bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Current State and Future Directions of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Neragi-Miandoab Siyamek
Published: December 2013

Currently, surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) remains the standard of care for most patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS). However, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged as an alternative option for patients with symptomatic AS who have a prohibitive risk profile for SAVR.
Bimaxillary Full Arch Fixed Dental Implant Supported Treatment for a Patient With Renal Failure and Secondary Hyperparathyroidism and Osteodystrophy
Authors: Flanagan Dennis , Mancini Mark
Published: December 2013

A long-term dialysis patient with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) also referred to as chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to IgA nephropathy complicated by severe secondary hyperparathyroidism and renal osteodystrophy was successfully treated with dental implant-supported fixed prostheses. Phosphate binders, vitamin D, calcium cinacalcet calcimimetic therapy, and dialysis 3 times weekly had been instituted with standard divalent ion serum assessments. Successful control of the patient's secondary hyperparathyroidism was achieved. Long and wide diameter implants were used with an anterior guidance occlusion scheme to reduce the per-square-millimeter off-axial implant force delivered to the bone. Patients with ESRD and renal osteodystrophy may be successfully surgically and prosthetically treated with long wide dental implants supporting fixed full arch splinted dental prostheses with an appropriate occlusal scheme.
On the growth of locally interacting plants: differential equations for the dynamics of spatial moments
Authors: Adams Thomas P. , Holland E. Penelope , Law Richard , Plank Michael J. , Raghib Michael
Published: December 2013

Ecologists are faced with the challenge of how to scale up from the activities of individual plants and animals to the macroscopic dynamics of populations and communities. It is especially difficult to do this in communities of plants where the fate of individuals depends on their immediate neighbors rather than an average over a larger region. This has meant that algorithmic, agent‐based models are typically used to understand their dynamics, although certain macroscopic models have been developed for neighbor‐dependent, birth–death processes. Here we present a macroscopic model that, for the first time, incorporates explicit, gradual, neighbor‐dependent plant growth, as a third fundamental process of plant communities. The model is derived from a stochastic, agent‐based model, and describes the dynamics of the first and second spatial moments of a multispecies, spatially structured plant community with neighbor‐dependent growth, births, and deaths. A simple example shows that strong neighborhood space‐filling during tree growth in an even‐aged stand of Scots pine is well captured by the spatial‐moment model. The space‐filling has a spatial signature consistent with that observed in several field studies of forests. Small neighborhoods of interaction, nonuniform spacing of trees, and asymmetric competition all contribute to the buildup of a wide range of tree sizes with some large dominant individuals and many smaller ones.
Synergistic effects of predators and trematode parasites on larval green frog (Rana clamitans) survival
Authors: Marino John A. , Werner Earl E.
Published: December 2013

Parasites and predators can have complex, nonadditive effects on a shared group of victims, which can have important consequences for population dynamics. In particular, parasites can alter host traits that influence predation risk, and predators can have nonconsumptive effects on prey traits which influence susceptibility (i.e., infection intensity and tolerance) to parasites. Here, we examined the combined effects of trematode parasites (Digenea: Echinostomatidae) and odonate (Anax) predators on the survival of larval green frogs (Rana clamitans). First, in a large‐scale mesocosm experiment, we manipulated the presence or absence of parasites in combination with the presence of no predator, caged predators, or free predators, and measured survival, traits, and infection. Parasites, caged predators, and free predators decreased survival, and we found a strong negative synergistic effect of parasites in combination with free predators on survival. Importantly, we then examined the potential mechanisms that explain the observed synergistic effect of parasites and predators in a series of follow‐up experiments. Results of the follow‐up experiments suggest that increased predation susceptibility due to elevated activity levels in the presence of free‐swimming parasite infective stages (i.e., an avoidance response) is the most likely mechanism responsible for the observed synergism. These results suggest a potential trade‐off in susceptibility to parasites and predators, which can drive nonadditive effects that may have important consequences for natural enemy interactions in natural populations and amphibian conservation.
Quantifying effects of abiotic and biotic drivers on community dynamics with multivariate autoregressive (MAR) models
Authors: Hampton Stephanie E. , Holmes Elizabeth E. , Scheef Lindsay P. , Scheuerell Mark D. , Katz Stephen L. , Pendleton Daniel E. , Ward Eric J.
Published: December 2013

Long‐term ecological data sets present opportunities for identifying drivers of community dynamics and quantifying their effects through time series analysis. Multivariate autoregressive (MAR) models are well known in many other disciplines, such as econometrics, but widespread adoption of MAR methods in ecology and natural resource management has been much slower despite some widely cited ecological examples. Here we review previous ecological applications of MAR models and highlight their ability to identify abiotic and biotic drivers of population dynamics, as well as community‐level stability metrics, from long‐term empirical observations. Thus far, MAR models have been used mainly with data from freshwater plankton communities; we examine the obstacles that may be hindering adoption in other systems and suggest practical modifications that will improve MAR models for broader application. Many of these modifications are already well known in other fields in which MAR models are common, although they are frequently described under different names. In an effort to make MAR models more accessible to ecologists, we include a worked example using recently developed R packages (MAR1 and MARSS), freely available and open‐access software.
Rapid evolution of constitutive and inducible defenses against an invasive predator
Authors: Nunes Ana L. , Orizaola Germán , Laurila Anssi , Rebelo Rui
Published: December 2013

Invasive alien predators can impose strong selection on native prey populations and induce rapid evolutionary change in the invaded communities. However, studies on evolutionary responses to invasive predators are often complicated by the lack of replicate populations differing in coexistence time with the predator, which would allow the determination of how prey traits change during the invasion. The red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii has invaded many freshwater areas worldwide, with negative impacts for native fauna. Here, we examined how coexistence time shapes antipredator responses of the Iberian waterfrog (Pelophylax perezi) to the invasive crayfish by raising tadpoles from five populations differing in historical exposure to P. clarkii (30 years, 20 years, or no coexistence). Tadpoles from non‐invaded populations responded to the presence of P. clarkii with behavioral plasticity (reduced activity), whereas long‐term invaded populations showed canalized antipredator behavior (constant low activity level). Tadpoles from one of the long‐term invaded populations responded to the crayfish with inducible morphological defenses (deeper tails), reflecting the use of both constitutive and inducible antipredator defenses against the exotic predator by this population. Our results suggest that, while naive P. perezi populations responded behaviorally to P. clarkii, the strong predation pressure imposed by the crayfish has induced the evolution of qualitatively different antipredator defenses in populations with longer coexistence time. These responses suggest that strong selection by invasive predators may drive rapid evolutionary change in invaded communities. Examining responses of prey species to biological invasions using multiple populations will help us better forecast the impact of invasive predators in natural communities.
Discussion and Research of Photovoltaic MPPT Methods
Authors: Liu Guangya , Cheng Mingxiu
Published: December 2013

Photovoltaic power generation is one of the ways using solar energy resources effectively. In recent years, it
has received the world's attention and has been under rapid development. At present, one of the main problems faced by
the photovoltaic power generation is the low conversion efficiency. One way to solve this problem is carrying out the
maximum power point tracking in the photovoltaic power generation process. The paper focuses on the implementation of
the Conductance Increment Method, and carries on the simulation results. Created the photovoltaic cells simulation model
and the photovoltaic maximum power point tracking model in MATLAB, the simulation and analysis are carried out.
The Study of Fault Location Method Based on FTU Feeder Automation Technology
Authors: Jun Zhou , Ke-Zheng Cao , Hong-Xia Zheng
Published: December 2013

With the development of power distribution automation system, feeder automation technology in the small current
grounding system single-phase grounding fault location plays an important role. In the neutral arc suppression coil
grounding system, because of the compensation effect of arc suppression coil, the system fault feature is not obvious. This
paper puts forward a method of RL series branch parallel in arc suppression coil, when system single-phase grounding
fault occurs, the series branch switch gets closed and acts on the neutral, that changes the compensation degree of arc suppression
coil to zero sequence current in fault line, the change of zero sequence residual current being the biggest in the
fault section from neutral to fault point. FTU is used to monitor the change in each fault line for fault regional location.
Radio-continuum observations of a giant radio source QSO J0443.8-6141
Authors: Filipovic M.D. , Cajko K.O. , Collier J.D. , Tothill N.F.H.
Published: December 2013

We report the discovery of a giant double-lobed (lobe-core-lobe)
radio-continuum structure associated with QSO J0443.8-6141 at z=0.72. This
QSO was originally identified during the follow-up of a sample of ROSAT All
Sky Survey sources at radio and optical frequencies. With a linear size of
~0.77 Mpc, QSO J0443.8-6141 is classified as a giant radio source (GRS);
based on its physical properties, we classify QSO J0443.8-6141 as a FR II
radio galaxy. High-resolution observations are required to reliably identify
GRSs; the next generation of southern sky radio and optical surveys will be
crucial to increasing our sample of these objects.
Modeling of thermoelectric module operation in inhomogeneous transient temperature field using finite element method
Authors: Nikolic Radovan , Radovanovic Miroslav , Zivkovic Miroslav , Nikolic Aleksandar , Rakic Dragan , Blagojevic Milan
Published: December 2013

This paper is the result of research and operation modeling of the new
systems for cooling of cutting tools based on thermoelectric module. A copper
inlay with thermoelectric module on the back side was added to a standard
turning tool for metal processing. For modeling and simulating the operation
of thermoelectric module, finite element method was used as a method for
successful solving the problems of inhomogeneous transient temperature field
on the cutting tip of lathe knives. Developed mathematical model is
implemented in the software package PAK-T through which numerical results are
obtained. Experimental research was done in different conditions of
thermoelectric module operation. Cooling of the hot module side was done by a
heat exchanger based on fluid using automatic temperature regulator. After
the calculation is done, numerical results are in good agreement with
experimental. It can be concluded that developed mathematical model can be
used successfully for modeling of cooling of cutting tools.
Numerical aspects for efficient welding computational mechanics
Authors: Aburuga Tarek , Sedmak Aleksandar , Radakovic Zoran
Published: December 2013

The effect of the residual stresses and strains is one of the most important
parameter in the structure integrity assessment. A finite element model is
constructed in order to simulate the multi passes mismatched submerged arc
welding SAW which used in the welded tensile test specimen. Sequentially
coupled thermal mechanical analysis is done by using ABAQUS software for
calculating the residual stresses and distortion due to welding. In this
work, three main issues were studied in order to reduce the time consuming
during welding simulation which is the major problem in the computational
welding mechanics (CWM). The first issue is dimensionality of the problem.
Both two- and three-dimensional models are constructed for the same analysis
type, shell element for two dimension simulation shows good performance
comparing with brick element. The conventional method to calculate residual
stress is by using implicit scheme that because of the welding and cooling
time is relatively high. In this work, the author shows that it could use the
explicit scheme with the mass scaling technique, and time consuming during
the analysis will be reduced very efficiently. By using this new technique,
it will be possible to simulate relatively large three dimensional
structures.
Finite element modelling of creep process - steady state stresses and strains
Authors: Sedmak Aleksandar , Milovic Ljubica , Pavisic Mirko , Konjatic Pejo
Published: December 2013

Finite element modelling of steady state creep process has been described.
Using an analogy of visco-plastic problem with a described procedure, the
finite element method has been used to calculate steady state stresses and
strains in 2D problems. An example of application of such a procedure have
been presented, using real life problem - cylindrical pipe with longitudinal
crack at high temperature, under internal pressure, and estimating its
residual life, based on the C*integral evaluation.
Influence of friction stir welding parameters on properties of 2024 T3 aluminium alloy joints
Authors: Eramah Abdsalam , Rakin Marko , Veljic Darko , Tadic Srdjan , Radovic Nenad , Zrilic Milorad , Perovic Milenko
Published: December 2013

The aim of this work is to analyse the process of friction stir welding (FSW)
of 3mm thick aluminium plates made of high strength aluminium alloy - 2024
T3, as well as to assess the mechanical properties of the produced joints.
FSW is a modern procedure which enables joining of similar and dissimilar
materials in the solid state, by the combined action of heat and mechanical
work. This paper presents an analysis of the experimental results obtained by
testing the butt welded joints. Tensile strength of the produced joints is
assessed, as well as the distribution of hardness, micro-and macrostructure
through the joints (in the base material, nugget, heat affected zone and
thermo-mechanically affected zone). Different combinations of the tool
rotation speed and the welding speed are used, and the dependence of the
properties of the joints on these parameters of welding technology is
determined.
Influence of furnace tube shapeon thermal strain of fire-tube boilers
Authors: Gacesa Branka , Maneski Tasko , Milosevic-Mitic Vesna , Nestorovic Miodrag , Petrovic Ana
Published: December 2013

The aim of this paper is to use numerical analysis and fine element
method-FEM to investigate the influence of furnace tube shape on the thermal
strain of fire-tube boilers. Thermal stresses in corrugated furnace tubes of
different shape, i.e. with different corrugation pitch and depth, were
analysed first. It was demonstrated that the thermal stresses in corrugated
furnace tube are significantly reduced with the increase of corrugation
depth. Than deformations and stresses in the structure of a fire-tube boiler
were analysed in a real operating condition, for the cases of installed plain
furnace tube and corrugated furnace tubes with different shapes. It was
concluded that in this fire-tube boiler, which is of larger steam capacity,
the corrugated furnace tube must be installed, as well as that the maximal
stress in the construction is reduced by the installation of the furnace tube
with greater corrugation depth. The analysis of stresses due to pressure and
thermal loads pointed out that thermal stresses are not lower-order stresses
in comparison to stresses due to pressure loads, so they must be taken into
consideration for boiler strength analysis.
Thermomechanics of soft inelastics bodies with application to asphalt behavior
Authors: Kudrjavceva Ljudmila , Micunovic Milan , Topalovic Marko , Sedmak Simon
Published: December 2013

Thermomechanical behavior of hot mix asphalt (HMA) is considered. Its highly
irregular microstructure is covered by the hierarchical approach. A brief
survey of endochronic thermodynamics precedes constitutive consideration. Two
constitutive models are discussed: classical Perzyna?s approach and tensor
representation based approach. The second is superior due to its possibility
to cover properly diverse multiaxial nonproportioal stress-strain histories.
However, due to availability of experimental data the first model is applied
to rutting problem through Abaqus FEM code with material user subroutine
developed by the authors. Vakulenko?s thermodynamic time appropriate for
aging is incorporated. Hyperelasticviscoplastic behavior is considered and
some preliminary results are presented.
Thermal manifestations and nanoindentation of bone cements for orthopaedic surgery
Authors: Hloch Sergej , Monka Peter , Hvizdos Pavol , Jakubeczyová Dagmar , Kozak Drazan , Colic Katarina , Kľoc Ján , Magurová Dagmar
Published: December 2013

Improving of bone cements properties is possible by research of variables
influencing exothermal behaviour and mechanical properties. Paper deals with
exothermal behaviour experimental evaluation of bone cements used for medical
purposes. Specimens were prepared by a conventional manual mixing technique.
The work addresses primary risk factor associated with application of bone
cement to femoral canal. Different size samples of bone cement has been
created with diameter d = 2; 5;12,5 mm fixed in dentacryl. As an experimental
material, Palacos R+G high viscosity, radiopaque bone cement containing
Gentamicin and Radiopaque bone cement Antibiotic Simplex with Tobramycin, was
used. Thermal effect during exothermic polymerisation was measured with
period 1 minute. Evaluated factors were mass and thickness of bone cement.
Significant influence of bone cement mass on temperature has been found.
The impact of clerestory lights on energy efficiency of buildings
Authors: Djenadic Dalibor , Manic Miodrag , Riznic Dejan
Published: December 2013

The buildings are among major energy consumers, whose energy efficiency is
rather low. Clerestory windows are responsible for a large portion of energy
losses from the buildings. The energy efficiency of buildings can greatly be
improved by upgrading clerestory and other windows. This paper focuses on the
theoretical and experimental investigations on how this can be performed in
an old school building in the town of Bor in eastern part of Serbia. For that
purpose a modern measuring technique has been applied to identify the
existing status, and to compare theoretical and actual conditions.
Influence of National Culture on Accounting Conservatism and Risk-Taking in the Banking Industry
Authors: Kanagaretnam Kiridaran , Lim Chee Yeow , Lobo Gerald J.
Published: December 2013

Using an international sample of banks and country-level indices for individualism and uncertainty avoidance as proxies for national culture, we study how differences in culture across countries affect accounting conservatism and bank risk-taking. Consistent with expectations, our cross-country analysis indicates that individualism is negatively (positively) related to conservatism (risk-taking) and uncertainty avoidance is positively (negatively) related to conservatism (risk-taking). We also find that cultures that encourage higher risk-taking experienced more bank failures and bank troubles during the recent financial crisis.

Data Availability: Data are available from the sources identified in the text.
Simply Soups Inc.: A Teaching Case Designed to Integrate the Electronic Cash Confirmation Process into the Auditing Curriculum
Authors: Hanes Denise R. , Porco Barbara M. , Thibodeau Jay C.
Published: December 2013

Simply Soups Inc., a producer of organic canned soups, has hired your firm, Putnam and Jacobs LLP, to perform a financial statement audit for the year ended December 31, 2013. Using the PCAOB's proposed standard on confirmations, you are to complete the testing of the cash balance reported by Simply Soups Inc. at year-end. Today, a majority of large banks require auditors to use electronic cash confirmation requests and, as a result, almost all large audit firms use them. When using electronic confirmation requests, audit firms typically rely on a third-party intermediary to provide a secure technological platform to transmit information between the bank and the auditor as well as to validate the authenticity of the respondent. In requiring you to electronically confirm cash balances using a third-party intermediary, this case provides an opportunity to improve your understanding of current audit practice, strengthen your technical knowledge of applicable standards, and develop the professional judgment skills necessary to appropriately evaluate and document the persuasiveness of audit evidence.
Death and Dysfunction of Transplanted β-Cells: Lessons Learned From Type 2 Diabetes?
Authors: Potter Kathryn J. , Westwell-Roper Clara Y. , Klimek-Abercrombie Agnieszka M. , Warnock Garth L. , Verchere C. Bruce
Published: December 2013

β-Cell replacement by islet transplantation is a potential curative therapy for type 1 diabetes. Despite advancements in islet procurement and immune suppression that have increased islet transplant survival, graft function progressively declines, and many recipients return to insulin dependence within a few years posttransplant. The progressive loss of β-cell function in islet transplants seems unlikely to be explained by allo- and autoimmune-mediated mechanisms alone and in a number of ways resembles β-cell failure in type 2 diabetes. That is, both following transplantation and in type 2 diabetes, islets exhibit decreased first-phase glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, impaired proinsulin processing, inflammation, formation of islet amyloid, signs of oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress, and β-cell death. These similarities suggest common mechanisms may underlie loss of insulin production in both type 2 diabetes and islet transplantation and point to the potential for therapeutic approaches used in type 2 diabetes that target the β-cell, such as incretin-based therapies, as adjuncts for immunosuppression in islet transplantation.
Prospective Study on the Incidences of Cardiovascular-Renal Complications in Chinese Patients With Young-Onset Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Luk Andrea O.Y. , Lau Eric S.H. , So Wing-Yee , Ma Ronald C.W. , Kong Alice P.S. , Ozaki Risa , Chow Francis C.C. , Chan Juliana C.N.
Published: December 2013

OBJECTIVE

We examined metabolic profiles and cardiovascular-renal outcomes in a prospective cohort of Chinese patients with young-onset diabetes defined by diagnosis age <40 years. Patients with type 1 diabetes and normal-weight (BMI <23 kg/m2) and overweight (BMI ≥23 kg/m2) patients with type 2 diabetes were compared.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Between 1995 and 2004, 2,323 patients (type 1 diabetes, n = 209; normal-weight type 2 diabetes, n = 636; and overweight type 2 diabetes, n = 1,478) underwent detailed clinical assessment. Incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) including coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease were identified using hospital discharge diagnoses. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) was defined by glomerular filtration rate <15 mL/min/1.73 m2 or dialysis.

RESULTS

Overweight patients with type 2 diabetes had the worst metabolic profile and highest prevalence of microvascular complications. Over a median follow-up of 9.3 years, incidences of CVD were 0.6, 5.1, and 9.6 per 1,000 person-years in patients with type 1 diabetes, normal-weight patients with type 2 diabetes, and overweight patients with type 2 diabetes. The respective figures for ESRD were 2.2, 6.4, and 8.4 per 1,000 person-years. Compared with type 1 diabetes, the overweight type 2 diabetes group had a greater hazard of progression to CVD (hazard ratio [HR] 15.3 [95% CI 2.1–112.4]) and ESRD (HR 5.4 [95% CI 1.8–15.9]), adjusted for age, sex, and disease duration. The association became nonsignificant upon additional adjustment for BMI, blood pressure, and lipid.

CONCLUSIONS

Young patients with type 2 diabetes had greater risks of developing cardiovascular-renal complications compared with patients with type 1 diabetes. The increased risk was driven primarily by accompanying metabolic risk factors.
Kidney Disease and Related Findings in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications Study
Authors: de Boer Ian H. ,   for the DCCT/EDIC Research Group
Published: December 2013

OBJECTIVE

Kidney disease manifests clinically as elevated albumin excretion rate (AER), impaired glomerular filtration rate (GFR), or both, and is a cause of substantial morbidity and mortality in type 1 diabetes (T1D). The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (DCCT/EDIC) study tested whether intensive diabetes therapy (INT) aimed at lowering glucose concentrations as close as safely possible to the normal range reduces the risks of kidney disease and other diabetes complications.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In the DCCT, 1,441 participants with T1D were randomly assigned to INT or conventional diabetes therapy (CON) for a mean duration of 6.5 years. Subsequently, participants have been followed for 18 years in the ongoing observational EDIC. Standardized longitudinal measurements of AER, estimated GFR, and blood pressure were made throughout the DCCT/EDIC.

RESULTS

During the DCCT, INT reduced the risks of incident microalbuminuria (AER ≥40 mg/24 h) and macroalbuminuria (AER ≥300 mg/24 h) by 39% (95% CI 21–52%) and 54% (29–74%), respectively. During EDIC years 1–8, participants previously assigned to DCCT INT continued to experience lower rates of incident microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria, with risk reductions of 59% (39–73%) and 84% (67–92%), respectively. Beneficial effects of INT on the development of impaired GFR (sustained estimated GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and hypertension became evident during combined DCCT/EDIC follow-up, with risk reductions of 50% (18–69%) and 20% (6–21%), respectively, compared with CON.

CONCLUSIONS

In the DCCT/EDIC, INT resulted in clinically important, durable reductions in the risks of microalbuminuria, macroalbuminuria, impaired GFR, and hypertension.
Update on Cardiovascular Outcomes at 30 Years of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications Study
Authors: Lachin John M. , Orchard Trevor J. , Nathan David M. ,   for the DCCT/EDIC Research Group
Published: December 2013

OBJECTIVE

To describe the beneficial long-term effects of an average of 6.5 years of intensive diabetes therapy (INT) in type 1 diabetes on measures of atherosclerosis, cardiac structure and function, and clinical cardiovascular events observed in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) and the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The DCCT was a randomized clinical trial of 1,441 participants assigned to receive INT or conventional therapy (CON). It was conducted between 1983–1993 with an average follow-up of 6.5 years. EDIC (1994–present) is an observational follow-up of the DCCT cohort. Cardiovascular events have been recorded throughout. During EDIC common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) was measured with ultrasound, coronary artery calcification with computed tomography, and cardiac structure and function with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

RESULTS

DCCT INT and lower levels of HbA1c during DCCT/EDIC were associated with thinner carotid IMT, less coronary calcification, and a lower incidence of clinical cardiovascular events including myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiac death. While there were no significant differences in cardiac structure and function between the former INT and CON groups, they were significantly associated with higher HbA1c during DCCT/EDIC.

CONCLUSIONS

DCCT INT and the attendant 6.5 years of lower HbA1c had long-term salutary effects on the development and progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease during the subsequent follow-up during EDIC.
Evaluation of varying morphological parameters on the biomechanics of a cranial cruciate ligament–deficient or intact canine stifle joint with a computer simulation model
Authors: Brown Nathan P. , Bertocci Gina E. , Marcellin-Little Denis J.
Published: December 2013

Objective—To investigate the influence of varying morphological parameters on canine stifle joint biomechanics by use of a 3-D rigid-body canine pelvic limb computer model that simulated an intact and cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL)–deficient stifle joint across the stance phase of gait at a walk.

Sample—Data from computer simulations.

Procedures—Computer model morphological parameters, including patellar ligament insertion location, tibial plateau angle (TPA), and femoral condyle diameter (FCD), were incrementally altered to determine their influence on outcome measures (ligament loads, relative tibial translation, and relative tibial rotation) during simulation of the stance phase of gait at a walk. Outcome measures were assessed for each scenario and compared between an intact and CrCL-deficient stifle joint with the sensitivity index (the percentage change in outcome measure divided by the percentage change in input parameter).

Results—In a CrCL-intact stifle joint, ligament loads were most sensitive to TPA. In a CrCL-deficient stifle joint, outcome measures were most sensitive to TPA with the exception of caudal cruciate ligament and lateral collateral ligament loads, which were sensitive to FCD and TPA. Relative tibial translation was sensitive to TPA and patellar ligament insertion location, whereas relative tibial rotation was most sensitive to TPA.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The computer model sensitivity analyses predicted that individual parameters, particularly TPA and FCD, influence stifle joint biomechanics. Therefore, tibial and femoral morphological parameters may affect the likelihood, prevention, and management of CrCL deficiency.
Moderate Physical Activity Correlates with Elevated Leptin in Physically Active 10–12-Year-Old Boys with Normal BMI
Authors: Cicchella Antonio , Stefanelli Claudio , Jürimäe Toivo , Saar Meeli , Purge Priit
Published: December 2013

The aim of this study is to examine the relations between physical activity of differing intensity and duration with body energy-balance hormone leptin in 10–12-year-old boys ( N = 94) who participated in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity at least four to five times per week. The boys reported their physical activity using a questionnaire. They had normal body mass index (BMI, kg/m2), and were at Tanner Stage 2 of development. Boys were divided into three subgroups by leptin levels: normal serum leptin ( M ± .5 SD, n = 44, 1.2–3.9 ng/ml), low leptin (≤ M – .5 SD; n = 31, < 1.2 ng/ml), and high leptin (≥ M +.5 SD; n = 19, > 3.9 ng/ml). There were significant differences between subgroups in anthropometric parameters and serum leptin levels, but not in physical activity. A significant correlation was found between leptin and moderate physical activity of at least five times per week for at least 30 minutes each time in the high leptin group (r = .61). In conclusion, the correlations between physical activity and leptin are weak; only moderate physical activity was correlated with leptin levels in the high leptin group.
Relationship between Fundamental Motor Skills and Physical Activity in 4-Year-Old Preschool Children
Authors: Iivonen K. S. , Sääkslahti A. K. , Mehtälä A. , Villberg J. J. , Tammelin T. H. , Kulmala J. S. , Poskiparta M.
Published: December 2013

This study evaluated the relationships between objectively measured physical activity and fundamental motor skills in 4-year-old children. Physical activity was monitored in 20 girls and 17 boys over 5 consecutive days (3 days at preschool and 2 days at home) and their fundamental motor skills measured. Multiple linear regressions controlled for sex, age, and body mass index indicated that the total skill score was significantly associated with physical activity, explaining 13%, 16%, and 16% of the variance in total, moderate-to-vigorous, and light-to-vigorous physical activity, respectively. Sliding and galloping were significantly associated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and throwing and catching combination was significantly associated with total, moderate-to-vigorous, and light-to-vigorous physical activity. The findings warrant future investigations with larger samples to examine the relationship between locomotor, manipulative skills, and physical activity behaviors.
Hardiness in Professional Spanish Firefighters
Authors: de la Vega Ricardo , Ruiz Roberto , Gómez Juan , Rivera Oswaldo
Published: December 2013

As a high risk, physically demanding, and stressful profession, fire-fighting presents an ideal context for the study of hardiness. Hardiness of professional Spanish firefighters was assessed. Participants (53 firefighters; M age = 36.1 yr., SD = 8.2) volunteered to complete the adapted Spanish version of the Personal Views Survey. Results showed that participants' mean Hardiness score was slightly high. Hardiness was influenced by years of service. Spanish firefighters present a homogenous set of personal characteristics related to managing stressful working circumstances. The effect of experience on Hardiness levels is discussed.
Tennis Playing is Related to Psychomotor Speed in Older Drivers
Authors: Marmeleira José , Melo Filipe , Tlemcani Mouhaydine , Fernandes Jorge
Published: December 2013

The study investigated the association of tennis playing and running with the psychomotor speed of older drivers. Thirty-six active male drivers ( M age = 63.2 yr.) participated. A battery of four on-the road driving tests was performed by tennis players, runners, and a control group. Measures of simple and choice reaction time, movement time, and response time were collected under single- and dual-task conditions. A composite driving score was calculated from reaction time measures of all driving tasks to reflect a general drivers' psychomotor speed. Statistically significant differences between groups were found in a braking task; tennis players performed significantly better than controls in simple reaction time and response time. The composite driving score also differed between groups, and tennis players had better results than controls. Regular participation in tennis was related to psychomotor speed of older drivers.
An Electrocortical Comparison of Elite Shooters with and without Disability during Visuomotor Performance
Authors: Kim Woojong , Woo Minjung
Published: December 2013

The purpose was to investigate differences in cortical activation during air-pistol shooting between elite shooters with and without spinal cord injury. 22 non-disabled and 12 disabled members of national air-pistol shooting teams participated in the study. The participants completed 20 self-paced 10-m air pistol shots. Analysis reveals that athletes with disability exhibited greater attentional demand during the aiming period, which is typically observed in patients with spinal cord injury during visuomotor performance, whereas brain regions responsible for visual-spatial processing seemed to be similar to those of athletes without disability. Constant and deliberate practice of this visuomotor skill may result in recovery of cortical activity. These findings are consistent with the concepts of cortical economy in elite athletes and neural plasticity in individuals with spinal cord injury.
Effect of Handedness on Gross Motor Skill Acquisition in a Novel Sports Skill Task
Authors: Parish Anthony , Dwelly Priscilla , Baghurst Timothy , Lirgg Cathy
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in performance and form scores between left and right-handers who observed a demonstration with their non-dominant hand. A lacrosse shot was demonstrated to 69 college-aged participants with equal representations on gender and handedness. Half of each group saw a left-handed demonstration while the other half saw a right-handed demonstration. Participants were assessed on accuracy and form. Results showed left-handers performed better than right-handers on accuracy and form and appeared to be able to glean important information from an opposite-handed demonstration in comparison to right-handers. Implications for teaching and future research possibilities are discussed.
Self-Efficacy and Enjoyment of Middle School Children Performing the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (Pacer)
Authors: Kane Irene , Robertson Robert J. , Fertman Carl I. , Nagle Elizabeth F. , McConnaha Wendell R. , Rabin Bruce S.
Published: December 2013

Self-efficacy and enjoyment were examined among 34 middle school children ( M age = 12.5 yr.) performing the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER). Exercise self-efficacy (running) and physical activity enjoyment were measured after viewing a video illustrating the PACER, and subsequently following a PACER test. Significantly greater pre- than post-exercise self-efficacy was reported; enjoyment scores did not differ. Ratings of self-efficacy were higher before exercise than after, but enjoyment scores were not significantly different. A significant correlation was found between post-exercise self-efficacy and enjoyment, but not between pre-exercise self-efficacy and enjoyment. Although positive correlations were found between PACER laps and pre-/post-exercise self-efficacy, correlations with ratings of enjoyment were not significant. Exercise self-efficacy was associated with children's beliefs about the task-specific PACER aerobic exercise; however, exercise enjoyment was stable. Children's self-efficacy and enjoyment beliefs should be considered when developing interventional strategies to promote aerobic exercise participation.
Academic publishing and interdisciplinarity: Finnish experiences
Authors: Pihlström Sami
Published: December 2013

This essay discusses some current challenges in academic publishing and interdisciplinarity, including interdisciplinary publishing, by referring to some recent experiences in the Finnish academic community. In particular, the recent “Publication Forum” exercise, organized in Finland by the Finnish Federation of Learned Societies, is briefly analyzed. Journal rankings play important roles but may also be used in problematic ways. Interdisciplinary research programs and institutes also need to consider their own challenges in contemporary academia.
Experiencing life and (religious) hope: pragmatic philosophies of religion
Authors: Nagl Ludwig
Published: December 2013

Is pragmatism, as focused on a future considered producible by our finite actions, ill equipped to analyze religion (or “Erlösungswissen”, as Max Scheler said); is it unable, as Stanley Cavell writes, to sufficiently explore “skepticism” and negativity? This paper argues that William James succeeds in pragmatically re-thematizing “Erlösungswissen”, and that Josiah Royce—who develops a post-pragmatic, pragmaticist concept of; religion—carefully re-investigates “negativity”, in a Peirce-inspired mode, by focusing on the “mission of sorrow”.
Classical American pragmatism: Practicing philosophy as experiencing life
Authors: Kegley Jacquelyn
Published: December 2013

I argue that Classical American Pragmatists—Royce, James, Dewey, Perice, Addams, Du Bois, and Locke subscribed to this view and practiced philosophy by focusing on experience and directing a critical eye to major problems in living. Thus Royce and Dewey explored the nature of genuine community and its role in developing a flourishing individual life but also a public, democratic life. Royce and James engaged in a phenomenological analysis of human experience including religious experience developing a rich understanding of human psychological, social, and religious development. Dewey, Royce and Perice applied the lessons of the scientific communal experience to problem solving in everyday life. Dewey explored life’s aesthetic dimensions. Addams, Du Bois and Locke applied philosophy to problems of living with discrimination as an immigrant or an African American.
PSP: Parallel sub-pipelined architecture for high throughput AES on FPGA and ASIC
Authors: Rahimunnisa K. , Karthigaikumar P. , Christy N. , Kumar S. , Jayakumar J.
Published: December 2013

As the technology is growing day by day, information security plays a very important role in our lives. In order to protect the information, several cryptographic algorithms have been proposed. The aim of this paper is to present an effective Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) architecture to achieve high throughput for security applications. The Parallel Sub-Pipelined architecture (PSP) is proposed in order to obtain high throughput. The proposed architecture is also compared with loop unrolled, pipelined, sub-pipelined, parallel and parallel pipelined architecture in terms of throughput. The AES algorithm using Parallel Sub-Pipelined architecture was prototyped in FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).The proposed architecture yielded a throughput of 59.59 Gbps at a frequency of 450.045 MHz on FPGA Virtex XC6VLX75T which is higher than the throughput yielded in other architectures. In ASIC 0.13 µm technology, the proposed architecture yielded a throughput of 25.60 Gbps and in 0.18 µm, it yielded a throughput of 20.56 Gbps.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TOTAL CHLOROPHYLL AND PHYTOPLANKTON INDIVIDUALS OF ROSETTA BRANCH OF RIVER NILE, EGYPT
Authors: Shaaba A. M. , Mansour H. A. , Sabera A. A.S.
Published: December 2013

Total chlorophyll concentrations of the phytoplanktonic samples of Rosetta branch of the River Nile at the stations before Edfina barrage (from station I to V) and after Edfina barrage (stations VI and VII) were studied during two successive years from August 2006 to April 2008. At all stations, the total chlorophyll contents of the identified algae and the maximum quantitative algal individuals were found maximum during summer 2007. Peak periods of total chlorophyll coincided with peak periods of the stations that recorded high algal biomass. Phytoplankton in Rosetta branch of the river Nile at the most studied stations (I, II, IV, V and VI) had chloro-character particularly in summer 2007. A positive correlation was observed between the fluctuations of total chlorophyll contents of the phytoplankton and those of total number of individuals at all investigated stations of Rosetta branch. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/eco.v18i0.9392Ecoprint: An International Journal of EcologyVol. 18, 2011 Page: Uploaded date: 12/20/2013
SOME MACROFUNGI FROM PHULCHOWKI AREA OF KATHMANDU VALLEY, NEPAL
Authors: Jha Sanjay Kumar , Tripathi N. N.
Published: December 2013

During present study, a survey was made from Godavari to Phulchowki, Kathmandu valley up to the height of 2250 m. in order to collect macrofungi with special reference to habit, habitat, substrate and ethnobotanical information. The species were brought to laboratory and identified through morphological and microscopic examination. Out of 45 macrofungi species collected, 20 species belonging to 13 families were identified. The major species were Agaricus silvicola, Amanita caesarea, Bovista plumbea, Clavulina cristata, Clavulinopsis fusiformis etc. The detailed measurement of pileus and stipes, colour of pileus, gills and stipes, cap profiles, stem profiles, spore structure were done.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/eco.v18i0.9396Ecoprint: An International Journal of EcologyVol. 18, 2011 Page: 33-38 Uploaded date: 12/20/2013
LARGE WILDLIFE POPULATION IN BAGHMARA BUFFER ZONE COMMUNITY FOREST, NEPAL
Authors: Sharma B. K. , Chalise M. K. , Solanki G. S.
Published: December 2013

A year round monitoring of large wild mammals was conducted from April 2010 to March 2011 in Baghmara Buffer Zone Community forest at central lowland area of Nepal. The main objective of the study was to assess large wild mammals’ population in pre– and post– community management period. Direct observations either by establishment of transects passing through different habitats or scan count of the total area were applied to find out the population of large mammals. During precommunity management period, only two large wild mammals were reported, and one was resident and other was frequent visitor from nearby National Park. In the post-community management period, the number of resident large mammals increased to nine species. Now the area has become a safe breeding habitat for those large mammals.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/eco.v18i0.9411Ecoprint: An International Journal of EcologyVol. 18, 2011 Page: 55-62 Uploaded date: 12/22/2013
PHYTODIVERSITY AND SOIL STUDY OF SHIWALIK HILLS OF ILAM, NEPAL: AN ECOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Nirola Ramkrishna , Jha Pramod Kumar
Published: December 2013

The Siwalik range (locally known as Churia hills) in Nepal comprise a total area of 1,886,000 ha, equivalent to 13% of the country’s total area and consists of hills, steep land slopes, gorges, large spans of river and temporary streams. Study of different kinds of plants, soil and climate and the quantitative analysis of vegetation structure and composition as well as soil analysis at three Village Development Committees (VDCs) of Siwalik hills of Ilam was undertaken. A total number of 137 flowering plants and 8 pteridophytes are reported in the present study. Shorea robusta, Terminalia alata and Semecarpus anacardium are the most dominant species of the entire study area. The Siwalik range with late tertiary exposed rocks consists of fine grained sandstone with pockets of clay, shale, conglomerate and freshwater limestone. The vegetation is much more diverse and intact ecologically than expected from a distant observation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/eco.v18i0.9414Ecoprint: An International Journal of EcologyVol. 18, 2011 Page: Uploaded date: 12/22/2013