bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Matrix population models from 20 studies of perennial plant populations
Authors: Ellis Martha M. , Williams Jennifer L. , Lesica Peter , Bell Timothy J. , Bierzychudek Paulette , Bowles Marlin , Crone Elizabeth E. , Doak Daniel F. , Ehrlén Johan , Ellis-Adam Albertine , McEachern Kathryn , Ganesan Rengaian , Latham Penelope , Luijten Sheila , Kaye Thomas N. , Knight Tiffany M. , Menges Eric S. , Morris William F. , Nijs Hans den , Oostermeijer Gerard , Quintana-Ascencio Pedro F. , Shelly J. Stephen , Stanley Amanda , Thorpe Andrea , Ticktin Tamara , Valverde Teresa , Weekley Carl W.
Published: May 2012

Demographic transition matrices are among the most commonly applied population models for both basic and applied ecological research. The relatively simple framework of these models and simple, easily interpretable summary statistics they produce have prompted the wide use of these models across an exceptionally broad range of taxa. Here, we provide annual transition matrices and observed stage structures/population sizes for 20 perennial plant species which have been the focal species for long‐term demographic monitoring. These data were assembled as part of the “Testing Matrix Models” working group through the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS). The data represent 82 populations with >460 total population‐years of observations. It is our hope that making these data available will help promote and improve our ability to monitor and understand plant population dynamics.

The complete data sets corresponding to abstracts published in the Data Papers section of the journal are published electronically in Ecological Archives at 〈http://esapubs.org/archive〉. (The accession number for each Data Paper is given directly beneath the title.)
Landscape connectivity strengthens local–regional richness relationships in successional plant communities
Authors: Damschen Ellen I. , Brudvig Lars A.
Published: May 2012

Local species diversity is maintained over ecological time by a balance between dispersal and species interactions. Local–regional species richness relationships are often used to investigate the relative importance of these two processes and the scales at which they operate. For communities undergoing succession, theory predicts a temporal progression in local–regional species richness relationships: from no relationship to positive linear to saturating. However, observational tests have been mixed, and experiments have been rare. Using a replicated large‐scale experiment, we evaluate the impact of two dispersal‐governing processes at the regional scale, connectivity and shape of the region (i.e., patches), on the progression of local–regional species richness relationships for plant communities undergoing succession. Regional connectivity accelerates the transition from no relationship to a positive linear relationship, while the shape of the region has no consistent effect nine years post‐disturbance. Our results experimentally demonstrate the importance of dispersal in structuring local–regional species richness relationships over time and suggest that conservation corridors among regions can increase local diversity through regional enrichment of plant communities undergoing reassembly.
Bioenergy harvesting impacts on ecologically important stand structure and habitat characteristics
Authors: Littlefield Caitlin E. , Keeton William S.
Published: May 2012

Demand for forest bioenergy fuel is increasing in the northern forest region of eastern North America and beyond, but ecological impacts, particularly on habitat, of bioenergy harvesting remain poorly explored in the peer‐reviewed literature. Here, we evaluated the impacts of bioenergy harvests on stand structure, including several characteristics considered important for biodiversity and habitat functions. We collected stand structure data from 35 recent harvests in northern hardwood–conifer forests, pairing harvested areas with unharvested reference areas. Biometrics generated from field data were analyzed using a multi‐tiered nonparametric uni‐ and multivariate statistical approach. In analyses comparing harvested to reference areas, sites that had been whole‐tree harvested demonstrated significant differences (relative negative contrasts, P < 0.05) in snag density, large live‐tree density, well‐decayed downed coarse woody debris volume, and structural diversity index (H) values, while sites that had not been whole‐tree harvested did not exhibit significant differences. Classification and regression tree (CART) analyses suggested that the strongest predictors of structural retention, as indicated by downed woody debris volumes and H index, were silvicultural treatment and equipment type rather than the percentage of harvested volume allocated to bioenergy uses. In general, bioenergy harvesting impacts were highly variable across the study sites, suggesting a need for harvesting guidelines aimed at encouraging retention of ecologically important structural attributes.
A Novel Approach for Enhanced Nanoparticle‐Sized Bone Substitute Adhesion to Chemically Treated Peri‐Implantitis–Affected Implant Surfaces: An In Vitro Proof‐of‐Principle Study
Authors: Gamal Ahmed Y. , Abdel‐Ghaffar Khaled A. , Iacono Vincent J.
Published: May 2012

Background: The objective of this study is to evaluate micro and nano‐hydroxyapatite (NHA) blended clot adhesion to citric acid–conditioned peri‐implantitis–affected surfaces.

Methods: Forty hopeless implants with peri‐implantitis designated for removal were included in this study. Implants were divided into eight groups of five each: group 1 (G1) test areas were coated with hydroxyapatite of a microparticle size (MHA); group 2 (G2) test areas were coated with NHA; group 3 (G3) implants were coated with MHA after surface conditioning using citric acid; group 4 (G4) samples were treated in the same manner as in G3 except for the use of NHA; group 5 (G5) samples were coated without surface treatment with MHA mixed with whole human blood; group 6 (G6) implant samples were treated in the same manner as in G5 except for the use of NHA; group 7 (G7) implant samples were treated in the same way as in G5 plus surface conditioning using citric acid; and group 8 (G8) samples were treated in the same manner as in G7 except for the use of NHA. All implants in all groups were agitated for 3 minutes in phosphate‐buffered saline. All samples were prepared for scanning electron microscopy evaluation.

Results: G1 and G2 non‐etched implants coated with MHA or NHA sizes were devoid of any bone particle adhesion to the peri‐implantitis–affected surfaces. Contrary to the lack of microparticle adhesion to the root surface that was seen in G3, G4 acid‐treated and NHA‐coated samples revealed nearly complete coverage of the peri‐implantitis–affected parts by the graft material. G5 non‐etched, clot‐blended MHA showed some areas of clot‐blended graft adhesion covering 6.7% of the examined surfaces. G6 non‐etched, clot‐blended NHA showed NHA retention within the fibrin strands in areas where the implant surface pores were exposed (24.3%). G7 acid‐treated and clot‐blended MHA‐treated implant surfaces showed partial coverage of the implant surface with detached fibrin clot–blended graft material (31.4%). G8 acid‐treated and NHA clot‐blended graft‐coated implants showed complete coverage of the implant surface by the clot‐blended graft material (93.4%).

Conclusion: Peri‐implantitis–affected surface conditioning with citric acid improves NHA‐blended clot adhesion to titanium implant surfaces.
Clinical Effects of Potassium–Titanyl–Phosphate Laser and Photodynamic Therapy on Outcomes of Treatment of Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Dilsiz Alparslan , Canakci Varol , Aydin Tugba
Published: May 2012

Background: The main objective of periodontal treatment is to control infection and thereby curb disease progression. Recent studies have demonstrated that adjunctive treatment procedures, such as laser irradiation or photodynamic therapy (PDT), may provide some additional benefit in the treatment of chronic periodontitis (CP). The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to clinically evaluate and compare the clinical effects of potassium–titanyl–phosphate (KTP) laser and PDT on outcomes of CP treatment.

Methods: Twenty‐four patients with untreated CP were treated using a split‐mouth study design in which the teeth in each quadrant were randomly treated by scaling and root planing (SRP) alone (group A), PDT followed by SRP (group B), or KTP laser followed by SRP (group C). The periodontal pockets were exposed to a KTP laser with the following parameters: 0.8 W output power, 50 milliseconds time on/50 milliseconds time off, 30 seconds per irradiation at 532 nm and 11.7 J/cm2 fluence, with a flexible fiberoptic tip with a diameter of 200 µm. The selected pockets were probed with a pressure‐controlled probe, guided by stents. Clinical periodontal parameters assessed included plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL), which were recorded at baseline and at 6 months after therapy.

Results: Statistical analysis demonstrated no differences between groups at baseline for all parameters (P >0.05). All treatments yielded significant improvements in terms of BOP and PD decrease and CAL gain compared to baseline values (P <0.05). Group C showed a greater reduction in PD compared to the other groups (P <0.05). In addition, group C showed a greater CAL gain compared to the other groups (P <0.05).

Conclusion: In patients with CP, clinical outcomes from conventional periodontal treatment of deeper pockets can be improved by using adjunctive KTP laser.
Water resources management in central northern Namibia using empirically grounded modelling
Authors: Zimmermann M.
Published: May 2012

In this paper, a new methodology for the analysis and assessment of water supply regimes is presented. The problems of water supply management in developing countries are multidimensional and interdependent. Conventional methods, which only deal with separated and isolated issues, are not appropriate to deal with these problems. The method presented here, however, can comprehend the whole system. Therefore, using this method, conclusions for the management of adapted institutional and technological transformations can be drawn. In this study, relevant system variables of a problem context are identified, and their interdependencies are assessed and interpreted. This is done by using a method of qualitative interview analysis (grounded theory) and a cybernetic modelling approach (sensitivity analysis). In doing so, it is possible to identify outstanding variables which are essential to understand the system. These variables reveal the weakest links, driving forces, systemic stabilisers and the sustainability indicators of the system. The case study area is the Cuvelai-Etosha-Basin in central northern Namibia where a large-scale water supply system has been established. The water supply in the region is determined by the dependence on external water resources, high precipitation variability, absence of perennial rivers, saline groundwater, population growth and urbanisation.
Patterns of Attendance of Children Under 12 Years at School Dental Service in Western Australia
Authors: Lam SPL , Baros H , O’Grady MJ , Kendall GE , Messer LB , Slack-Smith LM
Published: May 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate the patterns of attendance at School Dental Service (SDS) and reasons for attendance (treatment or prevention) for children in the Perth Metropolitan Area, in particular investigating the first year of SDS attendance and attendance until the year the child turned 12. The first 150 SDS records located for children from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study were used for this study. Patterns of attendance of children at SDS were described, as were associated factors (enrolment, age and nature of first visit, general nature of visits and number of visits) until the end of the year that the child turned 12.

The age of the child at the first SDS visit ranged from 4 years 3 months to 14 years 11 months, with a median of 5 years 1 month. First visits were primarily for an examination (98%). Children had a median of 13 visits until 12 years of age, with 10% having less than five visits and 4% having more than 25 visits.

These data provide useful information regarding attendance at the SDS in Western Australia which could provide a basis for oral health promotion programs.
Cardiovascular Disease in Blacks with HIV/AIDS in the United States: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Oramasionwu Christine U , Hunter Jonathan M , Brown Carolyn M , Morse Gene D , Lawson Kenneth A , Koeller Jim M , Frei Christopher R
Published: May 2012

Objectives:

Blacks in the United States bear a disproportionate burden of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). It has been demonstrated that HIV/AIDS itself and HIV/AIDS-related therapies may predispose patients to early onset of CVD. It is also possible that Black patients may be at greater risk for this interaction. Thus, the objective of this literature review was to identify and critically evaluate disparities in CVD between Black and White patients with HIV/AIDS.

Design:

A MEDLINE search (January 1, 1950 to May 31, 2010) was performed to identify original research articles published in the English language. The search was limited to articles that evaluated race-based disparities for CVD among patients with HIV/AIDS.

Results:

Of the five publications included in this review, a CVD diagnosis was the primary focus for only three of the studies and was a secondary objective for the remaining two studies. Two studies concluded that Blacks were more likely than Whites to have a CVD diagnosis at time of hospital admission, whereas, the other three studies did not detect any race-based disparities.

Conclusions:

Few studies have addressed the issue of Black race, HIV/AIDS, and CVD, highlighting the need for future research in this area.
The Role of Vitamin D in Pregnancy and Lactation: Emerging Concepts
Authors: Wagner Carol L , Taylor Sarah N , Johnson Donna D , Hollis Bruce W
Published: May 2012

Pregnancy is a critical time in the lifecycle of a woman where she is responsible not only for her own well-being, but also that of her developing fetus, a process that continues during lactation. Until recently, the impact of vitamin D status during this period had not been fully appreciated. Data regarding the importance of vitamin D in health have emerged to challenge traditional dogma, anD'suggest that vitamin D – through its effect on immune function anD'surveillance – plays a role beyond calcium and bone metabolism on the health status of both the mother and her fetus. Following birth, this process persists; the lactating mother continues to be the main source of vitamin D for her infant. Thus, during both pregnancy and lactation, maternal deficiency predicts fetal and infant deficiency; the significance of this is just beginning to be understood and will be highlighted in this review.
Life in universe and the anthropic principle
Authors: Jevtic Vladimir
Published: May 2012

The aim of this paper is to present anthropic principle, as well as most
important formulation of this principle and to illustrate questions
concerning mentioned principle. The same principle has proposed as effort to
provide a satisfactory key to fundamentall philosophical problems which issu
from modern theoretical physics and cosmology. Mentioned problems concern
so-called ?fine tuned? universe, whose laws are suitably for evolution and
survival of intelligent life forms. This paper reckon with widely metaphisics
theory which issu from so-called ?anthropic coincidences? and show that most
adequate approach to mentioned problems is principle of observation selection
effects.
Why the nature/nurture and the affective/cognitive dichotomy won’t go away: The case of empathy
Authors: Radenovic Ljiljana
Published: May 2012

The goal of this paper is to reveal why the affective/cognitive and the
nature/ nurture dichotomy are still present in the literature on empathy and
why most of the theoreticians find them appealing. In the first part of the
paper I will provide a short overview of the psychological theories of
empathy, while in the second part I will turn to the reasons that keep the
affective/cognitive and the nature/nurture dichotomies alive in these
theories. I will argue that such reasons could be found in the underlying
Cartesian picture of mind, emotions and the nature of communication, that
most of the contemporary developmental theories implicitly accept. As a
result of these assumptions, the phenomenon of empathy within these theories
is closely tied to the Cartesian epistemological problem of other minds. My
goal is to show that the aforementioned dichotomies are part of the solution
of this particular Cartesian problem and if we abandon the problem we will be
in a position to abandon these dichotomies. Finally, at the end of the paper
I will explore what it would mean to step outside of the Cartesian boundaries
and what kind of implications that would have for our understanding of
empathy.
Chalmers’ defense of the conceivability argument
Authors: Prelevic Dusko
Published: May 2012

Modal rationalism is a view according to which conceivability a priori
entails metaphysical possibility. One of the most influential objections
against this view is the claim that there are necessary a posteriori
statements. For it seems that their falsity is conceivable but nevertheless
metaphysically impossible. However, David Chalmers argues that modal
rationalism could be compatible with the existence of necessary a posteriori
statements because epistemic two-dimensional semantics framework could
explain their nature and there are relevant senses of conceivability and
possibility which could plausibly be connected. This paper assesses Chalmers?
argument and shows that shifting the burden of proof to the skeptics is one
of its best features. The zombie argument is a useful example which shows
that even without epistemic two-dimensional semantics modal rationalism could
be effective in metaphysics (i.e. it could defeat minimal physicalism). It is
also argued in this paper that making parody of the zombie argument, in order
to turn the table on modal rationalists, could be a better tool for
distinguishing two senses of ideal positive primary conceivability. The
zombie argument could be expressed in ?non-idealized? sense of ideal positive
primary conceivability, while parody is bound to its ?idealized? reading
only. This makes parody liable to objections which do not affect the zombie
argument. The zombie argument and modal rationalism still stand.
Idea of freedom in Hegel and Schopenhauer
Authors: Soc Andrija
Published: May 2012

The fact that Schopenhauer is known in history of philosophy as one of the
fiercest Hegel's opponents naturally suggests that the systems of the two
philosophers are sharply distinct or even opposed to one another. In this
paper, we will try to show that this is not the case, and that the systems
have significant structural similarities. As we will show, the similiraties
between Hegel's and Schopenhauer's philosophical system, often more than just
analogies, at least partly stem from the virtually identical manner they
criticize Kant's philosophy. However, there are also some important
differences between philosophical ideas of these thinkers. One of the
questions regarding which their opinions differ is the question of freedom.
The way Schopenhauer understood freedom is diametrally opposed to the way
Hegel understood it. Without pretences to answer the question which of these
two conceptions of freedom is tout court more plausible, we will consider
which of these is more in accordance with the philosophical system it is a
part of.
Peter Railton’s moral realism
Authors: Milevski Voin
Published: May 2012

Peter Railton is a moral realist, a naturalistic cognitivist, and a
reductivist. He is a moral relist because he believes that moral facts exist.
These moral facts are constituted by a complex set of natural facts (this is
why Railton is a naturalistic realist). In order to make his naturalism
plausible, Railton has to prove that moral facts (which are constituted by
natural facts) can satisfy certain important conditions. Namely, he has to
show that moral facts can have both explanatory and normative role. In the
first part of this paper I shall attempt to demonstrate Railton?s arguments
with which he proves that these conditions are satisfied in the area of
non-moral goodness and in the area of moral rightness. In the conclusion of
this paper I shall attempt to show that the most serious argument against
Railton?s position is that Railton does not and cannot give a plausible
answer to some very important questions about moral standards.
The obesity problem as a challenge to liberal political theory
Authors: Djurkovic Misa
Published: May 2012

Spread of obesity and diseases that it causes brought to justified warnings
of an epidemic. Author starts from classical liberal differentiation between
self regarding and others regarding acts, and then raises the issue of the
possible liberal approach to obesity problem. He presents real causes of the
obesity, and proceeds with two different visions of contemporary liberalism:
one, abstract, which doesn?t pay attention to context in which we have to
draw the line between self and others regarding acts, and second, advanced,
responsible liberalism of contemporary liberal democratic state which cares a
lot about the context, including international one. From the first
perspective state would be obliged not to interfere in overweight problems of
its citizens. From the second it would be forced to do so for many
substantial reasons. Although author justifies right and even duty of the
state to deal with obesity problem, he insists that for the time being it is
mostly reacting in wrong way: since idea of individual autonomy is not
perceived in adequate way, state reacts to the consequences and not to the
causes of the problem.
Evaluation and interpretation
Authors: Babic Jovan
Published: May 2012

The existence of interests is essential in value-constitution. Reasons make
it possible that something conceived becomes an object of desire. However,
while we can desire anything conceivable, we can will only what is possible
to realize, and agency is restricted to the scope of willing. Interpretation
is a part of that process. It maintains its relevance even in matters of
moral righteousness. The reason for this is that application of a criterion
for any evaluation depends on what the interpretation brings from the
reality.
A noncontextualist resolution of the skeptical paradox
Authors: Mancic Zeljko
Published: May 2012

This paper is concerned with skeptical paradox and the most famous theories
that try to resolve it - contextualism and Engel's noncontextualist approach.
While contextualism was recognized as quite acceptable solution to the
paradox, Engel has not only offered his own alternative account, but also
managed to undermine contextualism itself, by pointing out some of its severe
issues. For these reasons he decided to abandon contextualism, and to take
his own route trying to defeat skeptic by using his own weapons. Even though
one could object Engel's position too, one nevertheless can conclude that his
theory is successful in defending us from the skeptic, and also to preserve
our ordinary knowledge.
Logical diagrams in Serbian medieval manuscripts
Authors: Zunjic Slobodan
Published: May 2012

Visual rendering of logical relations represent an interesting, although (so
far) completely neglected part of Serbian medieval philosophy. The attempts
to visualize conceptual connections or differences must not be viewed as
sheer illustrations, let alone purely decorative ornaments, but as vivid
traces of a deeper intellectual striving to gain more insight into the
subject by means of certain pictorial shapes or accompanying scholia. Roughly
speaking, Serbian diagrams occur in three major forms: 1) Divisions
(dichotomous, trichotomous, etc) representing conceptual classifications in
the manner of the Porphyrian tree or its parts, 2) Reversed arches with one,
two or more salient points, viz., upright or upside down triangles denoting
syllogisms according to the three recognized figures and their respective
aberrations (paralogisms); 3) Crossed diagonals inscribed or not into a
square indicating mutual differences of the so called voces (terms) or
propositions. While their extremely abstract character allows shifting
applications, which in turn always require a context bound interpretation,
they were initially designed to serve three main goals: First, provide a
backdrop for perfect definitions (genus + specific difference), second,
demonstrate the flow of implication or lack of it in particular conclusions,
and finally, illustrate multiple simultaneous relations which cannot be
properly depicted in a linear dichotomy scheme. All these patterns, through
the medium of Byzantine models they emulate or simply translate, could be
traced down to the tradition of ancient commentators and ultimately
Aristotle, who is widely credited with the introduction of visual
representation in logic. While only some of them are still echoed in
contemporary logic, they all shed an important light on the ways how ancient
diagrams were used, transformed or forgotten, before modern patterns of
visual representation were developed by the end of the 18th century.
Can Agent Cheap Talk Mitigate Agency Problems in the Presence of a Noisy Performance Measure? An Experimental Test in a Single- and Multi-Period Setting
Authors: Douthit Jeremy D. , Kearney Linwood W. , Stevens Douglas E.
Published: May 2012

Given traditional agency theory assumptions and unobservable effort in a single-period setting, a moral hazard arises in which the agent is expected to shirk and provide the minimal possible effort after contracting with the principal. Traditional solutions to this agency problem include paying the agent a financial incentive tied to some noisy measure of performance or allowing the agent to develop a reputation over multiple periods. As the noisiness of the performance measure increases, however, these traditional solutions become increasingly costly and ineffective. In many single- and multi-period agency settings in the firm, however, the agent can communicate a promised level of effort to the principal prior to contracting. We document that this pre-contract communication, which is non-enforceable and therefore considered “cheap talk” by traditional economic theory, can be highly effective in mitigating the moral hazard problem in agency theory. In a repeating single-period experimental setting where production is observable but is a very noisy indicator of effort, communication of a promised level of effort results in higher pay for the agent, higher effort, and higher expected profit for the principal than the control group. When the principal and agent interact over multiple periods, reputation building is ineffective, but cheap talk continues to yield superior outcomes. These results are consistent with recent economic theory incorporating social norms such as the norm of promise-keeping.

Data Availability: The experimental data used in this paper are available from the authors upon request.
Comparison of iterative methods by solving nonlinear Sturm-Liouville, Burgers and Navier-Stokes equations
Authors: Golmankhaneh Alireza , Khatuni Tuhid , Porghoveh Neda , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: May 2012

In this manuscript the homotopy perturbation method, the new iterative method, and the variational iterative method have been successively used to obtain approximate analytical solutions of nonlinear Sturm-Liouville, Navier-Stokes and Burgers’ equations. It is shown that the homotopy perturbation method gives approximate analytical solution near to the exact one. We have illustrated the obtained results by sketching the graph of the solutions.
Prior probabilities and thermal characteristics of heat engines
Authors: Aneja Preety , Johal Ramandeep
Published: May 2012

The thermal characteristics of a heat cycle are studied from a Bayesian approach. In this approach, we assign a certain prior probability distribution to an uncertain parameter of the system. Based on that prior, we study the expected behaviour of the system and it has been found that even in the absence of complete information, we obtain thermodynamic-like behaviour of the system. Two models of heat cycles, the quantum Otto cycle and the classical Otto cycle are studied from this perspective. Various expressions for thermal efficiences can be obtained with a generalised prior of the form Π(x) ∝ 1/x b. The predicted thermodynamic behaviour suggests a connection between prior information about the system and thermodynamic features of the system.
Effect of long-term stress relief annealing on properties of low-alloy weld deposit of covered electrodes for welding of thick-walled nuclear constructions
Authors: Niagaj Jerzy
Published: May 2012

The article discusses the results of tests on the impact of long-term stress relief annealing at 620–650°C and cooling at a rate of 10°C/h on the mechanical properties of low-alloy weld deposits of covered electrodes containing 1.5–3% Ni, 0–0.3% Mo and 0.01–0.03% P. The article also contains information on the most advantageous nickel content for obtaining the highest impact energy (KV) values in subzero temperatures. X-ray structural analysis revealed that such weld deposits contain solely Fe3C carbides, which prevents the impact of molybdenum carbides on the change of KV. The study also confirmed the adverse effect of phosphorus on the weld deposit impact energy after long-lasting heat treatment.
Adiponectin, Non-Esterified Fatty Acids and Antiphospholipid Antibodies in Type II Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Bećarević Mirjana , Seferović Jelena , Ignjatović Svetlana , Singh Sandra , Majkić-Singh Nada
Published: May 2012

Adiponectin, Non-Esterified Fatty Acids and Antiphospholipid Antibodies in Type II Diabetes Mellitus

The importance of the association of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL Abs) with the features of type II diabetes mellitus has not yet been elucidated. The aim of this work was to investigate the association of aPL Abs with adiponectin and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) in type II diabetes mellitus patients without micro and/or macrovascular complications, and to analyze the differences between the male and female patients with regard to the abovementioned parameters. Male patients with type II diabetes mellitus showed a positive correlation between NEFA concentrations and anti-oxLDL antibodies (r=0.334, p=0.019). A weak, but statistically significant correlation between adiponectin concentrations and the IgM isotype of anti-annexin A5 antibodies was found in type II diabetes mellitus patients (r=0.285, p=0.011). The presence of a positive correlation between NEFA and anti-oxLDL antibodies might be useful in the detection of patients with premature atherosclerosis in type II diabetes mellitus patients without any micro and/or macrovascular complications among type II diabetes mellitus patients.
The Phenomenon of Aggression as a social problem
Authors: Pikuła Norbert
Published: May 2012

The Phenomenon of Aggression as a social problem

The article briefly mentions situations and forms of violence as they occur in our everyday life. It brings various definitions of violence and aggression and describes the sources and factors that contribute to aggression. The large part of article is dedicated to typologies and theories of aggression, especially psychological and sociological ones. The author also mentions biological explanations of aggression. Finally the author presents basic forms of helping the victims of violence and lists Polish organizations that are active in the field of prevention and intervention regarding this undesirable social problem.
Resistin and High Glucose Concentrations-Activation of Human Smooth Muscle Cells Induces Enhanced Monocyte Chemotaxis
Authors: Simion Viorel , Gan Ana-Maria , Stan Daniela , Pirvulescu Monica , Calin Manuela , Butoi Elena , Manduteanu Ileana
Published: May 2012

Resistin and High Glucose Concentrations-Activation of Human Smooth Muscle Cells Induces Enhanced Monocyte Chemotaxis

Objectives. Recent data indicate that upon activation by resistin and high glucose concentrations (HG) vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) acquire pro-inflammatory properties. We questioned whether resistin and HG-activated SMC generate an enhanced monocytes chemotaxis and if the chemokine fractalkine (Fk) is involved in the process. Material and Methods: SMC were incubated with resistin or/and HG and the conditioned medium was used for monocytes chemotaxis assays. The role of Fk was assessed by blocking the Fk receptor, CX3CR1, on monocytes (U937 cell lines) prior to the chemotaxis assay. The quantification of migrated monocytes was assayed under an inverted microscope and statistically analyzed. Results: (i) conditioned medium (CM) collected from SMC incubated with resistin in the presence or absence of HG triggered a significant increase (25 - 100 %) of monocytes chemotaxis as compared to controls; (ii) blocking the CX3CR1 receptor significantly decreased the monocyte chemotaxis towards resistin-treated SMC. Conclusions: Resistin±HG increases the expression of chemotaxis inductors in human SMC and the ensuing monocytes chemotaxis by a mechanism in which Fk plays a major role.
Fetal Macrosomia in the Diabetic Woman
Authors: Pascu Marlena , Miulescu Ruxandra , Ionescu-Tîrgoviste C.
Published: May 2012

Fetal Macrosomia in the Diabetic Woman

Diabetes mellitus complicates up to 10% of pregnancies, while in Romania the incidence is this under 5%. In most of the cases we are talking about gestational diabetes, while only in 0.1 - 0.3% of the cases, the diabetes was pregestational (mainly Type 1 diabetes and rarely Type 2 diabetes or Mody). The study we conducted concerned the incidence of macrosomia in the general population; in the study we investigated 3,000 pregnant patients who gave birth in the Unit of Obstetrics & Gynecology of ‘Dr Cantacuzino’ Hospital from 13th January 2007 to 30th March 2010. The 7.1% of incidence of diabetes mellitus highlighted by the study which aimed to trace gestational diabetes conducted in 2007-2010 period with the assistance of the ‘Dr Cantacuzino’ Hospital, represents just the tip of the iceberg. The positive diagnosis of gestational diabetes identified not only women who had diabetes mellitus pre-existing the pregnancy, without their being aware of it, but also women with a pathology of carbohydrate metabolism who will in the future run a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Nocturnal Hypertension and Special - Period Hypertension in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Cobuz Claudiu , Cobuz Maricela
Published: May 2012

Nocturnal Hypertension and Special - Period Hypertension in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: One of the unique aspects of continuous ambulatory arterial-tension monitoring is the ability of recording the diurnal variations. The patients suffering from Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) may present higher nocturnal values of arterial tension and this rise can be determined by hyperinsulinism. The first hours in the morning (6 a.m. - 9 a.m.), the so-called special period, is correlated with a rise in the incidence of cardiovascular events and a rise in plasmatic catecholamine and of platelet aggregability. The main goal of this study is to analyze the particularities of the tensional profile with regard to nocturnal behavior and behavior in the special period, reported to glycemic variations. Material and method: The study analysed 351 patients known with T1DM, who have been suffering from this disease for more than 10 years, who were in the records of the Center of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases of Iaşi and Suceava. The patients were assesssed from a tensional and glycemic point of view, by continuous blood-tension (ABPM) and glycemia (CGMS) monitoring. Results: The occurrence of nocturnal hypertension in patients suffering T1DM is by 29.24 higher than in the case of hypertensive persons compared to the risk presented by the persons without blood hypertension. The continuous recording of blood hypertension during the asymptomatic hypoglycemia period showed increased values both for systolic blood tension and for diastolic one (p<0.05). The hypertension risk is by 3.24 higher during the hypoglycemia period compared to the normoglycemic one. Tension variations during the special period were noticed in 87 patients who have been suffering from diabetes mellitus for 19.75 ± 4.57 years. These tension values are higher than the nocturnal ones, but lower than the diurnal ones. Conclusions: Hypoglycemia duration and magnitude induces increased tension values which adds another hemodynamic stress factor to the patient suffering from T1DM. In T1DM, in the first morning hours, in particular conditions, we can notice increased tension values, higher in patients with blood hypertension, which induces a stressed cardiovascular risk. Tension value increase during the special period overlaps the morning hyperglycemias. Therefore, there appears an apparently invisible impact on the cardiovascular condition of diabetes mellitus.
Type 2 Diabetes and its Implications in Cerebrovascular Disease
Authors: Muntean Cristina , Mitrea Adina , Mota Maria , Tudorica Valerica
Published: May 2012

Type 2 Diabetes and its Implications in Cerebrovascular Disease

Type 2 diabetes represents an independent risk factor for vascular cerebral pathology, with a 2-3 times greater probability of stroke. The number of diabetic patients with stroke increased substantially from 6.2% to 11.3% during 1996-2006. Ischemic stroke, small or large vessels occlusion, is the main subtype of cerebrovascular disease, while a smaller percentage is attributed to cerebral hemorrhage. Hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, excess free fatty acids, prothrombotic state cause endothelial dysfunction with blood flow disturbance and major cerebral vessels injury. Elevated blood sugar levels are also associated with a poor prognosis during post-stroke phase. From the total number of deaths caused by acute cerebrovascular events, 16% for men and 33% for women are due to diabetes.
Energy Consumption Modeling of Processes in the Automated Manufacturing Systems
Authors: Honczarenko Jerzy , Berliński Artur
Published: May 2012

Energy Consumption Modeling of Processes in the Automated Manufacturing Systems

High-tech manufacturing such as machining at high speeds, laser, electrical discharge machining are highly energy intensive. Automation of assistant processes such as transport, storage, quality control also causes increasing of energy consumption. In this context, important is estimating and minimize the volume used energy. The main contribution of paper is the evaluation method of energy production processes in automated production systems, based on the equation energy formulation. Simple calculation energy consumption example was also presented for elementary transport operations in a high storage depot. Implantation this method enables rating power consumption of manufacturing process on design stage where used are technical subsystems such as: machines, conveyors, manipulators etc. Designing processes with power rating consumption enable saving energy in manufacturing processes that is important for their economic efficiency.
The Impact of Two-Stage Highly Interesting Questions on Completion Rates and Data Quality in Online Marketing Research
Authors: Hansen Jared M. , Smith Scott M.
Published: May 2012

Increasing both survey completion rates and data quality remains an important topic for fields as diverse as sociology, marketing, medicine and history. Thousands of studies have made response quality their central topic of examination, but their focus has largely been to measure response bias through the comparison of early–late wave responses. In this study, an innovative online field experiment tests a two-staged highly interesting question to produce an 8% better survey completion rate and to change sample representativeness by 12% over a usual one-stage highly interesting question appearing at the beginning of the questionnaire. In addition to these substantive findings, a distributional and probability analysis is developed that further refines methods for identifying the extent of non-response bias.
Increasing Teacher Use of Career-Relevant Instruction
Authors: Rose Roderick A. , Woolley Michael E. , Orthner Dennis K. , Akos Patrick T. , Jones-Sanpei Hinckley A.
Published: May 2012

Student engagement is a critical aspect of the learning process and a known predictor of school success. We report on an evaluation of a classroom intervention, CareerStart, designed to promote engagement through the use of career-relevant instruction whereby teachers use examples to tie the lesson material to knowledge and skills students can see as relevant to potential future careers. Evidence from a randomized control trial indicates that among math teachers, CareerStart increases the use of career-relevant instruction. We discuss research and policy implications of these findings. We argue that CareerStart should be investigated further, and that policymakers and educators should consider this program or similar relevance-based efforts when looking to reform teaching practice.
Comparing Regression Coefficients Between Nested Linear Models for Clustered Data With Generalized Estimating Equations
Authors: Yan Jun , Aseltine Robert H. , Harel Ofer
Published: May 2012

Comparing regression coefficients between models when one model is nested within another is of great practical interest when two explanations of a given phenomenon are specified as linear models. The statistical problem is whether the coefficients associated with a given set of covariates change significantly when other covariates are added into the model as controls. Methods for such comparison exist for independent data but do not apply when data are clustered such as longitudinal or familial data. Under the framework of generalized estimating equations, the authors develop statistical methods for such comparison. The properties of the proposed estimator of the difference in regression coefficients between two models are studied asymptotically and for finite samples through simulation. Application of the method to data on changes in depression mood from adolescence through young adulthood reveals that the effect of age after controlling for work status and marital status, although still significant, is largely reduced.
La Politique sur la Police des Premières Nations : une avancée en matière de gouvernance ?
Authors: Aubert Laura , Jaccoud Mylène
Published: May 2012

Le présent article rapporte les résultats d'une étude empirique sur les services policiers autochtones du Québec. Il procède à un état des lieux de leurs conditions d'exercice et de fonctionnement qu'il met en perspective avec les objectifs de la Politique sur la Police des Premières Nations afin notamment d'établir dans quelle mesure les polices autochtones mises en place suite à l'adoption de cette politique constituent une forme de gouvernance en matière de justice. Les résultats de cette étude montrent que si les polices autochtones disposent – sur le papier – des mêmes pouvoirs et prérogatives que les organisations policières régulières et semblent devoir faire la preuve d'une efficacité équivalente, les moyens dont elles bénéficient sont très inférieurs à ceux alloués aux organisations policières régulières alors même qu'elles gèrent des problématiques plus lourdes. In fine, ils interrogent quant à la – réelle – volonté politique des gouvernements fédéral et provincial de voir se concrétiser les objectifs de la Politique sur la Police des Premières Nations, à tout le moins celui visant à promouvoir l'autonomie des Premières Nations.
Klassifikation und Vermessung von Rissen in Nadelrund- und Nadelschnittholz
Authors: Wehrhausen Martin , Sauter Udo Hans , Brüchert Franka , Becker Gero
Published: May 2012

Classification and measurement of visible cracks in softwood logs and sawn timber

Cracks as an attribute of logs are an important quality factor for the production of sawn timber. They can develop in the standing tree due to growth stresses or external influences, but also in felled trees due to tension releases or drying. The definitions for different types of cracks that can be found in standards and in literature lack consistancy and are not sufficient for scientific use. This paper proposes a classification scheme for cracks in logs and sawn timber that is based on existing definitions in literature but also includes newly drafted definitions. A method for the estimation of crack damaged volume in wood is presented, which is based on manual measurement of the crack features for scientific use. The results give detailed and, depending on the dimensions of the sawn timber, also precise information about type, size and position of cracks as well as the expected volume of reject.
Nutritional Influences on Skatole Formation and Skatole Metabolism in the Pig
Authors: Wesoly Raffael , Weiler Ulrike
Published: May 2012

Skatole is a tryptophan (TRP) metabolite with fecal odor. Together with the testicular steroid androstenone it is regarded as a main determinant of boar taint, even if elevated concentrations of skatole occur occasionally in gilts and barrows. Skatole concentrations in adipose tissue result from a complex process, which includes the availability of TRP and the presence of specialized bacteria in the gut in need of TRP for energy production, as well as absorption, transport and accumulation of skatole in adipose tissue. Several steps of this process are influenced by diet and specific feed compounds. In the present paper the current knowledge about physiological mechanisms of skatole dynamics is summarized. Additionally mechanisms are discussed, by which effective feeding strategies and feed additives exert their influence in the prevention of high skatole concentrations in adipose pig tissue. It was concluded that the most effective measures are those which influence several steps of skatole formation. Despite the numerous studies carried out in the field of skatole physiology, interesting aspects still need clarification, such as the effect of adipose tissue turnover. Reliable control of skatole accretion in fat of boars is one of the main prerequisites for pork production with entire males.
Biophotopol: A Sustainable Photopolymer for Holographic Data Storage Applications
Authors: Ortuño Manuel , Gallego Sergi , Márquez Andrés , Neipp Cristian , Pascual Inmaculada , Beléndez Augusto
Published: May 2012

Photopolymers have proved to be useful for different holographic applications such as holographic data storage or holographic optical elements. However, most photopolymers have certain undesirable features, such as the toxicity of some of their components or their low environmental compatibility. For this reason, the Holography and Optical Processing Group at the University of Alicante developed a new dry photopolymer with low toxicity and high thickness called biophotopol, which is very adequate for holographic data storage applications. In this paper we describe our recent studies on biophotopol and the main characteristics of this material.