bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extending the Timeframe for Rapid Response and Best Management Practices of Flood-Dispersed Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica)
Authors: Colleran Brian P. , Goodall Katherine E.
Published: March 2015

The objective of this article is to extend the reported period in which flood-distributed knotweed propagules may be successfully managed using only manual labor. During a second round of early detection and rapid response (EDRR) management along the Green River in Guilford, VT, we collected and measured all Japanese knotweed propagules that had been distributed by flooding approximately 21 mo earlier, in August 2011, at a single site. Our data suggest that knotweed s.l. prioritizes the growth of new stems over new rhizomes at the start of a growing season. Because the limiting factor for successful removal of new knotweed s.l. plants by hand is the size of the rhizome system, our findings support extending the time frame for EDRR management of flood-distributed knotweed s.l. into the second spring after its initial dispersal. Additionally, in November 2013, surveys of our work sites found no new knotweed s.l. plants in locations accessible to work crews. In addition to validating our EDRR management techniques, this implies that knotweed s.l. fragment viability does not extend past the second spring following its dispersal.
Seed Germination Ecology of Doveweed (Murdannia nudiflora)and Its Implication for Management in Dry-Seeded Rice
Authors: Ahmed Sharif , Opeña Jhoana L. , Chauhan Bhagirath S.
Published: March 2015

This study was conducted in the laboratory and screenhouse to determine the effects of temperature, light, osmotic stress, salt stress, burial depth, use of crop residues as mulch, depth of flooding, and use of POST herbicides on the emergence, survival, and growth of doveweed. In the light/dark regime, germination was higher at alternating day/night temperatures of 35/25 C (95%) than at 30/20 C (72%), and no germination occurred at 25/15 C. Light strongly influenced germination (95%) and dark completely inhibited germination. No germination occurred at an osmotic potential of −0.8 MPa and a salt concentration of 150 mM and above. The highest germination (91%) was observed from the seeds sown on the soil surface and emergence decreased by 78, 86, and 92% when burial depths were increased to 0.5, 1, and 2 cm, respectively. No seedlings emerged from seeds buried at depths of more than 2 cm. The use of rice residues as mulch significantly reduced the emergence and growth of doveweed seedlings. The amount of residue required to suppress 50% of the maximum biomass was 2.5 t ha−1. Flooding had a more pronounced effect on seedling biomass than seedling emergence. Biomass was reduced by 78, 92, and 96% when flooding depths increased from 0 to 2, 4, and 6 cm, respectively, for the seeds placed on the soil surface, whereas for the seeds buried at 0.5 cm, these values were 78, 100, and 100%. Bentazon (100 g ha−1) and bispyribac-sodium (30 g ha−1) provided 100% control of doveweed when applied at the three-leaf stage. Doveweed control was less than 31% with glyphosate rates up to 2,000 g ha−1. The application of 2,4-D (500 g ha−1) provided 100% control of doveweed even when applied at the seven-leaf stage. The information from this study could help in developing more sustainable and effective integrated weed management strategies for the control of this weed and weeds with similar response in dry-seeded rice systems.
Acetolactate Synthase–Inhibitor Resistance in Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus): II—Physiognomy and Photoperiodic Response
Authors: Tehranchian Parsa , Norsworthy Jason K. , Bagavathiannan Muthukumar V. , Riar Dilpreet S.
Published: March 2015

Yellow nutsedge is one of the most problematic weedy sedges in rice–soybean systems of the Mississippi Delta region. An acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting, herbicide-resistant (Res) yellow nutsedge biotype was recently documented in eastern Arkansas, which showed intermediary growth habit between yellow nutsedge and purple nutsedge and also exhibited differential photoperiodic sensitivity to flowering. The objectives of this study were to: (a) determine variation in reproductive characteristics of theResbiotype and three susceptible (Sus) yellow nutsedge biotypes, (b) understand the influence of photoperiod on growth and reproduction, (c) understand the potential role of seeds in population establishment, and (d) elucidate the phylogenetic relationships between theResyellow nutsedge biotype and purple nutsedge. Tuber production per plant and tuber weight of theResbiotype were less than that of theSusbiotypes. Differences in quantitative traits, such as shoot and tuber production existed between theResandSusbiotypes for photoperiods ranging from 12 to 16 h. Generally, photoperiods greater than 12 h increased shoot development in all yellow nutsedge biotypes, with differential responses among the biotypes. Number of tubers reached the maximum for theResbiotype at a 14-h photoperiod. Over a 90-d period, inflorescence formation was only observed in theResbiotype with maximum flowering and seed production in the 14-h photoperiod. Subsequent tests revealed up to 18% seed germination, suggesting that seed could also play a role (in addition to tubers) in the persistence and spread of theResyellow nutsedge. Phylogenetic analysis based on ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions and mitochondrialnad4gene intergenic spacer sequences indicated that theResbiotype was more closely associated withSusyellow nutsedge biotypes. Nevertheless, 100% similarity for thenad4gene sequences between theResyellow nutsedge biotype and a reference purple nutsedge suggests that theResbiotype is likely a result of hybridization between yellow and purple nutsedges, which perhaps explains the intermediary growth characteristics observed in theResbiotype.
Influence of Soybean Seeding Rate, Row Spacing, and Herbicide Programs on the Control of Resistant Waterhemp in Glufosinate-Resistant Soybean
Authors: Schultz John L. , Myers D. Brenton , Bradley Kevin W.
Published: March 2015

Field experiments were conducted in 2012 and 2013 to determine the effects of row spacing, seeding rate, and herbicide programs on multiple-resistant waterhemp control and yield in glufosinate-resistant soybean. The two herbicide programs evaluated were: (1) a PRE application of fomesafen plusS-metolachlor followed by early POST application of glufosinate plus acetochlor, referred to as the PRE followed by (fb) POST with residual (w/RES) herbicide program; and (2) an early POST followed by a late POST application of glufosinate, referred to as the two-pass POST herbicide program. Results indicate that the PRE fb POST w/RES program provides greater control of resistant waterhemp compared to the two-pass POST herbicide program. In 2012, the PRE fb POST w/RES program resulted in a 99% waterhemp density reduction and 156 kg ha−1increase in yield compared to the 72% density reduction by the two-pass POST program. In 2013, the two-pass POST program was equally as effective on density reduction and yield as the PRE fb POST w/RES program. Waterhemp control and density reduction was always greatest with 19- and 38- compared to 76-cm rows. In 2012, the PRE fb POST w/RES program provided at least 95% control and greater than 98% density reduction across all row spacings, whereas the two-pass POST program provided 95%, 95%, and 85% control and 87%, 80%, and 50% density reduction in 19-, 38-, and 76-cm rows, respectively. Soybean seeding rate did not affect waterhemp control or density in either year. In both years, 165,000 seeds ha−1yielded lower than the three higher seeding rates. Overall, results from these experiments indicates that the use of a PRE fb POST w/RES program, narrow-row spacing, and seeding rates of 240,000 to 315,000 seeds ha−1or greater provides the greatest waterhemp control, density reduction, and soybean yield when multiple resistant waterhemp is present.
Determination ofJ-integral for clay during desiccation
Authors: Costa Susanga , Htike Wut Yee , Kodikara Jayantha , Xue Jianfeng
Published: March 2015

Fracture behaviour of clay during desiccation is an important area in soil mechanics that needs further development. The current approach is to use linear elastic fracture mechanics involving parameters such as fracture toughness, measured from load tests for analysis and modelling of crack propagation. However, the importance of taking crack tip plasticity of the material into consideration has been highlighted by several researchers. This may be especially true for soft and/or slurry clay. The recently developed double ring test is the only desiccation test available today that enables determination of the elastoplastic fracture mechanic parameter J-integral. This parameter accounts for the change in potential energy with fracture propagation. Currently, there are no data for J-integral in the literature as applicable to desiccation cracking. This paper fills this gap by presenting a set of J-integral data for Churchill clay and kaolin clay measured from the double ring test. J-integral values have been calculated for both slurry and compacted clay using corresponding coefficients of linear shrinkage. The challenging task of calculating strains and stresses has been dealt with by using image analysis. In addition, the path independence for J-integral calculation and the behaviour of J-integral with the moisture content are also discussed.
Pentru o istorie comparată a Alsaciei și a Transilvaniei
Authors: Trifescu Valentin
Published: March 2015

Alsacia și Transilvania reprezintă două provincii istorice de frontieră, intens disputate de‑a lungul istoriei, care au fost mereu puse în legătură, atît în discursul politicienilor, cît și în cel al intelectualilor sau al istoricilor. Prin articolul nostru dorim să facem o pledoarie pentru o istorie comparată între Alsacia și Transilvania (ca două provincii de frontieră) și să aducem un prim set de argumente pentru această întreprindere științifică. Pornind de la avantajele și metodele de investigație ale istorie comparate, vom putea înțelege mai bine specificul identitar și modul în care aceste două provincii de margine s-au raportat la centrele lor de putere. În acest fel, istoria națională monolitică și exclusivă va fi înlocuită de o perspectivă fragmentară și/sau periferică, prin care vor ieși la lumină diferitele aspecte referitoare la: istoria locală sau regională, la regionalism sau la relația centru–periferie.
The essentialness of diachrony
Authors: Gafton Francisc
Published: March 2015

Natural entities—plants and animals, on the one hand, society, language, and culture, on the other—emerge through an assiduous diachronic effort, respond to diachronically developed needs, exist and function diachronically. However, through the instruments at his disposal, man can only perceive and grasp the “fragment”, seizing it for a prolonged instant, which explains his objective tendency to segment the spatiotemporal reality according to his own proportions and abilities. Reality itself, however, cannot be subjected to the unnatural segregation of one of its own products and elements, and cannot be fully comprehended in any other way than how it exists: as a whole. At the end of the synchronic road, what offers comprehension and understanding of the ontologically-becoming whole is the path of the diachronic method.
Notes on the reproduction of a controversial evangelical passage in Romanian (Mt, 19, 24)
Authors: Chirilă Adina
Published: March 2015

The present research follows, from a diachronic perspective, the solutions that Romanian translators and revisers have applied to the biblical passage from Mt, 19, 24, also present in Mk, 10, 25 and Lk, 18, 25. Taking into consideration that they had, at least up to a point, the privilege of expressing themselves in circumstances that allowed a certain freedom compared to the base text, I have searched to clearly understand the nature of the factors that determined them to assume this liberty and what guided their linguistic options. The research has intended to examine two types of texts: the integral biblical one (the New Testament and the Bible) and the text that is specifically used by the clergy, The Gospel, in its successive versions, starting from the 16th century up to the modern era; the observed facts call attention to the scholar who is in charge of the text, who exhibits a behaviour that entails trust in his prior knowledge about the content and form of the fashioned text, a critical assessment of the version that serves as a starting point and the renewal of linguistic solutions offered by sources of a different nature from the rectified text.
Există trăsături slavone în sintaxa limbii române? Două studii de caz
Authors: Dragomirescu Adina
Published: March 2015

În cercetarea de față este discutată problema influenței slavone asupra sintaxei limbii române (vechi). Se pornește de la ipoteza că multe dintre trăsăturile sintactice ale românei puse pe seama influenței slavone (mai ales în studii puternic influențate ideologic, apărute în perioada comunistă) sînt, de fapt, fie dezvoltări firești în trecerea de la latină la română, comune cu celelalte limbi romanice, fie rezultatul unor tendințe mai generale, manifestate în istoria limbilor indo-europene. Se propune un algoritm de lucru pentru a verifica rolul influenței slavone în existența anumitor trăsături sintactice ale limbii române, care este aplicat la două cazuri concrete din limba română veche: topica adjectivelor relaționale și dislocarea formelor verbale compuse, corelată cu inversiunea auxiliarelor.
Evoluția gradației adjectivale și adverbiale în limba română
Authors: Găitănaru Ștefan
Published: March 2015

Gradația adjectivală și adverbială a fost descrisă urmărindu-se direcțiile evolutive din latina populară și, fără o analiză în detaliu, cele integratoare, în contextul de ansamblu al limbilor romanice. Fără să aibă preocupări teoretice, prezentul studiu pleacă de la o înțelegere actuală a noțiunilor presupuse de categoria gradației, în funcție de care descrie faptele de limbă din texte aparținînd primelor trei secole. Obiectivul principal a fost exemplificarea cu fapte de limbă a tipurilor și subtipurilor de structuri și elemente: grade de intensitate (pozitivul, intensivul și superlativul absolut) și de comparație (comparativul de egalitate, de inegalitate și superlativul relativ); semiadverbele comparative și modalitățile de realizare a complementului comparativ și a expansiunii acestei poziții sintactice la nivel frastic. După evidențierea unor experimente regresive, s‑a încercat realizarea unei corelări nuanțate și diversificate între normele epocilor investigate și cea a limbii române actuale.
Experimental studies on the viscosity of Fe nanoparticles dispersed in ethylene glycol and water mixture
Authors: Karimi Amir , Abdolahi Sadatlu , Ashjaee Mehdi
Published: March 2015

In this paper, experimental studies are conducted in order to measure the
viscosity of Fe nanoparticles dispersed in various weight concentration
(25/75%, 45/55% and 55/45%) of ethylene glycol and water (EG-water) mixture.
The experimental measurements are performed at various volume concentrations
up to 2% and temperature ranging from 10?C to 60?C. The experimental results
disclose that the viscosity of nanofluids increases with increase in Fe
particle volume fraction, and decreases with increase in temperature. Maximum
enhancement in viscosity of nanofluids is 2.14 times for 55/45% EG-water
based nanofluid at 2% volume concentration compared to the base fluid.
Moreover, some comparisons between experimental results and theoretical
models are drawn. It is also observed that the prior theoretical models do
not estimate the viscosity of nanofluid accurately. Finally, a new empirical
correlation is proposed to predict the viscosity of nanofluids as a function
of volume concentration, temperature, and the viscosity of base fluid.
Orthodontic marketing through social media networks: The patient and practitioner's perspective
Authors: Nelson Kristin L. , Shroff Bhavna , Best Al M. , Lindauer Steven J.
Published: March 2015

Objective: 

To (1) assess orthodontic patient and practitioner use of and preferences for social media and (2) investigate the potential benefit of social media in marketing and communication strategies in orthodontic practices.

Materials and Methods: 

A survey was developed and randomly distributed to orthodontists via the American Association of Orthodontists and to patients/parents via private practices throughout the United States. Participants were asked to answer questions related to their use of social media and their perceptions of the use of social media in the orthodontic practice.

Results: 

Of the participants, 76% of orthodontists and 89% of patients/parents use social media. Furthermore, Facebook was the social media platform that was most preferred. Social media use was more common in female and younger adult participants. Orthodontists posted information more often in the morning (40%) and afternoon (56%), and patients/parents used social media mainly in the evening (76%). The most commonly used marketing strategies in the orthodontic practices were social media (76%) and a practice website (59%). Social media and practice websites were positively related with new patient starts (P  =  .0376, P  =  .0035, respectively).

Conclusions: 

Most orthodontists and patients/parents used social media. Social media may be an effective marketing and communication tool in an orthodontic practice.
Polyculture of juvenile pikeperch (Sander lucioperca (L.)) and sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus L.) in a recirculating system
Authors: Kozłowski Michał , Szczepkowski Mirosław , Wunderlich Krzysztof , Szczepkowska Bożena , Piotrowska Iwona
Published: March 2015

The experiment examined the possibility of rearing juvenile pikeperch, Sander lucioperca (L.) in polyculture with sterlet Acipenser ruthenus L. in a recirculating system. Three variants of pikeperch rearing were tested: monoculture (group S), with the addition of sterlet at 10% (group S10) and 20% (group S20) of the initial pikeperch biomass. After 56 days of rearing, no differences in the growth rates or survival of the pikeperch were noted. The value of the feed conversion ratio in the monoculture group was 1.19 and was significantly statistically higher than in the polyculture groups, the values of which were 0.84 (S10) and 0.74 (S20). The mean oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion values did not differ significantly statistically among the studied groups. Including the sterlet stock with the pikeperch permitted obtaining the additional value of the sterlet biomass using the same quantity of feed. Additionally, the inclusion of sterlet decreased the labor intensity of pikeperch rearing since the tanks did not need cleaning as frequently.
Strategies for the Adoption of Open Textbooks: The Latin American Open Textbooks Initiative
Authors: Rodés Virginia , Podetti Manuel , Hernández Yosly , Collazos Cesar
Published: March 2015

Open textbook initiatives have emerged as an alternative to traditional publications, boosting the creation of educational resources based on open licenses. In order to make them sustainable, it is necessary to define strategies for the adoption of these initiatives by the different actors involved in the education institutions where they will be implemented. In this article we present the components of the adoption strategy designed for the LATIn Initiative. In Section 2 we present the relevant background information collected in a state-of-the-art reviewing. We then present in Section 3 the components defined for the Strategy for the Adoption of the LATIn Project. In this respect, in Section 4 we present the main processes defined. Furthermore, in Section 5 we identify the intervention of Actors and Contexts. Finally, in Section 6 we include the Phases of Implementation of the strategy, defined as Initial Phase, Generalization Phase and Institutionalization Phase. In Section 7 we present the Conclusions of this work.
Self-Esteem and Loneliness as Factors Affecting Distance Learning Students
Authors: Vakoufari Maria , Christina Angelaki , Mavroidis Ilias
Published: March 2015

This study aims at empirically examining the relation of self-esteem and loneliness with social presence, academic performance, satisfaction with the course and intention for academic drop out, in a blended distance learning environment in Greece. The study involved both undergraduate and postgraduate students of the Hellenic Open University (HOU). Data were collected via a four-section questionnaire. The correlational data analysis yielded a negative correlation between self-esteem and intention for academic drop out, while there is a positive correlation between self-esteem and satisfaction derived from the course. Results also suggested that there is no correlation between self-esteem and academic performance. Findings also revealed that there is no statistically significant correlation between loneliness and the other variables under examination. Furthermore, the results showed that there were no statistically significant differences between the examined variables in relation to the demographic features (gender, age, etc.). The findings of the present study are discussed in relation to the relevant literature, taking into consideration the blended learning educational format offered by the HOU which is based on methodologies used in other European institutions that offer distance learning courses. Finally, recommendations for further research are presented.
A Responsive Paradigm for Technology Enhanced Learning (Tel) Integration Into Business Organizations
Authors: Kaminskienė Lina , Trepulė Elena , Rutkienė Aušra , Arbutavičius Gintaras
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this paper is to explore the main barriers and enablers for integrating technology enhanced learning (TEL) into a business organization based on a responsive paradigm. The study is based on a current literature review on challenges and learners’ needs for TEL and the preconditions for TEL curriculum integration into business organizations. The theoretical study is matched with a qualitative research on learners’ needs for TEL in two international business organizations from IT sector. Technology enhanced learning (TEL) is tackling different barriers for learning in organizations. However, to make it effective, specific technological and teaching solutions must be implemented. The research revealed that companies’ employees give preference to TEL than other forms of learning, and defined specific requirements for successful technology enhanced learning integration into business organisations. A theoretical literature review is followed by empirical findings of a qualitative research (focus group interviews) in two international IT companies. The findings of the research offer valuable insights for a responsive TEL integration into business organizations from the point of view of companies’ employees.
The Assessment Of The Risk Of Allergenicity Of ‘Sabina’ And ‘Debreceni Bötermö’ Sour Cherry Cvs (Prunus Cerasus L.) In A Guinea Pig Model
Authors: Jasińska-Stroschein Magdalena , Szcześniak Piotr , Owczarek Jacek , Rutkowski Krzysztof P. , Markowski Jarosław , Rozpara Elżbieta , Orszulak-Michalak Daria
Published: March 2015

The allergic reactions to fruits are lesser known among food sensitivities. The most common fruits belonging to the Rosaceae family that might cause allergic reactions are apples, pears and peaches. However, little is known about the potential allergic reactions caused by another member of the Rosaceae, the cherry. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of any allergic reaction or food hypersensitivity resulting from topical application and chronic oral administration of cherry fruits. The cherry fruits ‘Sabina’ cv. were produced in the orchard in Dąbrowice according to the principles of integrated (IFP) and organic (OR) productions. Fruits of ‘Debreceni Bötermö’ cv. were produced in Dąbrowice (IFP), and in the orchard in Nowy Dwór (OR). The experiments were performed on 65 outbred young, adult, white albinotic guinea pigs (Dankin Hartley). Three procedures were applied: I. Guinea-Pig Maximization Test (GPMT); II. Chronic administration of fruits and III. Skin prick (Dreborg) test. The skin reactions based on GPMT or Dreborg tests revealed no differences between the two cherry cultivars ‘Sabina’ and ‘Debreceni’ obtained from integrated or organic production. Similarly, it was not observed of any effect of cultivars of cherries nor the type of fruits production on the guinea pig skin reaction as a result of chronic feeding with fruits.
The History Of Genome Mapping In Fragaria Spp.
Authors: Mohamed Abdel-Rahman Moustafa Abdel-Wahab , Jęcz Tomasz , Korbin Małgorzata
Published: March 2015

This overview summarizes the research programs devoted to mapping the genomes within Fragaria genus. A few genetic linkage maps of diploid and octoploid Fragaria species as well as impressive physical map of F. vesca were developed in the last decade and resulted in the collection of data useful for further fundamental and applied studies. The information concerning the rules for proper preparation of mapping population, the choice of markers useful for generating linkage map, the saturation of existing maps with new markers linked to economically important traits, as well as problems faced during mapping process are presented in this paper.
Possibilities of Multi-Function Machining Systems as Tools for Complete Machining
Authors: Sajgalik Michal , Czan Andrej , Rakoci Jozef
Published: March 2015

This article deals with the use of a multi-function system for complete machining. It compares the use of conventional tools with multi-function system on the basis of main indicators of the quality of machining.
Redirecting the Thrust to Put “Therapeutic” Back Into Therapeutic Exercise
Authors: Nyland John A.
Published: March 2015

Too often in today's rehabilitation environment, the importance of therapeutic exercise programming is overlooked and delegated to a technician-level function, while an abundance of passive table-based treatment interventions performed by the therapist and others seem to consume a progressively larger proportion of available treatment time. To accomplish the aspiration to become movement system practitioners, physical therapists need to further professionalize their contribution and commitment to the therapeutic exercise process.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(3):148–150. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.0103
2014 JOSPT Awards Focus on 2 Contemporary Topics: Dry Needling and Knee Articular Cartilage Defects
Authors: Simoneau Guy G.
Published: March 2015

During the American Physical Therapy Association's Combined Sections Meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana in February 2015, JOSPT recognized the authors of the most outstanding research and clinical practice manuscripts published in JOSPT during the 2014 calendar year. The 2014 JOSPT Excellence in Research Award was presented to Rocio Llamas-Ramos, Daniel Pecos-Martín, Tomás Gallego-Izquierdo, Inés Llamas-Ramos, Gustavo Plaza-Manzano, Ricardo Ortega-Santiago, César Fernández-de-las-Peñas, and Joshua A. Cleland for their paper entitled “Comparison of the Short-Term Outcomes Between Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Manual Therapy for the Management of Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial.” The 2014 George J. Davies-James A. Gould Excellence in Clinical Inquiry Award was presented to Peter K. Edwards, Jay R. Ebert, and Timothy Ackland for their work titled “Clinical Rehabilitation Guidelines for Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation on the Tibiofemoral Joint.”

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(3):151–152. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.0104
Cervical Myelopathy in a Special Operations Soldier
Authors: Flautt Warren , Westrick Richard
Published: March 2015

The patient was a 31-year-old man who was currently serving in a military special operations combat unit. He was evaluated by a physical therapist for a chief complaint of upper extremity weakness and decreased hand dexterity bilaterally. Due to strong suspicion of spinal cord involvement, the physical therapist ordered magnetic resonance imaging, which revealed advanced degenerative changes of the cervical spine and a large disc extrusion at C5-C6.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(3):233. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.0403
Influence of Tree Spacing on Soil Nitrogen Mineralization and Availability in Hybrid Poplar Plantations
Authors: Yan Yafei , Fang Shengzuo , Tian Ye , Deng Shiping , Tang Luozhong , Chuong Dao
Published: March 2015

Nitrogen (N) availability and mineralization are key parameters and transformation processes that impact plant growth and forest productivity. We hypothesized that suitable plantation spacing can lead to enhanced soil N mineralization and nitrification, which in turn promote tree growth. Studies were conducted to evaluate seasonal patterns of soil inorganic N pools as well as rates of nitrification and N mineralization of three soil layers under four tree spacing treatments. Results showed tree spacing significantly affected annual net N mineralization, whereas inorganic N content in surface soils was significantly affected by tree spacing only during the growing season. The total annual cumulative net N mineralization ranged from 80.3–136.0 mg·kg−1 in the surface soils (0–20 cm), whereas the cumulative net N mineralization of 6 × 6 m and 4.5 × 8 m spacings was 65% and 24% higher than that of the 5 × 5 m, respectively. In general, tree spacing would affect N availability in soil by altering N mineralization rates, while high annual N mineralization was found in soils of low density plantations, with higher rates in square spacing than rectangular spacing. The obtained results suggest that suitable spacing could lead to enhanced N mineralization, but seasonal variation of soil N mineralization may not only be directly related to plantation productivity but also to understory vegetation productivity.
Changes in Socioeconomic Inequalities in the Use of Dental Care Following Major Healthcare Reform in Chile, 2004–2009
Authors: Cornejo-Ovalle Marco , Paraje Guillermo , Vásquez-Lavín Felipe , Pérez Glòria , Palència Laia , Borrell Carme
Published: March 2015

The study examines changes in the distribution and socioeconomic inequalities of dental care utilization among adults after the major healthcare reform in Chile, 2004–2009. We evaluated the proportion of people who visited the dentist at least once in the previous two years, and the mean number of visits. These outcome variables were stratified by sex, age (20–39, 40–59, 60–63; ≥64 years), educational level (primary, secondary, higher), type of health insurance (public, private, uninsured), and socioeconomic status (quintiles of an asset-index). We also used the concentration index (CIndex) to assess the extent of socioeconomic inequalities in the use of dental care, stratified by age and sex as a proxy for dental care needs. The use of dental care significantly increased between 2004 and 2009, especially in those with public health insurance, with lower educational level and lower socioeconomic status. The CIndex for the total population significantly decreased both for the proportion who used dental care, and also the mean number of visits. Findings suggest that the use of dental care increased and socioeconomic-related inequalities in the utilization of dental care declined after a Major Health Reform, which included universal coverage for some dental cares in Chile. However, efforts to ameliorate these inequalities require an approach that moves beyond a sole focus on rectifying health coverage.
SUSTAINABLE RISK MANAGEMENT IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE IT INDUSTRY
Authors: HWANG Bon-Gang , CHEN Meiru
Published: March 2015

Risk management is a tool used by the construction industry to reduce cost and time overruns. Its implementation in Singapore has remained low, however. This study aims to draw attention to the lack of risk management implementation and to make recommendations for increasing implementation levels in the Singapore construction industry. To accomplish these objectives, the Information Technology (IT) industry was selected to serve as a comparison group. A questionnaire was developed and distributed to companies in both the IT and construction industries. The results from the study established that practitioners in the IT industry tend to be risk takers who want to be trained and equipped with risk management skills while construction industry practitioners tended to be risk avoiders who resisted the changes required to implement risk management. Also, when compared to the IT industry, the construction industry respondents did not seem to have an adequate understanding of the benefits of risk management. Providing some recommendations for the construction industry, the findings from this study will contribute to increasing awareness of the benefits of risk management and its implementation.
Surface APRIL Is Elevated on Myeloid Cells and Is Associated with Disease Activity in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Weldon Abby Jones , Moldovan Ioana , Cabling Marven G. , Hernandez Elvin A. , Hsu Sheri , Gonzalez Jennifer , Parra Andrea , Benitez Abigail , Daoud Nasim , Colburn Keith , Payne Kimberly J.
Published: March 2015

Objective.

To assess surface APRIL (a proliferation-inducing ligand; CD256) expression by circulating myeloid cells in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to determine its relationship to disease activity.

Methods.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and plasma were obtained from patients with RA and healthy donors. PBMC were stained for flow cytometry to detect surface APRIL and blood cell markers to identify circulating myeloid cell subsets. Based on CD14 and CD16 phenotypes, monocyte subsets described as classical (CD14+CD16−), intermediate (CD14+CD16+), and nonclassical (CD14loCD16+) were identified. Levels of surface APRIL expression were measured by flow cytometry and median fluorescence intensity was used for comparisons. Levels of soluble APRIL in the plasma were determined by ELISA. Disease activity was measured by the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints.

Results.

In patients with RA, total myeloid cells showed expression of surface APRIL that correlated with disease activity and with plasma APRIL levels observed in these patients. In healthy donors, classical monocytes were composed of > 80% of circulating monocytes. However, in patients with RA, the intermediate and nonclassical subsets were elevated and made up the majority of circulating monocytes. In contrast to healthy donors, where high levels of surface APRIL were only observed in nonclassical monocytes, patients with RA showed high levels of surface APRIL expression by all circulating monocyte subsets.

Conclusion.

Surface APRIL is elevated in circulating myeloid cells in patients with RA where it is highly correlated with disease activity. Patients with RA also showed skewing of monocytes toward subsets associated with secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α and/or interleukin 1β.
Anti-dsDNA and Antichromatin Antibody Isotypes in Serologically Active Clinically Quiescent Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Steiman Amanda J. , Urowitz Murray B. , Ibañez Dominique , Li Timothy T. , Gladman Dafna D. , Wither Joan
Published: March 2015

Objective.

Serologically active clinically quiescent (SACQ) patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are clinically quiescent despite serologic activity. Since studies suggest that antichromatin antibodies are more sensitive than anti-dsDNA antibodies in detecting active SLE, and that immunoglobulin (Ig) G, in particular complement-fixing subclasses, may be more pathogenic than IgM, we investigated the levels of anti-dsDNA and antichromatin isotypes in SACQ patients as compared to non-SACQ patients with SLE.

Methods.

Levels of IgM, IgA, IgG, and IgG1–4 antichromatin and anti-dsDNA were measured by ELISA. SACQ was defined as ≥ 2 years with the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) at 2 or 4 from serologic activity, during which patients could be taking antimalarials, but not corticosteroids or immunosuppressives. Unselected non-SACQ patients with SLE were used as comparators. SACQ patient serum samples were further stratified based on subsequent development of flare, defined as clinical SLEDAI-2K ≥ 1 and/or treatment initiation. Nonparametric statistics were used, and generalized estimating equations were applied to account for multiple samples in the same patient.

Results.

SACQ patients’ complement-fixing antichromatin and anti–dsDNA IgG subclasses were significantly higher than those of non-SACQ patients. When the sample drawn latest in a SACQ period was analyzed, there was no difference between antichromatin or anti-dsDNA isotype or IgG subclass levels between patients who flared and those who remained SACQ, nor were consistent trends seen when samples were examined during SACQ and flare in the same patient.

Conclusion.

The SACQ phenotype does not arise from a lack of pathogenic anti-dsDNA and/or antichromatin autoantibodies. Neither increases in antichromatin nor anti-dsDNA isotype or IgG subclass levels were predictive of or coincident with flare in SACQ patients.
Second-to-fourth Digit Ratio in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Doe Kentaro , Nozawa Kazuhisa , Hirai Takuya , Tsushima Hiroshi , Hayashi Eri , Hiruma Kaori , Ando Seiichiro , Nakano Soichiro , Kon Takayuki , Amano Hirofumi , Yamaji Ken , Tamura Naoto , Takasaki Yoshinari
Published: March 2015

Objective.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) occurs predominantly in women, and sex hormones play an important role in SLE. Variation in the second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D4D ratio) is attributed to sex hormone exposure. Therefore, we evaluated the relationship between sex hormones and SLE by measuring 2D4D ratios.

Methods.

We measured 2D4D ratios in 100 patients with SLE and 200 normal healthy controls (NHC).

Results.

Patients with SLE had a lower 2D4D ratio than NHC.

Conclusion.

Our study suggests that patients with SLE have experienced high prenatal testosterone and low prenatal estrogen. To our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating the association between 2D4D ratio and SLE.
Le paradoxe d'une transparence « opaque »
Authors: Guittonneau Mireille
Published: March 2015

Il s’agit, ici, d’interroger les formations paradoxales au cœur de certaines organisations psychiques. Si elles témoignent souvent de l’aliénation produite par les relations d’emprise, elles montrent aussi l’inventivité dont fait preuve la psyché pour s’y soustraire. Tel est le cas de la transparence opaque que l’on découvre parfois. Prenant forme dans les mots, les comportements et dans une mise au silence des affects, cette transparence opaque, qui se donne à ressentir comme absence d’épaisseur, absence de limites, se révèle être à la fois une identification à l’injonction portée par le regard de l’Autre et une façon de lui échapper, de se constituer une limite qui demeure invisible.
Variations picturales et naissance d'un « regard respirant » dans le transfert avec les enfants
Authors: Mazéas Dominique
Published: March 2015

Le démantèlement sensoriel et l’adhésivité préservent le bébé de résonances émotionnelles trop fortes dans le lien à l’autre mais gênent les accordages relationnels qui lui permettraient de ressentir son corps en volume et animé. Ultérieurement dans la relation transférentielle, les mouvements respiratoires du patient étayent parfois son regard et facilitent ainsi son exploration de l’espace où se trouve l’autre, et l’expression d’émotions qui deviennent reconnaissables. Il en découle une identification à un autre respirant, qui relance la construction d’une image corporelle en volume, support de mouvements pulsionnels et d’élaborations de fantasmes originaires.
Œdipe dans le rêve
Authors: Bonnellier Roseline
Published: March 2015

L’Œdipe est un revenant de l’antique mythe du héros. Lequel « mythe » ou « rêve éveillé » de l’homme sert à idéaliser le genre masculin du « fils » par rapport au « père » porteur du même sexe que l’enfant modèle de la psychanalyse et futur « moi » de la seconde topique : le complexe de filiation ou « d’Œdipe » du garçon est relié à la question métapsychologique de l’Idéal-du-moi introduit avec le narcissisme. Comment Freud passe-t-il de « l’acte » (Tat) , celui du « meurtre du père » dans le mythe tragique du héros Œdipe roi de Sophocle, au « fait » (Tatsache) probant susceptible de confirmer le bien-fondé de sa théorie ? La régression dans le « travail de rêve » au niveau de preuve du « signe de perception » ( Wahrnehmungszeichen : « signe pris pour vrai ») sous-tend de fait un nouveau proton pseudos : le « primat du phallus ».
L'écriture autofictionnelle : une odyssée libératrice
Authors: Somé Isabelle
Published: March 2015

La lecture analytique de trois textes autofictionnels, Le Condottière de G. Perec, Les mots de J.-P. Sartre et L’aristocrate d’E. Weiss, permet dans un premier temps de mettre en lumière des tableaux cliniques très proches de fonctionnements limites narcissiques. Ces textes rendent palpable la souffrance limite et l’éclairent mieux que bien des articles scientifiques. Ces trois textes donnent également à penser que la tragédie limite se joue en premier lieu, en l’absence de limites solides et respectées, dans la tension entre un enfant perdu traumatisé et un petit Œdipe n’ayant pas renoncé à ses fins. L’analyse de ces trois œuvres révèle dans un second temps le stratagème des auteurs d’autofictions pour remédier à cette insoutenable tension intrapsychique : leur témoin interne s’identifie à Freud pour, tout d’abord, retrouver et adopter l’enfant fou à l’abri du fantasme d’autoengendrement, puis, parvenir à ses fins œdipiennes en lui volant la plume de père de la psychanalyse,. Stratagème malhabile certes, mais qui permet néanmoins d’écrire, de (sur)vivre.
Une figure de l'idiot criminel. Crimes sans châtiment dans Mother de Joon-ho Bong
Authors: Trichet Yohan
Published: March 2015

L’auteur propose une lecture psychanalytique de Mother de Joon-ho Bong. Il s’agit de dégager ce que ce film enseigne sur la clinique de la débilité et ses effets dans la relation entre une mère, Mother, et son fils, Do-joon. Cette mère sans limite et ce fils désœuvré, qui tente de lui résister à sa manière, se trouvent placés dans une situation d’extrême précarité subjective dont témoigne l’inconsistance de leur lien social. Pour l’un comme pour l’autre, la tuché , c’est-à-dire la rencontre du réel, donnera lieu à un acte criminel opérant après coup, dans l’existence de chacun, comme une tentative de séparation.
L'usage de drogue dans la clinique des psychoses
Authors: Westphal Laure
Published: March 2015

Les comorbidités soulèvent la question du recours du sujet psychotique à la drogue et au centre de cette dialectique, l’hallucination a parfois une fonction majeure. Face à la passivation par les phénomènes élémentaires, le sujet peut en effet choisir d’induire un autre système hallucinatoire. L’exploitation de l’imaginaire se conjugue avec le culte du corps et du narcissisme en faveur d’une quête d’autoengendrement. En ces circonstances, la jouissance toxique préserve de la jouissance pulsionnelle tant que le sexuel n’entre pas en ligne de compte.
A Reconstruction of the Pleistocene Glacial Maximum in the Žijovo Range (Prokletije Mountains, Montenegro)
Authors: Petrović Aleksandar S.
Published: March 2015

The Žijovo Range belongs to the Prokletije Mountains of Montenegro and is located in the extreme southeast, on the border with Albania. Glacial processes were intensively active in this range during the Pleistocene. This is indicated by erosive and accumulative glacial features of relief that have been preserved due to the favorable geologic structure. The glacial maximum in the Žijovo Range is characterized by a unique glacier on the entire area of the range. Preglacial relief prevented the formation of a typical icecap glacier. Due to drainage of the central glacial mass in the direction of the preglacial valleys, there was a transection glacier in the central, northern, and northwestern parts, and an icefield glacier in the eastern and southeastern parts of the Žijovo Range. These glaciers covered an area of 180 km during the glacial maximum.
Le crime ou la parole des exclus
Authors: Besse Nathalie
Published: March 2015

Littérature de la violence, écriture choc, esthétique de la provocation, ces formules sont propres à caractériser les deux romans de Franz Galich Managua, Salsa City (¡Devórame otra vez!), Prix Centre-américain de Littérature Rogelio Sinán en 2000, au Panama, et Y te diré quién eres (Mariposa traicionera) publié en 2006.Dans ces romans violents dont l’action se déroule en Amérique centrale, on voit que la plupart des crimes de sang constituent une façon de survivre dans une société post-révolutionnaire en pleine dislocation – après les crimes d’une guerre civile dont le spectre continue de hanter les survivants. Ceux-ci sont victimes des puissants ce qui conduit à étudier un crime justicier, peut-on dire, comme une façon de prendre la parole alors qu’aucun dialogue ne semble possible.
Del crimen como forma de justicia
Authors: Medrano-Ollivier Carmen
Published: March 2015

En Angosta, capital de un país tropical, sociedad presuntamente ideal, el apartheid es de orden económico. Un muro separa los diferentes estratos soiales para así controlar el sector más próspero y más desarrollado de la ciudad. En este contexto de exclusión socioeconómica y de privación del derecho fundamental de circular libremente por el territorio, las autoridades del régimen de Angosta se valen del crimen (asesinatos, liquidaciones extrajudiciarias, masacres, desapariciones…) para preservar la organización de esta «Nueva Jerusalén», del mismo modo que caracterizan como crimen las libertades públicas fundamentales –la libertad de expresión, la libertad de opinión, la libertad de prensa– y los derechos políticos y sociales.Por medio del cuadrado semiótico de Greimas, el análisis por oposición permite mostrar cómo, en el texto, el ordenamiento jurídico que se ha impuesto de facto en Angosta, la sumisión a la ley y a la autoridad, se aúna con la aceptación del crimen como norma jurídica, la negación del Estado de derecho. A través de esta distopía o contra-utopía, el escritor colombiano escenifica los muchos aspectos extremadamente apocalípticos de la sociedad colombiana en los años recientes en que el crimen se entroniza en forma inquietante como un «mal necesario» y en que la justicia ve su independencia amenazada bajo la presión de las mafias paramilitares y sus aliados en la clase política, las fuerzas armadas y otros sectores de la sociedad.
Tijuana, une capitale du crime ?
Authors: Fabriol Anaïs
Published: March 2015

Depuis l’essor de son activité à partir de la Loi de Prohibition, loi Volstaed (1919), la ville frontalière de Tijuana n’a cessé d’être représentative des activités mafieuses ; celles-ci sont évoquées par de nombreuses œuvres littéraires, la ville servant de cadre idéal aux projets criminels ou, pour le moins, aux activités liées à la délinquance, tant dans des œuvres relevant du classique roman noir californien (Chandler), que dans des œuvres mexicaine appartenant à la présentation de la Basse Californie. Par la suite, surtout lors d’événements qui ont revêtu une portée nationale, comme l’assassinat de Colossio (1994), candidat à la présidence du Mexique, ou l’élection de Jorge Hank Ron comme maire de Tijuana (2001), s’est mise en place une vision de plus en plus critique et ironique sous la plume d’auteurs locaux (Trujillo Muñoz, Crosthwaite, Yépez), qui semblent fusionner l’histoire locale et celle du roman policier.