bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Silent Killer
Authors: Ferrari Fabrizio M.
Published: October 2013

Sitala ('the Cold One'), a mother goddess worshipped in Northern India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh, is traditionally represented as a beautiful young lady riding a donkey. But the ass is a rather marginal character in both oral narratives and devotional/auspicious literature. Unlike the majority of divine mounts in classic and popular Hinduism, the animal has no proper name and is speechless. Vernacular and Sanskrit literatures do not indulge in descriptions, nor do they mention its gender. In brief, the donkey is an annihilated mythological character. In this article I will discuss the ass as a living symbol of illness. My analysis will examine narratives in Sanskrit and vernacular (Hindi, Bhojpuri and Bengali) texts where the ass is associated with goddesses of death, disease and misfortune. By reflecting on several years of fieldwork in India, I will then confute past and present readings of Sitala as a 'smallpox goddess' and will explore the role of the ass as a metonym for illness. So rather than being disease per se, Sitala is a controlling deity, a performance symbolically rendered through riding the ass. Besides shedding new light on the worship of an extremely popular goddess, this article eventually reflects on the origin of mechanisms of cultural blame and pollution originated at the convergence of the praxis and social behaviour of human and non-human animals (as well as other-than-human persons) in Northern India.
Monstrous Animals on Hindu Temples, with Special Reference to Khajuraho
Authors: Smith David
Published: October 2013

This article discusses the role of imaginary composite animals on medieval Hindu temples, with special reference to the vyalas at Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. These monsters are frequently sculpted on temples in the company of women, but are scarcely mentioned in texts. They are subsequently replaced in other parts of India by images of ascetics. An attempt is made to elucidate their role and meaning, within the wider context of Indian religion and culture, by positing that they may express a, so to speak, subterranean power of sexuality.
Hephzibah Israel, Religious Transactions in Colonial South India: Language, Translation and the Making of Protestant Identity
Authors: Killingley Dermot
Published: October 2013

Hephzibah Israel, Religious Transactions in Colonial South India: Language, Translation and the Making of Protestant Identity. Palgrave Studies in Cultural and Intellectual History. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2011. 286 pp. $90. ISBN 978-0-230-10562-1 (hardback).
Jon Paul Sydnor, Ramanuja and Schleiermacher: Toward a Constructive Comparative Theology
Authors: Barua Ankur
Published: October 2013

Jon Paul Sydnor, Ramanuja and Schleiermacher: Toward a Constructive Comparative Theology. Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications, 2011. 226 pp. $45. ISBN 978-1608993086 (paperback)
Jungnok Park, How Buddhism Acquired a Soul on the Way to China
Authors: Dy Ari
Published: October 2013

Jungnok Park, How Buddhism Acquired a Soul on the Way to China. Sheffield: Equinox, 2012. x + 246 pp. £60. ISBN 978-1-84553-996-2 (hardback). £19.99. ISBN 978-1-84553-997-9 (paperback).
Alf Hiltebeitel, Dharma. Its Early History in Law, Religion, and Narrative
Authors: Ferrari Fabrizio M.
Published: October 2013

Alf Hiltebeitel, Dharma. Its Early History in Law, Religion, and Narrative. Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press, 2011. 768 pp. £45.00. ISBN 9780195394238 (hardback).
David N. Lorenzen and Adrián Muñoz (eds), Yogi Heroes. Histories and Legends of the Naths
Authors: Ferrari Fabrizio M.
Published: October 2013

David N. Lorenzen and Adrián Muñoz (eds), Yogi Heroes. Histories and Legends of the Naths. Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 2011. xviii + 228 pp. $75.00. ISBN 9781438438917 (hardback). $24.95. ISBN 9781438438900 (paperback).
Dan Arnold, Brains, Buddhas, and Believing: The Problem of Intentionality in Classical Buddhist and Cognitive-Scientific Philosophy of Mind
Authors: Westerhoff Jan
Published: October 2013

Dan Arnold, Brains, Buddhas, and Believing: The Problem of Intentionality in Classical Buddhist and Cognitive-Scientific Philosophy of Mind. Columbia: Columbia University Press, 2012. 328 pp. $50.00/£34.50. ISBN: 978-0-231-14546-6 (hardback).
Richard Fox Young (ed.), India and the Indianness of Christianity: Essays on Understanding—Historical, Theological and Bibliographical—in Honor of Robert Eric Frykenberg. Studies in the History of Christian Missions series
Authors: Killingley Dermot
Published: October 2013

Richard Fox Young (ed.), India and the Indianness of Christianity: Essays on Understanding—Historical, Theological and Bibliographical—in Honor of Robert Eric Frykenberg. Studies in the History of Christian Missions series. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2009. xi + 283 pp. $45. ISBN: 978-0-8028-6392-8 (paperback).
Samina Awan, Political Islam in Colonial Punjab Majlis-i-Ahrar 1929-1949
Authors: Beattie Hugh
Published: October 2013

Samina Awan, Political Islam in Colonial Punjab Majlis-i-Ahrar 1929-1949. Karachi: Oxford University Press, 2010. xxxvi + 190 pp. Rs 625. ISBN 978-019-906011-5 (hardback).
Charlotte Schmid, Le don de voir. Premières représentations krishnaïtes de la région de Mathurâ. (The Gift of Seeing: The First Representations of Krsna in the Mathura Area). Ecole française d’Extrême-Orient, monographie n° 193
Authors: Rousseleau Raphaël
Published: October 2013

Charlotte Schmid, Le don de voir. Premières représentations krishnaïtes de la région de Mathurâ. (The Gift of Seeing: The First Representations of Krsna in the Mathura Area). Ecole française d’Extrême-Orient, monographie n° 193. Paris, 2010, 752 pp., 72 ill., 2 maps. €50. ISBN 978-2-85539-131-1 (paperback).
Her Majesty’s Servants
Authors: Torri Davide
Published: October 2013

Through an analysis of colonial and orientalist literature, this article will show how South Asian fauna, through the lenses of Colonial enterprise, came to epitomize a whole system of social relations which can be easily tri-partite: the ruler, the ruled and the unruly. The complex colonial apparatus of dominance and repression clearly surfaces in many of the texts produced by the literates working, living or simply travelling through the British Indian Empire. Fascination for the wildest creatures of the jungle or the domesticated flocks reflected and re-shaped discourses about Western dominance. Eventually it entered European culture and modified our perception of South Asia. As long as the boundaries between the human and the non-human remain thin and blurred, non-human animals were rapidly equated to the human subjects of the Empire. The imperialist discourse, a mythology in the making, was made up of a series of performative utterances used to conveniently describe and to shape the new world. A world to be subjugated, tamed and ruled upon by a self-appointed superior authority. The living landscape of South Asia cannot escape the literary cage of the Empire. Human and nonhuman indigenous animals, or even the hybrid system they form, are discussed like a vast, uncharted and uncanny new territory to conquest with sword and pen alike. The article eventually argues that the colonialism of the mind exerted by the British Empire did not spare non-human animals and such perdurable effects still linger and affect uncritical policies of exploitation.
Beware the Crocodile
Authors: Collett Alice
Published: October 2013

In chapter eight of his Saundarananda, Asvaghosa launches into one of the fiercest attacks on women that can be found in early Buddhist literature. He evokes animal imagery and symbolism to demonstrate a manipulative and (sexually) aggressive nature for women, which he juxtaposes with a comparably weak will for men. He utilizes similes of entrapment whereby violent, aggressive and poisonous animals, birds or reptiles (women) ensnare weaker creatures (men). For example, women are 'hordes of crocodiles in a river', hawks that prey on pheasants, or snakes, whilst men are deer escaping hunters, birds enmeshed in a net or elephants trying to avoid crocodile infested waters. Whilst Asvaghosa's account of the sleeping harem women in the Buddhacarita has been cited by scholars of Buddhism and gender as representative of negative conceptualizations of women in ancient Indian Buddhist literature, the account in the Saundarananda, which is a far worse indictment of women, has received less attention. In this article, I will discuss Asvaghosa's attack on women centering on his use of animal imagery to portray male and female nature. In so doing, a central aim of the article is to give ownership of the Saundarananda and Buddhacarita back to Asvaghosa, whose accounts have previously been taken to be representative of views on women in early Buddhism. Through comparative analysis, whilst demonstrating the views of one male author, an ex-Brahmin poet, I will highlight these in direct contrast to other texts from early Indian Buddhism, which rarely present women in the same light. Finally, I will look at Asvaghosa the author, and attempt to discern his own preoccupations and predilections.
Tigers, Tiger Spirits and Were-tigers in Tribal Orissa
Authors: Beggiora Stefano
Published: October 2013

In the last years, several tiger sightings have been reported in rural areas of Orissa, in both villages and market towns. According to local rangers, such an anomalous behaviour is due to an unprecedented growth of the tiger's population, and the consequent need for more territory. Conversely, local indigenous populations (adivasi) look at the strange conduct of these animals as a manifestation of the presence of the spirits of the jungle. Alternatively, this is believed to be a peculiar phenomenon of therianthropy, that is, a metamorphosis in which a human animal takes the form of big cat (Oriya: palta bagha). In this article I will discuss were-tigers and rituals to counter such transformations among the Kondhs. On the one hand, I will explore how colonial literature reported incidents of therianthropy in Orissa and how such phenomena were dealt with. On the other, I will present and discuss my own ethnographies of were-tigers, a field of research I engaged with in the last 12 years in Orissa. The analysis of the presence of the tiger and the ways it interacts with the religion and culture of the Kondhs reveal previously unexplored areas of inquiry. The tiger is the symbol and essence of nature but it also represents its power. As such, it is dynamic, chaotic and creative. By assuming a divine form, the tiger becomes the Goddess, and thus serves as a point of contact for further explorations of Eastern Saktism, tribal culture and variegated patterns of popular Hindu folklore.
Haste verde e retenção foliar na cultura da soja
Authors: Silva Alexandre José da , Canteri Marcelo Giovanetti , Silva Andre Luis da
Published: October 2013

Haste verde em soja é uma síndrome que mantém as hastes primárias e secundárias da soja verdes, mesmo após a maturação fisiológica da semente. Retenção foliar é a manutenção das folhas verdes por um período mais longo, após maturação da semente. Sua ocorrência na cultura da soja tem sido atribuída a utilização de alguns fungicidas empregados no controle do complexo de doenças foliares em soja, principalmente ferrugem e doenças de final de ciclo. No entanto, vários fatores podem contribuir para a ocorrência deste distúrbio nas plantas. Os principais são: deficiência de potássio, desequilíbrio nutricional, stresse hídrico (excesso ou falta), stresse de temperaturas altas, ataque de pragas, principalmente percevejos, cultivares sensíveis, ocorrência de antracnose e aplicação de alguns fungicidas. Devido à escassez de informações sobre o assunto é comum atribuir qualquer distúrbio fisiológico a aplicação de fungicidas. O adequado manejo da cultura desde nutrição equilibrada, controle integrado de pragas e doenças, atenção para exigência hídrica, térmica e foperiódica da planta são fatores importantes para evitar ou reduzir ao máximo o aparecimento desta síndrome. Trabalhos objetivando interação entre estes fatores e cultivares, utilização de fungicidas são necessários para maiores informações sobre o assunto.
Reação de resistência tipo I e tipo II a Giberela em cultivares de trigo
Authors: Alves Rafael Hansen , Nora Tatiane Dalla , Franco Francisco de Assis , Costa Antonio Carlos Torres da , Stangarlin José Renato
Published: October 2013

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as reações de resistência tipo I e tipo II à giberela em 28 cultivares de trigo em casa de vegetação. A inoculação de Fusarium graminearum foi realizada no estádio de florescimento. Para a resistência tipo I, a avaliação foi feita 21 dias após a inoculação. Foi determinada a severidade no estádio de espiga seca e a porcentagem de grãos giberelados. A avaliação da severidade foi feita pela porcentagem de espiguetas infectadas, no estádio de espiga verde atribuindo-se uma nota em uma escala linear de zero (nenhuma infecção) a 100 (100% de espiguetas infectadas). Para a resistência tipo II, as avaliações foram realizadas aos 7, 14 e 21 dias após a inoculação, contando-se as espiguetas com sintomas da doença, excluindo as duas espiguetas que foram inoculadas. As cultivares Frontana, BRS 177, BRS 179, BRS Umbu, BRS Camboim, Abalone, Ônix, Pampeano e Fundacep 30 apresentaram menor severidade da doença e menor porcentagem de grãos giberelados, demonstrando serem fontes de resistência tipo I. As cultivares BRS Guamirim, CD 120, Onix, Rubi, Fundacep 50, BRS 179, Pampeano, Abalone, CD 114, IPR 85, Safira, BRS Louro, CD 117, CDF 2002116, CD 115, BRS 177, CD 0529 e BRS Camboim apresentaram a menor área abaixo da curva de progresso da doença, demonstrando a presença da resistência do tipo II.
Supressividade por incorporação de resíduo de leguminosas no controle da fusariose do tomateiro
Authors: Cruz Sandra Maria da Costa , Rodrigues Antônia Alice Costa , Silva Erlen Keila Candido e , Oliveira Leonardo de Jesus Machado Gois de
Published: October 2013

A utilização de materiais orgânicos que melhoram as características físicas, químicas e biológicas do solo vem sendo estudada como indutor da supressividade a fitopatógenos. Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da incorporação da parte aérea de leguminosas no controle da fusariose do tomateiro. Os resíduos frescos das leguminosas leucena, feijão guandu, amendoim forrageiro e feijão de porco foram incorporados ao solo nas concentrações 0; 20; 40; 60 e 80 g L-1. Sementes de tomateiro da variedade Santa Cruz Kada Gigante foram semeadas em bandejas contendo terra autoclavado e húmus de minhoca. As mudas foram transplantadas para vasos, contendo substrato (terra autoclavada + resíduo fresco), 15 dias após a semeadura. Aos 15 dias após o transplantio realizou-se a inoculação, por meio de ferimento de raízes em meia lua, aplicando em seguida 20 mL da suspensão de 1x10(6) conídios mL-1 por planta. A avaliação foi realizada 21 dias após a inoculação através de escala de notas variando de 1 a 5. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições, sendo a unidade experimental duas plantas por vaso. A incorporação da parte aérea das leguminosas leucena, feijão guandu, amendoim forrageiro e feijão de porco demonstrou eficiência no controle da fusariose. Maior percentual de controle foi obtido com os resíduos de amendoim forrageiro (40 g L-1), feijão de porco (60 g L-1) e leucena (80 g L-1), apresentando um percentual de controle de 73,3%. O amendoim forrageiro pode ser considerado o mais eficiente, por necessitar de uma menor concentração para atingir o mesmo percentual de controle da fusariose.
Sobrevivência de Bradyrhizobium japonicum em sementes de soja tratadas com fungicidas e os efeitos sobre a nodulação e a produtividade da cultura
Authors: Costa Maira Rejane , Cavalheiro Juliana Cristina Touro , Goulart Augusto César Pereira , Mercante Fábio Martins
Published: October 2013

A fim de garantir patamares mais elevados de fixação biológica de nitrogênio (FBN) e a sanidade das sementes de soja, o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a influência da aplicação de diferentes fungicidas na sobrevivência de bactérias fixadoras de nitrogênio em sementes de soja e seus efeitos na nodulação das plantas e no rendimento de grãos da cultura. As avaliações de sobrevivência foram realizadas por meio do número mais provável-NMP (processo direto e indireto). Foram conduzidos ensaios sob condições de casa de vegetação, em vasos com terra não esterilizada e estudo a campo, num Latossolo Vermelho Distrófico. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que as estirpes de rizóbio podem ser afetadas por determinados fungicidas aplicados às sementes de soja. No estudo conduzido sob condições controladas de casa de vegetação com terra de mata nativa, verificou-se um efeito negativo da aplicação dos fungicidas, promovendo redução no número e na matéria seca dos nódulos. Na avaliação a campo, em solos com população estabelecida de Bradyrhizobium japonicum/ B. elkanii, a nodulação e o rendimento de grãos da soja não foram afetados pelos diferentes fungicidas avaliados.
Método rápido para extração de DNA de Puccinia kuehnii
Authors: Alessio Valter Miotto , Hoffmann Hermann Paulo , Carneiro Monalisa Sampaio
Published: October 2013

Foi desenvolvido um método eficiente, rápido e de baixo custo para extração de DNA de Puccinia kuehnii, patógeno causador da ferrugem alaranjada em cana-de-açúcar, importante doença de recente emergência no ocidente. O protocolo de extração foi testado em esporos recém-coletados e em esporos armazenados a -80ºC por 7 meses. Com uma quantidade inicial de 15 mg de esporos foi obtido concentrações médias de DNA variando de 880,8 mg/mL a 1115,9 mg/mL. A amplificação do DNA extraído foi positiva para as amostras avaliadas.
Fungos e nematoides associados a sementes de forrageiras tropicais
Authors: Mallmann Guilherme , Verzignassi Jaqueline Rosemeire , Fernandes Celso Dornelas , Santos Jaime Maia dos , Vechiato Marta Helena , Inácio Carlos Antonio , Batista Margareth Vieira , Queiroz Carolina de Arruda
Published: October 2013

Objetivou-se avaliar a incidência de fungos e nematoides em sementes de Brachiaria sp. e Panicum maximum produzidas nos estados de Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), Mato Grosso (MT), Goiás (GO), Minas Gerais (MG) e São Paulo (SP). Os principais fungos encontrados nas sementes foram Bipolaris sp., Curvularia sp. e Phoma sp.. As menores incidências destes fungos foram encontradas nas sementes das cultivares BRS Piatã e Xaraés de Brachiaria brizantha e Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk, oriundas dos estados de GO, MG e MS, respectivamente. As cultivares Marandu e BRS Piatã, provenientes das várias regiões, apresentaram elevada ocorrência de Aphelenchoides sp. e Ditylenchus sp.. Sementes da cultivar Humidicola, de Brachiaria humidicola, produzidas em MS e SP, não apresentaram associação com nematoides. As sementes de Panicum maximum cv. Massai e cv. Mombaça apresentaram maiores incidências de Bipolaris sp., Cladosporium sp., Curvularia sp., Fusarium sp. e Phoma sp., bem como de Aphelenchoides sp. e Ditylenchus sp., especialmente nas sementes produzidas em MT. Alguns dos patógenos encontrados são agentes causais de doenças de grande importância em forrageiras, a exemplo de Bipolaris sp., causando a mancha foliar do Panicum, de alta severidade em Tanzânia, proporcionando sérios comprometimentos da sustentabilidade das pastagens.
Artéria coronária direita anômala com origem na artéria pulmonar e pericardite constritiva: uma associação inusitada
Authors: Silvestre Odilson Marcos , Adam Eduardo Leal , Melo Dirceu Thiago Pessoa de , Dias Ricardo Ribeiro , Ramires Felix J. A. , Mady Charles
Published: October 2013

A associação da artéria coronária direita anômala com origem na artéria pulmonar e pericardite constritiva ainda não foi descrita na literatura. Apresentamos aqui o primeiro caso dessa associação inusitada em um paciente com quadro de insuficiência cardíaca direita. Após o diagnóstico, o paciente foi encaminhado para tratamento cirúrgico, sendo submetido a pericardiectomia frênico a frênico, implante de enxerto da artéria mamária interna direita para a coronária direita e ligadura da origem anômala da coronária direita da artéria pulmonar. Tais procedimentos resolveram o potencial risco de morte súbita pela anomalia coronária e aliviaram os sintomas de insuficiência cardíaca causados pela pericardite constritiva.
Competência glótica na doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica
Authors: Cassiani Rachel de Aguiar , Aguiar-Ricz Lílian , Santos Carla Manfredi dos , Martinez José Antonio Baddini , Dantas Roberto Oliveira
Published: October 2013

OBJETIVO: Correlacionar a medida do tempo máximo de fonação (TMF) com o volume de ar pulmonar expirado no primeiro segundo do sopro (VEF1) e comparar o TMF, emissão do "s", "z" e relação s/z em indivíduos saudáveis e indivíduos com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC). MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 14 voluntários saudáveis, com média de idade de 65 anos, e 16 indivíduos com DPOC, com média de idade de 68 anos. O diagnóstico da doença foi clínico e também obtido por exames da função pulmonar. Os participantes foram submetidos à espirometria para apreciação dos parâmetros VEF1, capacidade vital forçada (CVF) e o índice de Tiffeneau (VEF1/CVF). Registrou-se a emissão prolongada das vogais "a", "i", "u" para análise do tempo máximo de fonação na condição normal e forçada e aferiu-se a relação s/z após a sustentação dos fonemas /s/ e /z/. RESULTADOS: Nos dois grupos, o TMF com a fonação normal foi menor do que o tempo máximo de fonação, com a fonação forçada. A mediana do TMF do grupo controle foi maior do que a do grupo com DPOC, com a fonação normal e a fonação forçada. Não houve correlação entre o tempo máximo de fonação e os valores de VEF1 nos grupos. CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes com DPOC tem diminuição do tempo máximo de fonação e a relação s/z sugere falta de coaptação glótica. Não houve correlação do TMF e a medida do VEF1.
Quais são as melhores palavras para compor um instrumento de avaliação fonológica?
Authors: Savoldi Angélica , Ceron Marizete Ilha , Keske-Soares Márcia
Published: October 2013

OBJETIVO: Julgar quais palavras seriam adequadas à realidade social e/ou linguística para compor um instrumento de avaliação fonológica infantil para o Português Brasileiro. MÉTODOS: Partindo de uma lista inicial de 722 palavras do léxico infantil e avaliações fonológicas disponíveis, utilizadas atualmente, juízes especialistas julgaram as melhores palavras para compor o instrumento, de acordo com seu conhecimento teórico e prático. Formou-se uma nova lista com 316 palavras selecionadas, que foram ilustradas e analisadas por juízes não especialistas (crianças), quanto à familiaridade e eliciação corretas, através de escala Likert. RESULTADOS: A análise dos juízes especialistas obteve uma concordância fraca com valor de Kappa equivalente a 0,378, resultando em 316 palavras selecionadas. O julgamento dos juízes não especialistas resultou na lista de palavras mais indicadas para compor um instrumento de avaliação fonológica, utilizando critérios de porcentagem de acerto quanto à familiaridade e eliciação. CONCLUSÃO: Foram selecionadas pelas análises dos juízes 116 palavras, com respectivas ilustrações, para compor o instrumento de avaliação fonológica.
Potential collapse of a roof structure averted by quick repair
Authors: Rawska-Skotniczny Anna , Żmuda Jan , Jankowiak Roman
Published: October 2013

The paper describes the analysis and repair of an accidentally damaged long-span roof structure in a large storage warehouse; these were successfully performed in order to avert potential progressive collapse. The damage was caused by the impact of the open bed of a moving truck against one of the exposed primary load-carrying steel girders of the gable roof of the building. The impact caused serious dislocation and cross-sectional deformation of the girder, as well as rupturing several purlin-to-girder connections. As a result, the girder was not only damaged in itself, but its lateral-torsional stability was also compromised. The structural analysis of the damaged roof structure is reviewed, and two versions of repair of the damaged elements are described, including temporary support by three-dimensional modern shoring towers for both gravity and wind loads. It is demonstrated that, at least in this case, the damage – however serious – to a single structural element does not necessarily impact the global safety and result in immediate failure of the entire structure. Prudent timely repair can avert a disaster.
Synergism and context dependency of interactions between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobia with a prairie legume
Authors: Larimer Anna L. , Clay Keith , Bever James D.
Published: October 2013

Biotic interactions play primary roles in major theories of the distribution and abundance of species, yet the nature of these biotic interactions can depend upon the larger ecological community. Leguminous plants, for example, commonly associate with both arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and rhizobia bacteria, and the pairwise interactions may depend upon the presence or identity of the third partner. To determine if the dynamics of plant–AMF and plant–rhizobia interactions are affected by the alternate symbiont, we manipulated the presence and identity of each symbiont, as well as levels of the nutrients supplied by each symbiont (nitrogen and phosphorus), on the growth of prairie legume Amorpha canescens. We found strong synergistic effects of AMF and rhizobia inoculation on plant biomass production that were independent of nutrient levels. AMF and rhizobia responses were each influenced by the other, but not in the same direction. AMF infection increased root nodule number and mass, but rhizobia inoculation decreased AMF hyphal colonization of roots. The relative benefits of each combination of symbionts depended upon phosphorus level. The effect of nitrogen was also contingent on the biotic environment where nitrogen addition decreased nodulation, but this decrease was reduced with coinfection by AMF. Our results demonstrate a strong contingency on the co‐occurrence of AMF and rhizobia for the long‐term fitness of A. canescens, and suggest that the belowground community is critical for the success of this species in tallgrass prairies.
Positive interactions between large herbivores and grasshoppers, and their consequences for grassland plant diversity
Authors: Zhong Zhiwei , Wang Deli , Zhu Hui , Wang Ling , Feng Chao , Wang Zhongnan
Published: October 2013

Although the influence of positive interactions on plant and sessile communities has been well documented, surprisingly little is known about their role in structuring terrestrial animal communities. We evaluated beneficial interactions between two distantly related herbivore taxa, large vertebrate grazers (sheep) and smaller insect grazers (grasshoppers), using a set of field experiments in eastern Eurasian steppe of China. Grazing by large herbivores caused significantly higher grasshopper density, and this pattern persisted until the end of the experiment. Grasshoppers, in turn, increased the foraging time of larger herbivores, but such response occurred only during the peak of growing season (August). These reciprocal interactions were driven by differential herbivore foraging preferences for plant resources; namely, large herbivores preferred Artemisia forbs, whereas grasshoppers preferred Leymus grass. The enhancement of grasshopper density in areas grazed by large herbivores likely resulted from the selective consumption of Artemisia forbs by vertebrate grazers, which may potentially improve the host finding of grasshoppers. Likewise, grasshoppers appeared to benefit large herbivores by decreasing the cover and density of the dominant grass Leymus chinensis, which hampers large herbivores' access to palatable forbs. Moreover, we found that large herbivores grazing alone may significantly decrease plant diversity, yet grasshoppers appeared to mediate such negative effects when they grazed with large herbivores. Our results suggest that the positive, reciprocal interactions in terrestrial herbivore communities may be more prevalent and complex than previously thought.
Islet-Specific T-Cell Responses and Proinflammatory Monocytes Define Subtypes of Autoantibody-Negative Ketosis-Prone Diabetes
Authors: Brooks-Worrell Barbara M. , Iyer Dinakar , Coraza Ivonne , Hampe Christiane S. , Nalini Ramaswami , Ozer Kerem , Narla Radhika , Palmer Jerry P. , Balasubramanyam Ashok
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVE

Ketosis-prone diabetes (KPD) is characterized by diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in patients lacking typical features of type 1 diabetes. A validated classification scheme for KPD includes two autoantibody-negative (“A−”) phenotypic forms: “A−β−” (lean, early onset, lacking β-cell functional reserve) and “A−β+” (obese, late onset, with substantial β-cell functional reserve after the index episode of DKA). Recent longitudinal analysis of a large KPD cohort revealed that the A−β+ phenotype includes two distinct subtypes distinguished by the index DKA episode having a defined precipitant (“provoked,” with progressive β-cell function loss over time) or no precipitant (“unprovoked,” with sustained β-cell functional reserve). These three A− KPD subtypes are characterized by absence of humoral islet autoimmune markers, but a role for cellular islet autoimmunity is unknown.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Islet-specific T-cell responses and the percentage of proinflammatory (CD14+CD16+) blood monocytes were measured in A−β− (n = 7), provoked A−β+ (n = 15), and unprovoked A−β+ (n = 13) KPD patients. Genotyping was performed for type 1 diabetes–associated HLA class II alleles.

RESULTS

Provoked A−β+ and A−β− KPD patients manifested stronger islet-specific T-cell responses (P < 0.03) and higher percentages of proinflammatory CD14+CD16+ monocytes (P < 0.01) than unprovoked A−β+ KPD patients. A significant relationship between type 1 diabetes HLA class II protective alleles and negative T-cell responses was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Provoked A−β+ KPD and A−β− KPD are associated with a high frequency of cellular islet autoimmunity and proinflammatory monocyte populations. In contrast, unprovoked A−β+ KPD lacks both humoral and cellular islet autoimmunity.
Ideal Cardiovascular Health and the Prevalence and Progression of Coronary Artery Calcification in Adults With and Without Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Alman Amy C. , Maahs David M. , Rewers Marian J. , Snell-Bergeon Janet K.
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVE

In 2010, the American Heart Association defined seven metrics (smoking, BMI, physical activity, diet, total cholesterol, blood pressure, and fasting plasma glucose) for ideal cardiovascular health (ICH). Subsequent studies have shown that the prevalence of achieving these metrics is very low in the general population. Adults with type 1 diabetes are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), but no studies to date have been published on the prevalence of ICH in this population.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data for this analysis were collected as part of the prospective Coronary Artery Calcification in Type 1 Diabetes study. This analysis involved 546 subjects with type 1 diabetes and 631 subjects without diabetes who had complete information for calculating the ICH metrics.

RESULTS

Overall, the prevalence of ICH was low in this population, with none meeting the ideal criteria for all seven metrics. The prevalence of ideal physical activity (10.0%) and diet (1.1%) were particularly low. ICH was significantly associated with both decreased prevalence (odds ratio [OR] 0.70; 95% CI 0.62–0.80) and progression (OR 0.77; 95% CI 0.66–0.90) of coronary artery calcification (CAC).

CONCLUSIONS

ICH is significantly associated with decreased prevalence and progression of CAC; however, prevalence of ICH metrics was low in adults both with and without type 1 diabetes. Efforts to increase the prevalence of ICH could have a significant impact on reducing the burden of CVD.
Identification of emitter sources in the aspect of their fractal features
Authors: Dudczyk J. , Kawalec A.
Published: October 2013

This article presents the procedure of identification radar emitter sources with the trace distinctive features of original signal with the use of fractal features. It is a specific kind of identification called Specific Emitter Identification, where as a result of using transformations, which change measure points, a transformation attractor was received. The use of linear regression and the Lagrange polynomial interpolation resulted in the estimation of the measurement function. The method analysing properties of the measurement function which has been suggested by the authors caused the extraction of two additional distinctive features. These features extended the vector of basic radar signals’ parameters. The extended vector of radar signals’ features made it possible to identify the copy of radar emitter source.
Investigations of polycaprolactone/gelatin blends in terms of their miscibility
Authors: Kolbuk D. , Sajkiewicz P. , Denis P. , Choinska E.
Published: October 2013

Synthetic and natural polymers blends represent a new brand of materials with application in wound healing, scaffolds or drug delivery systems. Polycaprolactone/gelatin (PCL/Gt) blends were analyzed in terms of their miscibility. The PCL structure was investigated as a function of Gt content. Changes in the PCL spherulitic structure with Gt content were investigated by a polarizing-interference microscope. The analysis of the glass transition temperature (Tg) of both components as a function of PCL/Gt ratio by differential scanning calorimetry indicates that the system of polycaprolactone/gelatin belongs to a type of s.c. compatible system, being intermediate between miscible and immiscible systems. There is possibility of very limited miscibility of both components. Supplementary wide angle X-ray scattering results are presented.
Multichannel ultrasonic range finder for blind people navigation
Authors: Gelmuda W. , Kos A.
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this paper is to present a multichannel ultrasonic range finder which was designed for the navigation system for blind people. A substantial number of consultations with blind people in the Blind People Centre in Krakow have shown that the navigation and obstacle detection with a help of a white stick only, is not sufficient enough to assure a high safety level. Electronic aids which are being designed for blind people should be mobile, comfortable and low-powered. That is why the MOBIAN© (a mobile safety system for the blind) project is being carried out by the authors to create a highly reliable safety navigation system for blind people. It could not only improve blind people quality of life but also their safety, especially when they are walking in unknown areas. As a part of this project, the multichannel ultrasonic range finder was designed, produced and tested. The tests have proven the device is capable of detecting objects from different directions in a range over 4 m. The device interface is easy to manage and can be controlled by almost any microcontroller or FPGA chip. The designed range finder is to be implemented in the electronic assistant project for blind people. Other systems, including the industrial ones, for instance, mobile robots or gates that count people entries, could benefit from this multichannel range finder. Usually, some low-cost ultrasonic range finders use two transducers for each channel (a transmitter and a receiver). The designed device employs only one transducer per channel which minimizes the end-device size and cost and at the same time provides with the main functionality. Novelty of this device is its multichannel design and the emplacement of the ultrasonic transducers, which can be used due to the application of the multichannel analog multiplexer. Thus, it is possible to detect obstacles, even the inclined ones, with higher reliability and increase the safety of blind people while walking. Also, this design and the transducers’ placement allow to detect obstacles much quicker, when the blind user suddenly turns.
Rapid prototyping of algorithmic A/D converters based on FPAA devices
Authors: Suszynski R. , Wawryn K.
Published: October 2013

A rapid prototyping method for designing mixed signal systems has been presented in the paper. The method is based on implementation of the field programmable analog array (FPAA) to configure and reconfigure mixed signal systems. A serial algorithmic analog digital converter has been used as an example. Three converter architectures have been selected and implemented FPAA device. To verify and illustrate converters operation and prototyping capabilities, implemented converters have been excited by a sinusoidal signal. Analog sinusoidal excitations, digital responses and sinusoidal waveforms after reconstruction are presented.
Technique to improve CMRR at high frequencies in CMOS OTA-C filters
Authors: Blakiewicz G.
Published: October 2013

In this paper a technique to improve the common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR) at high frequencies in the OTA-C filters is proposed. The technique is applicable to most OTA-C filters using CMOS operational transconductance amplifiers (OTA) based on differential pairs. The presented analysis shows that a significant broadening of CMRR bandwidth can be achieved by using a differential pair with the bodies of transistors connected to AC ground, instead of using a pair with the bodies connected to the sources. The key advantages of the technique are: no increase in power consumption (except for an optional tuning circuit), a small increase of a chip area, a slight modification of the original filter. The simulation results for exemplary OTAs and a low-pass filter, designed in a 0.35 μm CMOS process, show the possibility of broadening the CMRR bandwidth several times.
Noise properties of thin-film Ni-P resistors embedded in printed circuit boards
Authors: Stadler A.W. , Zawiślak Z. , Stęplewski W. , Dziedzic A.
Published: October 2013

Noise studies of planar thin-film Ni-P resistors made in/on Printed Circuit Boards, both covered with two different types of cladding or uncladded have been described. The resistors have been made of the resistive-conductive-material (Ohmega-Ply©) of 100 Ώ/sq. Noise of the selected pairs of samples has been measured in the DC resistance bridge with a transformer as the first stage in a signal path. 1/f noise caused by resistance fluctuations has been found to be the main noise component. Parameters describing noise properties of the resistors have been calculated and then compared with the parameters of other previously studied thin- and thick-film resistive materials.
Reflections on the changes observed in the structure of motor skills in young athletes
Authors: Karpowicz Krzysztof , Karpowicz Małgorzata
Published: October 2013

Purpose

The main objective of the study was to discern what trends are present in the structure of motor skills in young athletes by analyzing a group of basketball players within a context of their sports-specific training.

Methods

Data were collected over a five-year period between 2006-2010 from 82 young Polish basketball players aged 15-16 years. In order to determine their motor skill level, the International Physical Fitness Test (IPFT) was administered. Basic somatic parameters, such as height, weight, and body mass index, were also recorded.

Results

Analysis of the significant differences between the mean IPFT scores for each year found relatively few statistically significant changes. No statistically significant changes were noted for somatic build. For motor skill level, an upward trend was found for speed, lower limb strength, arm strength, hand strength, abdominal endurance, and agility. Total IPFT scores for each subsequent year indicated a systematic improvement of the participants’ general physical fitness levels.

Conclusions

Despite only few of the results being statistically significant, the general trend of the changes in physical fitness levels is easily observed. Apart from the issue around the selection of surrounding selecting individuals to play in competitive sports, and in particular in which specific sports discipline, it was found that the training loads (such as the one used in boys basketball) have in most cases a positive impact on general physical fitness.
Assembling a Formula for Current Transferring by Using a Summary Graph and Transformation Graphs
Authors: Brtník Bohumil
Published: October 2013

This paper deals with the symbolic solution of the switched current circuits. As is described, the full graph method of the solution can be used for finding relationships expressing current transfer, too. The summa MC-graph is constructed using two-graphs method in two-phase switching. By comparing the matrix form with results of the Mason’s formula are derived relations for current transfers in all phases. There are discussed various options described transistor memory cells - with loss and lossless transistors and normal transistor current mirror. Evaluation of the graph is simplified if we consider the lossless transistors or if the y21 -parameter of one transistor is alpha multiple of second ones.
Assessing Mobility and Safety Impacts of a Variable Speed Limit Control Strategy
Authors: Islam M. Tazul , Hadiuzzaman M. , Fang Jie , Qiu Tony Z. , El-Basyouny Karim
Published: October 2013

With the recent advances in active transportation and demand management, variable speed limits (VSLs) have been identified as an active traffic management strategy for improving freeway mobility and safety. Several heuristic VSL strategies have been proposed and evaluated. This paper proposes a model predictive VSL control strategy and evaluates its safety and mobility impacts. The strategy uses second-order traffic flow models to predict the traffic state and to provide a speed for optimizing corridor operational performance. A sensitivity analysis of the VSL update frequency and the safety constraints for the VSL strategy was performed to determine the best scenario in terms of safety and mobility. A stretch of Whitemud Drive, an urban freeway corridor in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, was selected as the study area. The proposed VSL strategy was implemented in the microsimulation platform with a special software module. A real-time collision prediction model was developed for the same study area by using a matched case-control logistic regression technique to estimate the collision probability for each scenario. The results indicated that the proposed VSL control strategy can improve safety by approximately 50% and mobility by approximately 30%. A VSL update frequency of 5 min and a maximum speed difference of 10 km/h between successive time steps yielded the best performances. This finding can be useful for field implementation of VSL control.
Americans’ Crash Histories and Opinions on Safety Policy
Authors: Chen T. Donna , Kockelman Kara M.
Published: October 2013

This paper examines the influence of driving experience and habits, citation histories, vehicle ownership, and demographics on the crash risk and safety policy opinions of more than 1,000 Americans. Model results suggest that increased driver crash probability and decreased support for crash countermeasures correlate with criminal history and high tolerance for risk, both of which are more prevalent among men than women. Noninjury crash involvement—controlled for years of driving, a measure of exposure—appears to be more common for those with busy lifestyles, who have higher education and more household vehicles. Support for crash safety policies appears to be largely independent of the crash history of a survey respondent and his or her family but to be linked to gender, marital status, and level of education. Women and lower-income households are more likely to support safety policies, although those with higher educational attainment are generally less likely to support such policies. Finally, results suggest that unfamiliarity may be a key (but surmountable) barrier to the introduction of technology-based safety policies, such as speed limiters.
Synthesis and Spectroscopic Characterisation of Novel Rofumilast Analogues
Authors: Sun Gangchun , Si Yuhui , Song Ge , Mai Wenpeng , Li Zhicheng
Published: October 2013

A series of new N-heterocyclic or phenoxy substituted roflumilast analogues have been designed and synthesised. N-heterocyclic or phenoxy substituted benzaldehydes were first prepared from 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehbyde and 1-bromo-3-chloropropane by an alkylation reaction. The roflumilast analogues were then obtained by oxidation, acylation, amidation and alkylation reactions. These compounds were characterised by 1H NMR, IR, ESI-MS and elemental analyses.
Synthesis, Crystal Structures and Quantum Chemical Calculations of 3,6-diphenyl-1,2-dihydro- and 1,4-dihydro-1,2,4,5-tetrazine derivatives
Authors: Yang Zhen-Zhen , Xu Feng , Ke Zhong-Lu , Chen Hong-Yun , Hu Wei-Xiao , Li Hai-Bo
Published: October 2013

1-Acyl-3,6-diphenyl-1,4-dihydro-1,2,4,5-tetrazines were prepared by treatment of 3,6-diphenyl-1,4- (or 1,2)-dihydro-1,2,4,5-tetrazine and an equimolar amount of an acyl chloride. Further reaction with another equivalent of an acyl chloride yielded 1,4(or 1,2)-diacyl-3,6-diphenyl-1,4(or 1,2)-dihydro-1,2,4,5-tetrazines. Their structures are confirmed by 1H NMR, IR, and mass spectra and by elemental analysis and X-ray diffraction. The experimental results are also validated by calculation of molecular stabilisation energies with the DFT calculations (B3LPY method). It can be shown that when alkanoyl chlorides are used, the products are the 1,4-dihydro-1,2,4,5-tetrazines, whereas acylation with aroyl chlorides affords 1,2-dihydro-1,2,4,5-tetrazines.
A Facile Synthesis of New Substituted Spiropyrimidine-2,4-Diones
Authors: Bahy Amira , Jegham Nafâa , Kacem Yakdhane , Hassine Béchir Ben
Published: October 2013

An efficient and short route to synthesise spiropyrimidine-2,4-diones was achieved using 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition followed by a cyclisation reaction. The reaction is regiospecific in all cases.
Synthesis of Novel Cyclophane-Type Crown Ethers from 2-Methylindole
Authors: Eshghi Hossein , Rahimisadeh Mohammad , Pordel Mehdi , Bakhtiarpoor Zahra
Published: October 2013

New indolyl crown ethers were obtained from reaction of bis-indolyl podand with different aldehydes using Fe(HSO4)3 as catalyst. Spectral characterisations and optimised structures of isomers of these new cyclophane-type compounds are also presented.
Brønsted Acidic Deep Eutectic Solvent Catalysed the One-Pot Synthesis of 2H-indazolo[2,1-b]Phthalazine-Triones
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhou Min , Chen Qun , He Ming-Yang
Published: October 2013

An efficient and facile protocol for the one-pot synthesis of 2 H-indazolo[2,1- b]phthalazine-triones in the presence of a Brønsted acidic deep eutectic solvent has been developed. The Brønsted acidic deep eutectic solvent was readily prepared via heating the mixture of choline chloride and p-toluenesulfonic acid. In addition, the deep eutectic solvent is non-toxic, cost-effective and recyclable.
Hydrocyanation of Arylidenemalonates using Potassium Hexacyanoferrate(II) as an Eco-Friendly Cyanide Source
Authors: Li Zheng , Zhang Yupeng , Wen Fei , Yin Junjun , Zheng Huanhuan , Li Hongbo , Yang Jingya
Published: October 2013

Thirteen examples of the hydrocyanation of diethyl arylidenemalonates to diethyl α-cyanobenzylmalonates by a one-pot, two-step procedure using potassium hexacyanoferrate (II) as an eco-friendly cyanide source, benzoyl chloride as a promoter and potassium carbonate as a catalyst are described. One example of a heteroarylidenemalonate and two examples of alkylidenemalonates were also found to react similarly. The advantages of this protocol are the use of a nontoxic cyanide source, high yield and simple work-up procedure.
Diastereoselective Synthesis of Functionalised Phosphonates by Three-Component reaction between Phosphites, Acetylene Diesters and Formanilides
Authors: Anary-Abbasinejad Mohammad , Tavakkoli Seyed-Mahdi , Talebizadeh Mahdiyeh , Amjadi Nona
Published: October 2013

Three-component reaction between dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates, phosphites, and formanilide derivatives leads to diastereoselective synthesis of functionalised succinate phosphonates in good yields.