bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Two Creatinine-Based Estimating Equations in Predicting All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Targher Giovanni , Zoppini Giacomo , Mantovani William , Chonchol Michel , Negri Carlo , Stoico Vincenzo , Mantovani Alessandro , De Santi Francesca , Bonora Enzo
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE

To compare the performance of two glomerular filtration rate (GFR)-estimating equations in predicting the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in type 2 diabetic patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We followed 2,823 type 2 diabetic outpatients for a period of 6 years for the occurrence of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. GFR was estimated using the four-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study equation and the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation.

RESULTS

At baseline, an estimated GFR (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 was present in 22.0 and 20.2% of patients using the MDRD study equation and the CKD-EPI equation, respectively. A total of 309 patients died during the follow-up (152 patients from cardiovascular causes). Both creatinine-based equations were associated with an increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. However, the CKD-EPI equation provided a more accurate risk prediction of mortality than the MDRD study equation. Receiving operating characteristic curves showed that the areas under the curve (AUCs) for all-cause mortality (AUC 0.712 [95% CI 0.682–0.741]) and cardiovascular mortality (0.771 [0.734–0.808]) using eGFRCKD-EPI were significantly greater (P < 0.0001 by the z statistic) than those obtained by using eGFRMDRD (0.679 [0.647–0.711] for all-cause mortality and 0.739 [0.698–0.783] for cardiovascular mortality).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the estimation of GFR using the CKD-EPI equation more appropriately stratifies patients with type 2 diabetes according to the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality compared with the MDRD study equation.
Increased Pulse Pressure Independently Predicts Incident Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Valbusa Filippo , Bonapace Stefano , Bertolini Lorenzo , Zenari Luciano , Arcaro Guido , Targher Giovanni
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether baseline pulse pressure (PP), a marker of arterial stiffness, is associated with subsequent development of atrial fibrillation (AF) in type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 350 type 2 diabetic patients, who were free from AF at baseline, were followed for 10 years. A standard electrocardiogram was performed annually and a diagnosis of incident AF was confirmed in affected participants by a single cardiologist.

RESULTS

During the follow-up, 32 patients (9.1% of total) developed incident AF. After adjustments for age, sex, BMI, diabetes duration, presence of left ventricular hypertrophy, hypertension treatment, kidney dysfunction, and pre-existing history of coronary heart disease, heart failure, and mild valvular disease, baseline PP was associated with an increased incidence of AF (adjusted odds ratio 1.76 for each SD increment [95% CI 1.1–2.8]; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that increased PP independently predicts incident AF in patients with type 2 diabetes.
The Effect of Direct Renin Inhibition Alone and in Combination With ACE Inhibition on Endothelial Function, Arterial Stiffness, and Renal Function in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Cherney David Z.I. , Scholey James W. , Jiang Shan , Har Ronnie , Lai Vesta , Sochett Etienne B. , Reich Heather N.
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE

Diabetes is associated with renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activation, leading to renal and systemic vascular dysfunction that contribute to end-organ injury and significant morbidity. RAS blockade with ACE inhibitors reduces, but does not abolish, RAS effects. Accordingly, our aim was to determine if direct renin inhibition alone, and in combination with an ACE inhibitor, corrects early hemodynamic abnormalities associated with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Arterial stiffness (augmentation index), flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD), and renal hemodynamic function (inulin and paraaminohippurate clearance) were measured at baseline under clamped euglycemic and hyperglycemic conditions (n = 21). Measures were repeated after 4 weeks of aliskiren therapy and again after aliskiren plus ramipril.

RESULTS

Blood pressure–lowering effects of aliskiren were similar during clamped euglycemia and hyperglycemia. Combination therapy augmented this effect under both glycemic conditions (P = 0.0005). Aliskiren reduced arterial stiffness under clamped euglycemic and hyperglycemic conditions, and the effects were augmented by dual RAS blockade (−3.4 ± 11.2 to −8.0 ± 11.5 to −14.3 ± 8.4%, respectively, during euglycemia, P = 0.0001). During clamped euglycemia, aliskiren increased FMD; dual therapy exaggerated this effect (5.1 ± 3.3 to 7.5 ± 3.0 to 10.8 ± 3.5%, repeated-measures ANOVA, P = 0.0001). Aliskiren monotherapy caused renal vasodilatation during clamped hyperglycemia only. In contrast, dual therapy augmented renal vasodilatory effects during clamped euglycemia and hyperglycemia.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with uncomplicated type 1 diabetes, aliskiren-based dual RAS blockade is associated with greater arterial compliance, FMD, and renal vasodilatation.
Is Basel III a Panacea? Lessons from the Greek Sovereign Fiscal Crisis
Authors: Vassiliadis Spyros , Baboukardos Diogenis , Kotsovolos Panagiotis
Published: July 2012

Is Basel III a Panacea? Lessons from the Greek Sovereign Fiscal Crisis

In the period 2007-2009 the global economy faced the most severe crisis after the Great Recession of 1929. In the aftermath of the crisis a substantially revised version of Basel II, named Basel III, was proposed, introducing new, tighter capital adequacy and liquidity guidelines. Basel III constitutes the new basic embankment against a possible crisis in the future. The same period these discussions were taking place for the new global regulatory framework, the most severe sovereign debt crisis the country ever faced burst out in Greece. One of the main victims of the crisis is the country's banking sector which is sustaining great pressure in its profitability, volume of deposits and credit growth, amongst others. Having as a starting point the Greek banking sector and the effects of the fiscal crisis on it, this paper discusses the new Basel III guidelines and their possible implications in times of turmoil. The new framework can play a crucial role in deterring a new financial crisis; however it should not be regarded as a panacea for all the shortcomings of banking sectors.
Residential Characteristics of Armed-Forces Personnel and the Urban Economy: Evidence from a Medium Sized City in Greece
Authors: Skouras Dimitrios , Arvanitidis Paschalis , Kollias Christos
Published: July 2012

Residential Characteristics of Armed-Forces Personnel and the Urban Economy: Evidence from a Medium Sized City in Greece

The paper explores the locational and residential decisions of Greek military households. To achieve this, primary data were collected by means of a questionnaire survey addressed to military personnel located in Volos, a medium-sized Greek city in the greater area of which a number of major military facilities are located. The study starts by examining the residential distribution of military households to consider whether clustering or dispersion is evident. Then, an attempt is made to explain the observed pattern with reference to conventional urban economics' determinants of location choice or to other factors related to the social or professional characteristics of the group. Such analysis enables us to draw some preliminary conclusions on the potential effects military facilities have on both the urban spatial structure and the housing market.
Corruption, Licensing and Elections - A New Analysis Framework
Authors: Imami Drini
Published: July 2012

Corruption, Licensing and Elections - A New Analysis Framework

This paper analyses corruption and licensing in conjunction with elections in Albania. The paper develops an analysis framework utilizing datasets of two types of national licenses, namely licenses for media and notaries about which there have been concerns of transparency in Albania. In the months preceding elections, a higher number of both types of licenses are issued. One possible explanation for the "intensification of licensing" during pre-election months may be corruption, given that licensing is widely perceived as related to corruption in countries with high levels of corruption such as Albania.
Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" and Implications for Leadership: Theoretical Discussion
Authors: Dimovski Vlado , Marič Miha , Uhan Miha , Đurica Nina , Ferjan Marko
Published: July 2012

Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" and Implications for Leadership: Theoretical Discussion

We present a study of the Art of War from a leadership perspective, one in which we make a closer connection to the context of general organization and management. The Art of War written by Sun Tzu is one of those books that could be classified in the genre of pop-culture. Although its content used to be considered as a carefully protected state secret in the past, it is now available to everyone. Its use has in the past century of moved from warfare also to other areas of human activity. Strategic advices that it contains can be used in many more areas than just the conduct in the times of war. In fact, the success in wars, as well as in business, of course, depends on leadership, which is why we identify the positive and negative attributes of a leader in relation to strategic leadership. People are those who fight in battles and are also those who win them; and the most important person in every battle is the general. Historically, a number of successful military commanders ascribe the credit for their victories to Sun Tzu's principles. In addition, this wisdom is now being examined and used by senior executives from all around the world, especially in Asia, because it can be utilized in many business and political situations. The Chinese classic "The Art of War" is still considered as one of the most influential and important works on strategy, why a discussion on theoretical and practical implications of Sun Tzu's strategic leadership theory in a global environment is also included.
Integration of Technology Management and Selected Specifics of Best Technology-Integrated Companies
Authors: Jemala Marek
Published: July 2012

Integration of Technology Management and Selected Specifics of Best Technology-Integrated Companies

Technological know-how is a very significant determinant of success that can primarily depend on a systemic, integrated approach to Technology management (TM), on a well-defined and implemented technology strategy, but also on adequate overall socio-environmental characteristics of the technological system. The main tasks of integrated TM are to ensure systematic monitoring, analysis, planning, organizing, controlling, assessment, and effective use of the technological system to more effectively integrate it into a functional entity and to support also other related business goals and processes. This article deals with the specification of key parts of the TM integration with the particular emphasis on the selected specifics of the best technology-integrated companies in the world.
Residential Mobility of Older Adults in the Dutch Housing Market: Do Individual Characteristics and Housing Attributes Have an Effect on Mobility?
Authors: De Jong Petra A. , Brouwer Aleid E.
Published: July 2012

The ageing of the population will change many societies in unprecedented ways. The changing age composition does not only create a burden on existing income systems and health care systems, but also affects the geographical mobility of populations. The objective of this paper is to provide some first insights into the moving behaviour of older adults in the Netherlands. By using data of the Housing Research Netherlands (HRN) 2009 survey, it was possible to investigate whether or not later-life residential mobility is influenced by individual characteristics and housing attributes. The responses of migrants and non-migrants are compared by conducting several two-way-chi-square analyses. The results of these descriptive analyses demonstrate that migrants indeed differ from non-migrants and that these differences are mostly related to housing attributes.
Growing Old in Cities. Council Housing Estates in Trieste as Laboratories for New Perspectives in Urban Planning
Authors: Bricocoli Massimo , Marchigiani Elena
Published: July 2012

Significant ageing processes are affecting many regions across Europe and are changing the social and spatial profile of cities. In Trieste, Italy, a joint initiative by the public Health Agency and the Social Housing Agency has developed a programme targeting conditions that allow people to age at home. The outcomes of the programme stress the need to redesign and reorganise the living environment as a way to oppose to the institutionalisation of older people in specialised nursing homes. Based on intensive field work, this contribution presents and discusses the original and innovative inputs that the case study is offering to the Italian and European debate.
Places that Matter: Place Attachment and Wellbeing of Older Antillean Migrants in the Netherlands
Authors: Lager Debbie , Van Hoven Bettina , Meijering Louise
Published: July 2012

It has been argued that attachment to place increases wellbeing in old age (Wiles et al., 2009). Feeling ‘in place’ can increase an older person's wellbeing. For older migrants it can be a challenge to live in-between cultures. The objective of the article is to explore how older Antillean migrants derive a sense of wellbeing from attachment to their everyday places. We do so by drawing on in-depth interviews and a photography project with Antilleans who live in a senior cohousing community in a city in the Northern Netherlands. Based on the study, we conclude that the cohousing community acted as a central setting of experience from which the participants explored their wider surroundings and developed new attachments in the neighbourhood.
The Effectiveness of Real Estate Market Versus Efficiency of Its Participants
Authors: Renigier-Biłozor Małgorzata , Wiśniewski Radosław
Published: July 2012

Real estate markets (REMs) may be classified as strong-form efficient, semi-strong-form efficient or weak-form efficient. Efficiency measures the level of development or goal attainment in a complex social and economic system, such as the real estate market. The efficiency of the real estate market is the individual participant's ability to achieve the set goals. The number of goals is equivalent to the number of participants. Every market participant has a set of specific efficiency benchmarks which can be identified and described. In line with the theory of rational expectations, every participant should make decisions in a rational manner by relying on all available information to make the optimal forecast. The effectiveness of the real estate market is a function of the efficiency of individual market participants.

This paper attempts to prove the following hypothesis: the effectiveness of a real estate market may be identified by analysing the effectiveness of its participants. The authors also discuss methods based on the rough set theory which can influence the efficiency and efficacy of market participants, and consequently, the effectiveness of the real estate market and its participants.
Youth Unemployment, Ageing and Regional Welfare: The Regional Labour Market Policy Response to Ageing in Sweden
Authors: Rauhut Daniel , Kahila Petri
Published: July 2012

The aim of this paper is to discuss the regional labour market policy response to demographic ageing in Sweden and its consequences on the labour supply of young adults. Regions with ageing problems already experience significant problems at the labour market. The overall conclusion is that labour market policies in Sweden addressing the consequences of ageing fail to include young adults and the policies do not address regional heterogeneity regarding e.g. ageing and youth unemployment.
The Influence of Some PH Values and Substratum on Sunflower Seeds Lipase Activity
Authors: Avramiuc M.
Published: July 2012

The Influence of Some PH Values and Substratum on Sunflower Seeds Lipase Activity

The activity of sunflower seeds lipase on its own substratum (sunflower oil), and on other substrata, belonging to seven plant species, searched under certain conditions of temperature and pH, was the purpose of this work. Dried sunflower seeds (SMC =10%) - used as lipase source, and refined oils from seeds of eight plant species (sunflower, pumpkin, soya bean, sesame, almond, maize, walnut and peanut) - used as substratum for enzyme, has represented the biological material in this work. The lipase activity, expressed as μm oleic acid/gram product/min., was determined at 20°C and three pH values (5.5, 7.4 şi 9.5), by means of titrating of fatty acids (released from oils by enzyme, in a certain time interval) with a solution of KOH. At pH 5.5, the highest enzyme activity was registered on soya been oil, followed, in order, by walnut, maize, peanut and sunflower oils (very close values for the last three ones). In this pH value, the lowest lipase activities was on pumpkin, almond and sesame oils (all very close values). At pH 7.4, the gratest lipase activity value was registered on walnut oil, followed by peanut and maize oils, and the lowest ones on soya bean and sunflower oils (close values). At pH 9.5, the highest lipase activities have been on sunflower oil, followed by walnut, pumpkin, soya bean and maize oils (close values), and the least ones on sesame and almond oils (close values). The analyse of the sunflower seeds lipase activity on the eigth substrata (sunflower, pumpkin, soya bean, sesame, almond, maize, walnut and peanut oils) at 20°C, has highlighted the highest values at pH 5.5 and the lowest ones at pH 9.5. The sunflower seeds lipase activity, at 20°C, was influenced both by pH values and substratum nature.
Effect of Salinity and Drought Stress on Germination Indices of Two Thymus Species
Authors: Khoshsokhan F. , Babalar M. , Chaghazardi H. , Moghadam M.
Published: July 2012

Effect of Salinity and Drought Stress on Germination Indices of Two Thymus Species

The environmental stress such as, salinity (soil or water) and drought are serious obstacles for medical plants and field crops in further areas of the world, especially arid and semiarid regions. In order to investigate salinity and drought stress onT. daenensisand T.kotschyanusgermination indices, an experiment was carried out. To create salinity stress, sodium chloride (NaCl) at the levels of 0 (as control), -3, -6 and -9 bar, and for drought stress, polyetylenglycol 6000 (PEG 6000) in osmotic levels at 0 (as control), -3, -6 and -9 bar were used. Effect of drought and salt levels on investigated traits significant at 0.01. Result showed significance different between evaluated indices. Increasing of stress levels lead to reduction of germination and root and shoot length. Salt stress only in high levels reduced germination rate. Therefore,T. daenensisandT. kotschyanushave relative resistance to salinity in germination stage. Decrease in osmotic potential progressively inhibited seed germination of the two thyme species. In all salt treatments, maximum germination percentage inT. kotschyanusrelated to West Azerbaijan population and maximum germination rate related to Gazvin population. But in T. daenensis the highest values (both rate and percentage germination) were observed in Arak population. The germination rate of T.daenensisto the drought stress was more than theT. kotschyanusgermination rate like the germination percentage. Comparing the two stresses, it appears that drought has more effect than salt in germination indices.
Studies on Influence of Emitter Discharge Rate, Irrigation Supplies and Planting Pattern on Tomato in Heavy Soils Of Central India
Authors: Shrivastava P. , Rajput G. , Pandey A.
Published: July 2012

Studies on Influence of Emitter Discharge Rate, Irrigation Supplies and Planting Pattern on Tomato in Heavy Soils Of Central India

Field experiments were conducted during two post rainy seasons at J.N. Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, India, to evaluate the effect of emitter discharge rate, drip irrigation supplies and planting pattern on soil moisture distribution patterns and yield of tomato in heavy soils. In the experiments during 1998, irrigation was applied through emitters (2, 4 lhr-1) and micro-tubes (6 lhr-1) to conventional and paired-row plantings of tomato (var. ACC - 99). While, in the experiments during 2000, four irrigation supply levels (0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2 times crop evapo-transpiration) combined with paired-row, four-row plantings of tomato (var. Pusa ruby) were applied. Observations revealed that fulfillment of 100 per cent of tomato crop evapo-transpiration need utilizing micro-irrigation (micro-tubes of rated discharge - 6 lhr-1) combined with four-row plantings of tomato achieved a cost saving of 35.21 per cent on initial investment with significant gain in yield over paired-row planting in the heavy soils of central India.
Results on the Efectiveness of Plant Protection Products Tested at the Fruit Growing Research and Development Station Iaşi, Romania
Authors: Beşleagă Ramona , Cârdei E. , Tălmaciu M.
Published: July 2012

Results on the Efectiveness of Plant Protection Products Tested at the Fruit Growing Research and Development Station Iaşi, Romania

During 2010-2011, at the Fruit Growing Research and Development Station (FGRDS) Iaşi, Romania, were carried aut research on testing the effectiveness of plant protection products. The experiment was conducted in experimental polygon, in an apple orchard, the variety Idared. Pests on witch observations were made were: Cydia pomonella L., Adoxophyes reticulana, Panonychus ulmi, Phyllonorycter spp., and the products tested were: Affirm SG 095 and Voliam Targo SC 063. The products Affirm SC 095 was tested against the apple skin moth (Adoxophyes reticulana) and apple codling moth (Cydia pomonella L.), and the product Voliam Targo SC 063 was tested against red mites (Panonychus ulmi) and the leaves miners (Phyllonorycter spp.) apple codling moth (Cydia pomonella L.). As standard products Coragen and Vertimec 1.8 EC were used at the rates of 0.15 l/ha and 0.75/ha respectively.
Efficacy of Some Biopesticides and Plant Secondary Metabolites Against Fall Webworm Hyphantria Cunea Drury (F. Arctiidae-Lepidoptera) in the Lab Conditions
Authors: Brudea V. , Rîşca I. , Enea C. , Tomescu C.
Published: July 2012

Efficacy of Some Biopesticides and Plant Secondary Metabolites Against Fall Webworm Hyphantria Cunea Drury (F. Arctiidae-Lepidoptera) in the Lab Conditions

The paper presents the efficacy of the some biopesticides used in the experiments to control fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea), comparatively to some plant secondary metabolites from autochthonous flora. From the first category there were used: spinosad, a secondary metabolite produces by the fermentation from Saccharopolyspora spinosa mushroom and is the active principle of the commercial products of the Naturalyte class; azadyrachtines - a group of limonoids, obtained from the seeds of the Neem tree (Azadirachta indica), and milbecmectin, a product obtained from a metabolite of the Streptomyces hygroscopicus subsp. aureolacrimans bacteria. The results revealed the efficacy of all bio insecticides against fall webworm in 2-7 days period after treatment. Spinosad presented a quick action, comparatively to the other bio pesticides. The secondary metabolites, used into fall webworm control, were extracted from autochthonous plants: the common ladyfern (Drioperis filix mas), the perennial sage (Salvia nemorosa), the wormwood (Artemisia dracunculus, A. vulgaris, A. absinthium) the European birthwort (Aristolochia clematidis), Cow parsnip (Heracleum spondylium), the hedge nettle (Stachis sylvatica), the speedwell (Tanacetum vulgare), the nettle (Urtica dioica), the danewort (Sambucus ebulus) and the yew tree (Taxus baccata) to fall webworm. Plants extracts were obtained from dried ground plants, using 25 g/ 1 litter of cold water, stirred for 24 hours. The extracts in ethylic alcohol were made using the same method, 25 g dried plants in 200 ml alcohol and completed up to 1 litter with water. The experiments were carried out under laboratory conditions, treatments being applied on shoots with leaves affected by fall webworm, placed in growth boxes. Each variant had three replications and each replication contained three infested shoots. The treatments were applied with manual small pumps. Efficacy (E%) was calculated after Săvescu-Iacob formula. The majority of alcoholic plant extracts influenced the decrease of leafs consumption as extracts with water. Extracts of metabolites influenced the eating with repellent effects against larvae, no palatable etc. The future experiments must use more chemical analyses to discriminate the main metabolites, which influence the worm activities.
Modeling Some Drying Characteristics of Cantaloupe Slices
Authors: Chayjan R. , Agha-Alizade H. , Barikloo H. , Soleymani B.
Published: July 2012

Modeling Some Drying Characteristics of Cantaloupe Slices

This study investigated thin layer drying of cantaloupe slices under different drying conditions with initial moisture content about 18.53 (d.b.). Air temperature levels of 40, 50, 60 and 70°C were applied in drying of samples. Fick's second law in diffusion was applied to compute the effective moisture diffusivity (Deff) of cantaloupe slices. Minimum and maximum values of Deff were 4.05x10-10 and 1.61x10-9 m2/s, respectively. Deff values increased as the input air temperature was increased. Activation energy values of cantaloupe slices were found between 30.43 and 36.23 kJ/mol for 40°C to 70°C, respectively. The specific energy consumption for drying cantaloupe slices was calculated at the boundary of 1.01x105 and 9.55x105 kJ/kg. Increasing in drying air temperature in different air velocities led to increase in specific energy value. Results showed that applying the temperature of 70°C is more effective for convective drying of cantaloupe slices. The aforesaid drying parameters are important to select the best operational point of a dryer and to precise design of the system.
Effect of Temperature on Adhesion of Clay Soil to Steel
Authors: Azadegan B. , Massah J.
Published: July 2012

Effect of Temperature on Adhesion of Clay Soil to Steel

Soil adhesion is one of the important factors in measuring the amount of energy consumption. In this paper, the effect of temperature on the amount of clay soil adhesion was investigated. The soil used in this research was saturated clay mud. In order to measure adhesion, a specific instrument was designed. The dimensions of the metal plate were 210x70x20 mm and its weight was 2.5 kgf. The metal plate alloy was st37. The adhesion was calculated from the difference between weight of water used for clearing the metal plate of the soil and the weight of the metal plate. Six levels of temperature from 5 to 30°c were applied. A refrigerator and an oven were used for getting the required temperature. The test was performed three times for each level. Results showed that an increase in temperature from 5 to 30°c decreases the soil adhesion. Three equations such as linear polynomial, exponential and quadratic polynomial correlated with the experimental data and the result showed that the quadratic polynomial model had the best correlation with experimental data.
Genetic Diversity of Brenneria Nigrifluens Strains in North of Iran (Margin of Caspian Sea)
Authors: Jamalzade A. , Shamsbakhsh M. , Rahimian H.
Published: July 2012

Genetic Diversity ofBrenneria NigrifluensStrains in North of Iran (Margin of Caspian Sea)

Brenneria nigrifluens, the cause of shallow bark canker of Persian walnut trees (Juglans regiaL.), has become fairly widespread in Iran in recent years. It is regarded as a great threat to walnut production. To determine the diversity ofB. nigrifluensstrains, sixty strains of the causal bacterium were isolated from bark samples of infected walnut trees collected from Mazandaran, Guilan and Golestan provinces and were studied. The physiological and biochemical characteristics, electrophoretic patterns of total cell proteins and rep-PCR generated DNA fingerprints ofB. nigrifluensstrains were compared. Strains appeared to be more or less similar in phenotypic characteristics. Less than 15% of the strains differed in a few phenotypic features such as the ability in production of H2S from peptone, hydrolysis of esculin, levan production, arginine dehydrolase, nitrate reduction, indol production and methyl red reaction. These differences did not show any special distribution and therefore was not suitable for classifying the strains into distinct groups. The electrophoretic patterns of cell proteins of the strains were different from each other and were only useful for preliminary grouping of the isolates. The groups of strains were differentiated by their rep-PCR fingerprints and on which basis they were placed in six groups in similarity level 95%. Cluster analysis was performed using NTSYSpd software. The results of these studies demonstrated that the populations ofB. nigrifluensin North of Iran are genetically heterogeneous. The results can be used in selection of disease management strategies.
Study Regarding Effectiveness of Some Plant Extracts and Different Pesticides against an Erwinia Amylovora (Burrill.) Winslow et al. Strain Isolated from Quince
Authors: Chiriac Irina-Paraschiva , Ulea E.
Published: July 2012

Study Regarding Effectiveness of Some Plant Extracts and Different Pesticides against anErwinia Amylovora(Burrill.) Winslowet al.Strain Isolated from Quince

The interest in management fire blight prevention and control increased considerably in last years due to pathogen spread almost throughout the country. The objective of this paper focuses on testing of some plant extracts such asSalvia officinalis, Thymus serpyllum, Pelargonium odoratissimum, Hedera helix, Ocimum basilicum, Levisticum officinale, Tagetes patula, Galium verumand different pesticides against anErwinia amylovorastrain isolated from quince dameged samples. In this study, the biological material was represented by quince shoots, harvested from pomological collection of "Vasile Adamachi" farm, which belongs to University of Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine Iaşi. The research were performed in the Phytopathology laboratory. Following the experiment performed note that among the eight plant extracts a good antibacterial activity hasPelargonium odoratissimum, Ocimum basilicumandSalvia officinalisand of the three pesticides, Alcupral 50 PU. Contrary to expectations worst results were obtained after testing Aliette 80 WG andHedera helixproducts. The results were estimated statisticaly, by performing ANOVA test.
Differential Diagnosis and Management of Ankylosing Spondylitis Masked as Adhesive Capsulitis: A Resident's Case Problem
Authors: Jordan Chelsea L. , Rhon Daniel I.
Published: July 2012

Study Design

Resident's case problem.

Background

Ankylosing spondylitis is a potentially debilitating seronegative spondyloarthropathy, with inflammatory low back pain as the most commonly reported symptom. In the absence of low back pain, identification of other diagnostic criteria or associated impairments and joint involvement, such as involvement of the hip or shoulder, may be beneficial.

Diagnosis

A 32-year-old man with right shoulder pain and decreased range of motion was referred with a diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis. He had been managed by multiple healthcare providers for 3 years before being referred to a physical therapist. Glenoid labral pathology was evident on prior magnetic resonance imaging, which had led to a persistent focus on the shoulder. The evaluation by the physical therapist revealed significant mobility deficits in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. Radiographs and laboratory tests were ordered and a referral was made to rheumatology after the initial physical therapy assessment. The diagnostic work-up confirmed the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis and led to multidisciplinary management of the disease.

Discussion

Low back pain is often the primary symptom of ankylosing spondylitis later in the disease process. Earlier indicators of ankylosing spondylitis, such as severely impaired mobility and spine stiffness, may help guide detection in the absence of spinal pain. In this case, an appropriate diagnosis led to improvement in the management strategy of what might have appeared to be unrelated shoulder pain. Early differential diagnosis is important, as emerging interventions show promise when used earlier in the disease process.

Level of Evidence

Differential diagnosis, level 4. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012; 42(10):842–852, Epub 26 July 2012. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.4050
The Effect of Training the Deep Cervical Flexors on Neck Pain, Neck Mobility, and Dizziness in a Patient With Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain After Prolonged Bed Rest: A Case Report
Authors: Thoomes-de Graaf Marloes , Schmitt Maarten A.
Published: July 2012

Study Design

Case report.

Background

Immobilization and chronic neck pain may cause a transformation of muscle tissue fibers. These changes affect the ability to effectively control 3-D movement of the cervical spine. This case report describes the effect of specific deep cervical flexor (DCF) musculature training in a patient with chronic neck pain and dizziness.

Case Description

A 19-year-old woman presented with a 24-month history of neck pain and dizziness. Symptoms started during a 2-month immobilization period while in the intensive care unit for the treatment of brainstem encephalitis. Outcome measures included pain level, limitations in activities, fear avoidance, range of motion, dizziness, and function of the DCFs. Treatment was aimed at restoring altered motor control of the neck muscles using DCF training integrated with functional activities for 10 treatment sessions over 12 weeks.

Outcomes

At the time of discharge, the patient reported full recovery and no restriction in her daily activities. Her score on the Neck Disability Index had improved by 28 points, active range of motion had increased, and her symptoms of dizziness were resolved. These results were maintained at 6-month follow-up.

Discussion

This patient responded positively to DCF training, resulting in an increase in cervical spine range of motion and a reduction of dizziness, pain, and limitations in activities.

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 4. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(10):853–860, Epub 26 July 2012. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.4056
Assessing Gait Adaptability in People With a Unilateral Amputation on an Instrumented Treadmill With a Projected Visual Context
Authors: Houdijk Han , van Ooijen Mariëlle W. , Kraal Jos J. , Wiggerts Henri O. , Polomski Wojtek , Janssen Thomas W.J. , Roerdink Melvyn
Published: July 2012

Background

Gait adaptability, including the ability to avoid obstacles and to take visually guided steps, is essential for safe movement through a cluttered world. This aspect of walking ability is important for regaining independent mobility but is difficult to assess in clinical practice.

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the validity of an instrumented treadmill with obstacles and stepping targets projected on the belt's surface for assessing prosthetic gait adaptability.

Design

This was an observational study.

Methods

A control group of people who were able bodied (n=12) and groups of people with transtibial (n=12) and transfemoral (n=12) amputations participated. Participants walked at a self-selected speed on an instrumented treadmill with projected visual obstacles and stepping targets. Gait adaptability was evaluated in terms of anticipatory and reactive obstacle avoidance performance (for obstacles presented 4 steps and 1 step ahead, respectively) and accuracy of stepping on regular and irregular patterns of stepping targets. In addition, several clinical tests were administered, including timed walking tests and reports of incidence of falls and fear of falling.

Results

Obstacle avoidance performance and stepping accuracy were significantly lower in the groups with amputations than in the control group. Anticipatory obstacle avoidance performance was moderately correlated with timed walking test scores. Reactive obstacle avoidance performance and stepping accuracy performance were not related to timed walking tests. Gait adaptability scores did not differ in groups stratified by incidence of falls or fear of falling.

Limitations

Because gait adaptability was affected by walking speed, differences in self-selected walking speed may have diminished differences in gait adaptability between groups.

Conclusions

Gait adaptability can be validly assessed by use of an instrumented treadmill with a projected visual context. When walking speed is taken into account, this assessment provides unique, quantitative information about walking ability in people with a lower-limb amputation.
What Follows Survival of Critical Illness? Physical Therapists' Management of Patients With Post–Intensive Care Syndrome
Authors: Bemis-Dougherty Anita R. , Smith James M.
Published: July 2012

Historically, the management of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) has involved immobilization and sedation, with care focused on physiological impairments and survival. Because more ICU patients are now surviving their hospital stay, it is imperative that their ICU care be managed with the goal of long-term health, wellness, and functioning. The evidence confirms that mobilization and exercise are feasible in the ICU and demonstrates that the benefits of early mobilization include reduced length of stay in the ICU and hospital. In 2010, the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) invited key stakeholder groups, including the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), to identify strategies to improve long-term consequences following ICU discharge, including early mobilization in the ICU and integration of the physical therapist as a member of the ICU team. This model appears to be successful in some institutions, but there is variation among institutions. The SCCM Task Force developed major areas of focus that require multidisciplinary action to improve long-term outcomes after discharge from an ICU. This article describes physical therapist practice in the management of ICU survivors, the importance of long-term follow-up after ICU discharge, and how APTA is taking steps to address the major areas of focus identified by the SCCM Task Force to improve long-term outcomes after ICU discharge.
Transversalising the Ecological Turn: Four Components of Félix Guattari's Ecosophical Perspective
Authors: Tinnell John C.
Published: July 2012

Arguably, two of the most important forces affecting contemporary global culture are the growing awareness of ecological crises and the rapid spread of digital media. Félix Guattari's unfinished concept of ecosophy suggests the basis of a theoretical framework for constructing productive syntheses between the ecological and the digital. Moreover, a Guattarian rethinking of the ecological turn in the humanities challenges the philosophical basis of the pedagogy of Nature appreciation that has characterised the eco-humanities landscape since the 1970s. Guattari's ecosophy gestures towards a transversal eco-humanities, which would be rhizomatically rooted in autopoiesis and becoming-other, rather than defined by static allegiance to the ideals of ‘Self-realisation’ postulated by the deep ecology movement.
Dismantling the Face: Pluralism and the Politics of Recognition
Authors: Bignall Simone
Published: July 2012

Plural expressions of ‘belonging’ in postcolonial and multicultural societies give particular emphasis to a politics of cultural recognition. Within nations, diverse communities call for acknowledgement of their aspirations, for fair representation in public life and for protection of the distinctive cultural practices and beliefs that define and help to sustain minoritarian identities. Recognition is also important for group self-concept and cohesion, and so plays a vital role in the creation of stable platforms for political resistance. This essay explores Deleuze and Guattari's concept of ‘faciality’ and their implied critique of the politics of recognition. I argue that their rejection of the ‘politics of the face’ does not simply dismiss or disregard the pluralist imperatives of the just recognition that is required for postcolonialism. In fact, their preference for ‘dismantling the face’ provides a perspective that can be useful in assisting efforts to rethink recognition in terms adequate to forms of pluralist political engagement and non-imperial forms of subjectivity and sociality.
Accumulation, Transmission. Deleuze and the Movements of the Seventh Series
Authors: Dimitrova Zornitsa
Published: July 2012

This essay probes into the possibility of encountering the Deleuzian sense-event in four Tom Stoppard radio plays, Moon (1964), Boot (1964), Glad (1966) and Artist Descending A Staircase (1972). Itself an incorporeal – an occurrence of the interface – the wonderful and strange protagonist of Gilles Deleuze's 1969 Logic of Sense is approached in apophatic gestures, with a glimpse at the various vestiges it has left upon texts. Within this exercise in indirection, ‘empty forms’ present themselves as the texts’ circulating words. Informed by and receiving infusions from two parallel flows of Deleuzian signifiers and signifieds, these entities are singled out as the texts’ pointers that open up a cleavage where the sense-event can issue forth.
Isolation and characterization of 10 microsatellite loci in Cneorum tricoccon (Cneoraceae), a Mediterranean relict plant
Authors: García‐Fernández Alfredo , Lázaro‐Nogal Ana , Traveset Anna , Valladares Fernando
Published: July 2012

• Premise of the study: The main aim of this study was to isolate and characterize microsatellite loci in Cneorum tricoccon (Cneoraceae), a Mediterranean shrub relict of the early Tertiary, which inhabits western Mediterranean islands and coasts. Microsatellites will be useful for investigating biogeography and landscape genetics across the species distribution range, including current or past gene flow.

• Methods and Results: Seventeen microsatellite loci were characterized, of which 10 were polymorphic and amplified for a total of 56 alleles in three populations of C. tricoccon. The markers revealed average coefficients of expected heterozygosity (He = 0.425), observed heterozygosity (Ho = 0.282), and inbreeding coefficient value per population (FIS = 0.408).

• Conclusions: These microsatellite primers will potentially be useful in the study of population and landscape genetics, conservation status of isolated populations, island‐continental distribution, current or historical movements between populations, and in the investigation of the consequences of dispersal mechanisms of these plants.
Microsatellite markers for Duperrea pavettifolia (Rubiaceae)
Authors: Lin Hua , Gao Jiangyun , Zhang Zhirong , Fan Xuli , Zhou Xiang
Published: July 2012

• Premise of the study: The development of microsatellite primers for Duperrea pavettifolia will be the foundation for mating system analysis and conservation research.

• Methods and Results: Nineteen microsatellite markers were developed and characterized in two wild populations by using the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences COntaining repeats (FIASCO) protocol. Polymorphisms were evaluated in 24 individuals from two natural populations. Eleven of these primers generated polymorphic loci.

• Conclusions: These microsatellite markers will be useful in future investigations into the population genetics and mating system of D. pavettifolia.
Microsatellites for Tetracentron sinense (Trochodendraceae), a Tertiary relict endemic to East Asia
Authors: Yang Zhengyan , Lu Ranran , Tao Chengcheng , Chen Shaotian , Ji Yunheng
Published: July 2012

• Premise of the study: Tetracentron sinense (Trochodendraceae) is a Tertiary relict endemic to East Asia. Microsatellite markers were developed and characterized to investigate the population genetics of the species.

• Methods and Results: Microsatellite markers were isolated from the genome of T. sinense using the protocol of Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences COntaining repeats (FIASCO). Eight polymorphic microsatellite markers were assessed in 44 samples collected from three wild populations. The number of alleles observed for each locus ranged from two to five. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.0000 to 0.9375 and 0.0000 to 0.7681, respectively.

• Conclusions: The microsatellite markers will be helpful in further studies of the population genetics and phylogeography of T. sinense.
Microsatellite markers for the endangered root holoparasite Dactylanthus taylorii (Balanophoraceae) from 454 pyrosequencing
Authors: McLay Todd G. B. , Tate Jennifer A. , Symonds V. Vaughan
Published: July 2012

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite loci were isolated and developed as polymorphic markers for the New Zealand endemic root holoparasite Dactylanthus taylorii for use in population and conservation genetics studies.

• Methods and Results: Shotgun 454 pyrosequencing was performed on genomic DNA pooled from three individuals of D. taylorii. From 61709 individual sequence reads, primers for 753 microsatellite loci were developed in silico and 72 of these were tested for consistent amplification and variability. Ten microsatellite loci were found to be polymorphic and consistently scorable when screened in 44 individuals from five geographically distant populations. The number of alleles per locus ranged from four to 16 with an average of 9.7, and average observed heterozygosity per locus was between 0.182 and 0.634.

• Conclusions: These polymorphic microsatellite markers establish an important resource for ongoing conservation initiatives and planned population genetic studies of D. taylorii.