school students. Grounded in the tradition of hermeneutic phenomenology as guided by Heidegger (1962), Gadamer (1960/2003), Casey (1993), and Levinas (1961/2004), among others, the framework for conducting action-sensitive research, as described by van Manen (2003), guides this inquiry as I endeavor to uncover what it means for students to embody civic education. Twenty-nine students are taped engaging in discussions, debates, simulations, and other civic education. Twelve students self-select to engage in reflective writing and conversations about their experiences.

The existential theme of lived body emerges from this inquiry. The importance of embodying one’s learning, as well as connecting physically and socially to one’s society are apparent. The students’ learning through their corporeal experience serves to create the civil body politic of the classroom and inform their behavior outside of the classroom. Insights from this study may inform curriculum theorists and developers, policy-makers, and classroom teachers. Recommendations are made to transform the social studies for students to capitalize on their bodily experiences within the classroom so that they may grow in their role as a citizen. Students may then embody the ideals essential in civic education and democratic societies
Mathematical Determination of Thermal Load for Fluidised Bed Furnaces Using Sawdust
Authors: Antonescu Nicolae , Stanescu Paul-Dan
Published: July 2014

For technical applications, a physical model capable of predicting the particle evolution in the burning process along its trajectory through the furnace is very useful. There are two major demands: all the thermo-dynamic processes that describe the particle burning process must be accounted and the model must be written in such equation terms to allow the intervention for parameter settings and particle definition. The computations were performed for the following parameters: furnace average temperature between 700 and 1200 °C, size of the sawdust particle from 4 to 6 mm and fix carbon ignition between 500 and 900 °C. The values obtained for the characteristic parameters of the burning process ranged from 30 to 60 [kg/(h·m3)] for the gravimetrical burning speed WGh and from 150 to 280 [kW/m3] for the volumetric thermal load of the furnace QV. The main conclusion was that the calculus results are in good agreement with the experimental data from the pilot installations and the real-case measurements in the sawdust working boiler furnaces or pre-burning chambers. Another very important conclusion is that the process speed variation, when the furnace temperature changes, confirms the thermo-kinetic predictions, namely that the burning process speed decreases when the furnace temperature increases.
The Tuning of the Fuzzy Controllers Used in the Pervasive Systems
Authors: Culcea Magdalena , Pecsi Robert , Caluianu Sorin
Published: July 2014

This paper intends to present the differences appearing between the pervasive systems and other usual systems regarding the tuning of the fuzzy controllers. For the pervasive systems used in the intelligent buildings, the emphasize is on the building’s occupant and the used equipment is to be engineered so that the occupant will be as less perturbed by its presence or settings. For the fuzzy controllers used in non-pervasive systems - although the occupants are not working with physical quantities, but with language described variables, the definition of the inputs’ and outputs’ domain values can be modified only by reprogramming.

The result generated by the research work that lays at the basis of the present paper is the tuning of the fuzzy controllers used in pervasive systems. The occupants role is to describe the sensation they have in the very moment, the sensation they would like to have, and the fuzzy controllers’ inputs and outputs will be automatically modified based on different parameters regarding the occupants, for example the clothes worn.

The tuning of the fuzzy controllers for the pervasive systems has not been treated before, the authors intending to make a detailed and deep research in this field.
Analyses of CO2 Time Variation Records in Naturally Ventilated Occupied Spaces
Authors: Ivanov Martin , Markov Detelin
Published: July 2014

The present paper concerns the results obtained in a human subject experimental study, regarding the predefined occupant behavior with respect to aerating activities of a naturally ventilated space. During the experiment, various scenarios were investigated of different occupant’s behavior patterns with regard to the degree of window opening. Indoor air temperature, relative humidity and CO2 volume fraction, were continuously measured and recorded. CO2 concentration time variation records were analyzed separately and the time change of this parameter was considered as a main indicator to distinguish the periods of infiltration only and the periods of conscious aeration activities, performed by the occupants. The developed evaluation procedures as well as the key results from the analyses are discussed in the paper.
Distribution of Zinc and Cadmium in Tissues of Giant Reed (Arundo Donax L.): Sequential Extraction - Radiometric Study
Authors: Richveisová Barbora Micháleková , Dürešová Zuzana , Horník Miroslav , Augustín Jozef , Pipíška Martin
Published: July 2014

Heavy metals are taken up by the vascular plant root system from water solutions in cationic forms. Subsequently, during both short and long distance transport to other plant tissues, cation forms are incorporated to many bioorganic compounds differing in stability, ionic character and physico-chemical properties such as solubility in lipid structures and mobility across cell membrane systems. Many sequential and single step extraction methods have been elaborated for characterization of the role of individual components of plant cells components in transport and detoxication of heavy metals. In our study, dry biomass of giant reed (Arundo donax L.) grown in hydroponic media spiked with 65ZnCl2 and 109CdCl2 was treated with dithizone solutions as complexing ligand in order to convert free Zn2+ and Cd2+ ions to corresponding dithizonates. Treatment with dithizone showed that up to 67 % of the total plant Cd and 56 % of the total plant Zn were transformed to dithizonate complexes extracted with chloroform. Extraction of biomass with Folch reagent showed that up to 48 % of the total root cadmium and up to 18 % of the total shoot cadmium is bound in lipid fraction. Zinc was not found in lipid fraction of root and shoot. Derivatization of the dried root and shoot lipid fraction by dithizone showed that two third of Cd in root and practically all Cd in shoot lipid fraction could be transformed to Cd-dithizonate. Methods of biomass treating with complexing ligands and a method of sequential extraction procedures with non-polar organic solvents and radiotracer methodology seem to be useful methods for the study of metal speciation and distribution in vascular plants
Trzy zasady sprawiedliwości
Authors: Hołówka Jacek
Published: July 2014

Streszczenie

Czyny sprawiedliwe muszą spełniać trzy warunki, zdaniem Ajdukiewicza: „zasadę równej odpłaty i zapłaty”, „zasadę równej miary” i „zasadę równouprawnienia”. Opis tych zasad wskazuje, że trafniej byłoby je nazywać: „warunkiem ekwiwalentnej wymiany”, „warunkiem anonimowości” i „warunkiem wstępnej równości”. Pierwszy warunek wymaga, by każdy, kto godzi się na wymianę dóbr, otrzymał coś, co ma taką samą wartość, co przedmiot, z którym się rozstaje. W transakcjach handlowych poza wolnym rynkiem taka zasada jest być może słuszna, jednak w warunkach wolnego rynku wolno ją uznać za zbędną, ponieważ sam rynek dba o ekwiwalentność ustalając ceny. Także poza transakcjami handlowymi pierwszy warunek wydaje się zbędny. Przekonuje o tym Arystoteles, gdy opisuje dary między przyjaciółmi. Drugi warunek żąda bezstronności i bezinteresowności. Ajdukiewicz potępia egoizm grupowy i faworyzowanie wybrańców z własnej wspólnoty. Ponieważ nie dokonuje przy tym żadnych zastrzeżeń, można odnieść wrażenie, że domaga się, byśmy również o cudze dzieci i rodziny dbali jak o własne. Nie wydaje się, by takie żądanie było przekonujące. Więcej nawet, mamy prawo - jak sądzę - obdarzyć szczególną życzliwością i hojnością każdego, kogo nam się podoba, w szczególności osoby nam najbliższe. Trzecia zasada przewiduje, że mamy prawo domagać się czegokolwiek tylko wtedy, gdy to, czego żądamy, będzie nagrodą za pracę i starania, a nie za jakieś dary natury, jak talent lub uroda. Zatem wstępnie - czyli zanim zbierzemy procentujący kapitał - każdy powinien być traktowany tak samo. Wydaje się, że te trzy zasady pozwalają empirycznie ustalać, komu się dzieje krzywda, i testować konkurencyjne metody jej usunięcia.