bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oceanographic and climatic variation drive top‐down/bottom‐up coupling in the Galápagos intertidal meta‐ecosystem
Authors: Vinueza Luis R. , Menge Bruce A. , Ruiz Diego , Palacios Daniel M.
Published: November 2013

The impact of herbivores on primary producers in differing oceanographic regimes is a matter of intense ecological interest due to ongoing changes in their abundance, that of their predators, and anthropomorphic alteration of nutrient cycles and climatic patterns. Interactions between productivity and herbivory in marine habitats have been studied on temperate rocky shores, coral reefs, mangroves, and salt marshes, but less so at tropical latitudes. To determine how herbivore–alga dynamics varied with oceanographic regime, we used the comparative‐experimental approach in rocky intertidal communities on the Galápagos Islands from January 2006 to January 2009. This setting was selected because strongly contrasting oceanographic conditions occurred within a range of ∼181 km, with significant differences in temperature, nutrients, phytoplankton productivity, and intertidal communities, and in abundance of macro‐herbivores, including marine iguanas. Experiments and measurements were conducted at two sites in each of three oceanographic regimes characterized by low, intermediate, and high bottom‐up inputs. At sites of low inputs, macro‐herbivores (fish, crabs, iguanas) had a consistent top‐down effect, reducing algal abundance, and leaving a few grazer‐resistant varieties. At sites of intermediate and high inputs, consumer impacts were stronger during La Niña (cool phase) than during El Niño (warm phase). At sites of high inputs, algal biomass was naturally relatively high and was dominated by the edible algae Ulva spp. Macro‐grazers reduced algal biomass, but their primary effect was indirect, as articulated corallines displaced other species of algae in their absence. Prior results from the tropics had revealed dominant effects of top‐down interactions and recruitment in structuring intertidal communities. Our results suggest that, when a broader oceanographic scenario is taken into account, the relative importance of top‐down and bottom‐up forces are context dependent, varying with oceanographic regime and climatic variability.
Behavior and nutritional condition buffer a large‐bodied endotherm against direct and indirect effects of climate
Authors: Long Ryan A. , Bowyer R. Terry , Porter Warren P. , Mathewson Paul , Monteith Kevin L. , Kie John G.
Published: November 2013

Temporal changes in net energy balance of animals strongly influence fitness; consequently, natural selection should favor behaviors that increase net energy balance by buffering individuals against negative effects of environmental variation. The relative importance of behavioral responses to climate‐induced variation in costs vs. supplies of energy, however, is uncertain, as is the degree to which such responses are mediated by current stores of energy. We evaluated relationships among behavior, nutritional condition (i.e., energy state), and spatiotemporal variation in costs vs. supplies of energy available to a large‐bodied endotherm, the North American elk (Cervus elaphus), occupying two ecosystems with contrasting climates and energy landscapes: a temperate, montane forest and an arid, high‐elevation desert. We hypothesized that during spring through autumn, behavioral responses to the energy landscape would be both context dependent (i.e., would vary as a function of the contrasting environmental conditions experienced by elk in the forest vs. the desert), and state dependent (i.e., would vary as a function of the energy balance of an individual). We tested several predictions derived from that hypothesis by combining output from a biophysical model of the thermal environment with data on forage quality, animal locations, and nutritional condition of individuals. At the population level, elk in the desert selected areas that reduced costs of thermoregulation over those that provided the highest‐quality forage. In the forest, however, costs imposed by the thermal environment were less pronounced, and elk selected areas that increased access to high‐quality forage over those that reduced costs of thermoregulation. At the individual level, nutritional condition did not influence strength of selection for low‐cost areas or high‐quality forage among elk in the forest. In the desert, however, strength of selection for low‐cost areas (but not forage quality) was state dependent; individuals in the poorest condition at the end of winter showed the strongest selection for areas that reduced costs of thermoregulation during spring and summer, and also expended the least amount of energy on locomotion. Our results highlight the importance of understanding the roles of behavior and nutritional condition in buffering endotherms against direct and indirect effects of climate on fitness.
The estimation of tax-benefit automatic stabilizers in Serbia: A combined micro-macro approach
Authors: Randjelovic Sasa
Published: November 2013

The large volatility of GDP due to the economic crisis, particularly in
transition economies, has brought the issue of automatic stabilizers back
into the focus of economic policy. The vast majority of empirical literature
in this field relates to the estimation of the size of automatic stabilizers
in developed countries, usually based on macroeconomic data. On the other
hand empirical literature on this topic based on micro data, particularly for
transition economies, is limited. This paper provides an evaluation of the
size of automatic stabilizers in one transition economy (Serbia), by
combining tax-benefit simulation modelling based on micro data and
econometric methods based on macroeconomic data. The results show that, in
the case of shock, around 17% of fall in market income would be absorbed by
automatic stabilizers. Although the stabilizing effects of the tax-benefit
system in Serbia are lower than in other European countries, the total size
of automatic stabilizers is close to the average value in these countries,
due to the higher elasticity of demand to income. The results also show that
progressivity-enhancing income tax reform would only slightly increase
automatic stabilizers, due to the large informal economy and the large share
of agriculture in total households? income.
Iodine mediated one-pot synthesis of 3-cyano and 3-cyano-4-methylcoumarins
Authors: Sharma Dinesh , Makrandi Jagdish
Published: November 2013

2-Hydroxybenzaldehydes 1a-e on reaction with malononitrile 2 in the presence
of iodine as catalyst give 3-cyanocoumarins 3a-e in one step under thermal
heating as well as microwave irradiations. The latter conditions are much
more efficient in terms of time (2-5 minutes) and yield as compared to
thermal conditions (2-2.5 hours). Following similar procedure,
3-cyano-4-methylcoumarins 3f-i have also been prepared by the reaction of
2-hydroxyacetophenones 1f-i with malononitrile 2.
Fenton-like oxidation of azo dye using mesoporous Fe/TiO2 prepared by microwave-assisted hydrothermal process
Authors: Nesic Jelena , Manojlovic Dragan , Jovic Milica , Dojcinovic Biljana , Vulic Predrag , Krstic Jugoslav , Roglic Goran
Published: November 2013

Fe-doped TiO2 photocatalysts with different content of Fe (0.5, 1.6, 3.4 and
6.4%) were synthesized by the microwave-hydrothermal method and
characterized by XRD, N2 physisorption at 77 K and DRS. The characterization
showed that Fe ions are highly dispersed in the TiO2 lattice. It was found
that all the synthesized catalysts had the mesoporous structure and Fe
doping increased BET surface areas. The UV-Vis study showed that the
absorption spectra shifted to a longer wavelength (red shift) with an
increase in the dopant concentration. The photocatalytic activity of the
samples was evaluated by the decolorization of textile dye Reactive Blue 52
(RB) in aqueous solutions under sun-like radiation in the presence of H2O2
(heterogeneous photo-Fenton process). The photocatalyst with 3.4% Fe was
found to be the most efficient with H2O2. The effect of the initial pH of
the dye solution was assessed and dissolution of iron ions was studied, as a
function of pH value. It was concluded that decolorization is more favorable
in acidic pH and when pH >4, the releasing of Fe ions in solution was
negligible. Photocatalytic degradation of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) was
investigated under the optimal conditions and proved that our catalyst was
capable to degrade colorless pollutants.
Purinergic responses of chondrogenic stem cells to dynamic loading
Authors: Gadjanski Ivana , Vunjak-Novakovic Gordana
Published: November 2013

In habitually loaded tissues, dynamic loading can trigger ATP (adenosine 5?-
triphosphate) release to extracellular environment, and result in calcium
signaling via ATP binding to purine P2 receptors1. In the current study we
have compared purinergic responses (ATP release) of two types of cells:
bovine chondrocytes (bCHs) and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) that were
encapsulated in agarose and subjected to dynamic loading. Both cell types
were cultured under chondrogenic conditions, and their responses to loading
were evaluated by ATP release assay in combination with connexin
(Cx)-sensitive fluorescent dye (Lucifer Yellow - LY) and a Cx-hemichannel
blocker (Flufenamic acid - FFA). In response to dynamic loading, chondrogenic
hMSCs released significantly higher amounts of ATP (5-fold) in comparison to
the bCHs early in culture (day 2). Triggering of LY uptake in the bCHs and
hMSCs by dynamic loading implies opening of the Cx-hemichannels. However, the
number of LY-positive cells in hMSC-constructs was 2.5-fold lower compared to
the loaded bCH-constructs, suggesting utilization of additional mechanisms of
ATP release. Cx-reactive sites were detected in both bCHs and
hMSCs-constructs. FFA application led to reduced ATP release both in bCHs and
hMSCs, which confirms the involvement of connexin hemichannels, with more
prominent effects in bCHs than in hMSCs, further implying the existence of
additional mechanism of ATP release in chondrogenic hMSCs. Taken together,
these results indicate stronger purinergic response to dynamic loading of
chondrogenic hMSCs than primary chondrocytes, by activation of connexin
hemichannels and additional mechanisms of ATP release.
Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp - is it really a rare condition?
Authors: Levakov Olivera , Gajic Branislava
Published: November 2013

Introduction. Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp (EPDS) is a rare
disorder of unknown etiology that usually occurs in the elderly and is
characterized by multiple pustules, erosions and crusts that appear on the
scalp leading to scarring alopecia. The histopathology and laboratory tests
are not specific which is the reason that EPDS is a frequently misdiagnosed
condition. Case report. We presented two patients with EPDS. The first
patient had the known history of local trauma, both patients had chronic
recidivant process, classic clinical presentations, and nonspecific
histological findings. Each patient had prompt therapeutical response to
potent topical steroids. Conclusion. The diagnosis of EPDS can be made if a
condition fulfills the following criteria: atrophic or actinic damaged skin,
clinical association of erosions, pustules, scales and crusts, no specific
histopathology, no infectious agent found responsible for the condition, and
chronic course leading to scarring alopecia, and prompt response to the
treatment with topical steroids. The history of chemical or physical trauma
is often present.
Medical expertise in criminal and civil proceedings
Authors: Mrvic-Petrovic Natasa , Ciric Jovan , Pocuca Milan
Published: November 2013

nema
Microvasculature of the suspensory ligament of the forelimb of horses
Authors: Williams Megan R. , Arnoczky Steven P. , Pease Anthony P. , Stick John A.
Published: November 2013

Objective—To determine the microvascular anatomy of the suspensory ligament of the forelimb of horses.

Sample—17 cadaveric forelimbs from 9 adult horses with no known history of forelimb lameness.

Procedures—The median artery of the forelimb was cannulated proximal to the antebrachiocarpal joint and injected with contrast medium for CT evaluation of the gross vasculature (n = 2) or India ink to evaluate the microvasculature (12). Routine histologic evaluation was performed on an additional 3 forelimbs to confirm the microvascular anatomy.

Results—The vascular supply of the suspensory ligament of the forelimb originated from branches of the medial and lateral palmar and palmar metacarpal vessels as well as the proximal and distal deep palmar arches. An abundant, longitudinally oriented microvascular supply was evident throughout the length of the suspensory ligament without distinct variation among the proximal, midbody, and distal regions. The intraligamentous blood supply originated from a periligamentous vascular plexus that surrounded the suspensory ligament throughout its length. Histologic findings indicated the presence of a periligamentous connective tissue plexus, which contained vessels that penetrated and anastomosed with an extensive network of intraligamentous vessels throughout the length of the suspensory ligament.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The suspensory ligament of the equine forelimb had an abundant intraligamentous microvascular supply throughout its entire length. The absence of an obvious hypovascular area suggested that regional variations in healing rates of the suspensory ligament are not associated with the microvascular anatomy.
Short-term effect of ovariectomy on measures of insulin sensitivity and response to dexamethasone administration in horses
Authors: Bertin François R. , Pader Karine S. , Lescun Timothy B. , Sojka-Kritchevsky Janice E.
Published: November 2013

Objective—To evaluate the effect of ovariectomy on insulin sensitivity in horses and determine whether the effects of suppression of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis differ before and after ovariectomy.

Animals—6 healthy mares.

Procedures—The horses underwent an IV glucose tolerance test (IVGTT), an insulin sensitivity test, and a dexamethasone suppression test before and 5 weeks after ovariectomy. Body weight, serum cortisol and plasma ACTH concentrations, serum insulin-to-blood glucose concentration ratios, and changes in blood glucose concentration with time after injection of glucose or insulin were compared before and after ovariectomy.

Results—The dexamethasone injection resulted in a decrease in serum cortisol concentration before and after ovariectomy. In all horses, baseline plasma ACTH concentrations were within the reference range before and after ovariectomy. For each mare, results of an IVGTT before and after ovariectomy were considered normal. No significant differences in basal blood glucose concentration or time to reach baseline glucose concentration after an IVGTT were observed. Basal serum insulin concentration and serum insulin-to-blood glucose concentration ratios were not significantly different before or after ovariectomy, nor was the mean time to attain a 50% decrease in blood glucose concentration after insulin injection.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that ovariectomy does not appear to modify dexamethasone response in horses and that it does not modify short-term measures of insulin sensitivity. Findings suggested that horses undergoing ovariectomy are not at higher risk of developing equine metabolic syndrome or hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction and associated morbidity.
Assessment of calcitonin response to experimentally induced hypercalcemia in cats
Authors: Pineda Carmen , Aguilera-Tejero Escolastico , Raya Ana I. , Guerrero Fatima , Rodriguez Mariano , Lopez Ignacio
Published: November 2013

Objective—To characterize the dynamics of calcitonin secretion in response to experimentally induced hypercalcemia in cats.

Animals—13 healthy adult European Shorthair cats.

Procedures—For each cat, the calcitonin response to hypercalcemia (defined as an increase in ionized calcium concentration > 0.3mM) was investigated by infusing calcium chloride solution and measuring circulating calcitonin concentrations before infusion (baseline) and at various ionized calcium concentrations. Calcitonin expression in the thyroid glands of 10 of the cats was investigated by immunohistochemical analysis.

Results—Preinfusion baseline plasma calcitonin concentrations were very low in many cats, sometimes less than the limit of detection of the assay. Cats had a heterogeneous calcitonin response to hypercalcemia. Calcitonin concentrations only increased in response to hypercalcemia in 6 of 13 cats; in those cats, the increase in calcitonin concentration was quite variable. In cats that responded to hypercalcemia, calcitonin concentration increased from 1.3 ± 0.3 pg/mL at baseline ionized calcium concentration to a maximum of 21.2 ± 8.4 pg/mL at an ionized calcium concentration of 1.60mM. Cats that did not respond to hypercalcemia had a flat calcitonin-to-ionized calcium concentration curve that was not modified by changes in ionized calcium concentration. A significant strong correlation (r = 0.813) was found between the number of calcitonin-positive cells in the thyroid gland and plasma calcitonin concentrations during hypercalcemia.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Healthy cats had very low baseline plasma calcitonin concentrations. A heterogeneous increase in plasma calcitonin concentration in response to hypercalcemia, which correlated with the expression of calcitonin-producing cells in the thyroid, was identified in cats.
Effects of quaternary benzo(c)phenanthridine alkaloids on growth performance, shedding of organisms, and gastrointestinal tract integrity in pigs inoculated with multidrug-resistant Salmonella spp
Authors: Robbins Rebecca C. , Artuso-Ponte Valeria C. , Moeser Adam J. , Morrow W. E. Morgan , Spears Jerry W. , Gebreyes Wondwossen A.
Published: November 2013

Objective—To evaluate effects of quaternary benzo(c)phenanthridine alkaloids (QBAs) against Salmonella spp and determine effects on growth performance, organism shedding, and gastrointestinal tract integrity in pigs inoculated with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium.

Sample—36 Salmonella isolates and twenty 5-week-old pigs.

Procedures—Minimum inhibitory concentration of QBAs against the Salmonella isolates was determined. Pigs were allocated to 4 groups and inoculated with Salmonella organisms. Pigs received diets supplemented with 1.5 g of QBAs/1,000 kg of feed, 0.75 g of QBAs/1,000 kg of feed, or 59.4 g of chlortetracycline/1,000 kg of feed or a nonsupplemented (control) diet. Pigs were weighed on day 0 and then weekly for 40 days. Fecal samples were collected to quantify Salmonella organisms. Gastrointestinal tract integrity was evaluated by measuring transepithelial resistance.

Results—In vitro, 9 of 36 (25%) Salmonella isolates were inhibited at 90 μg of QBAs/mL; all 36 were inhibited at 179 μg of QBAs/mL. Diets containing QBAs significantly decreased Salmonella spp shedding; shedding was lower 40 days after inoculation for pigs fed diets containing QBAs or chlortetracycline than for pigs fed the control diet. Growth performance was similar for pigs fed diets containing QBA or chlortetracycline. Gastrointestinal tract integrity was improved in pigs fed the diet containing 1.5 g of QBAs/1,000 kg of feed.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—QBAs and chlortetracycline decreased Salmonella spp shedding but did not differ with regard to growth performance. Gastrointestinal tract integrity was better, albeit not significantly, in pigs fed diets containing QBAs. Further investigation into the role of QBAs and their mechanism as an immunomodulator is necessary.
Corrosion resistance of tungsten and nickel in molten eutectic mixture LiF-NaF
Authors: Ambrová Marta , Danielik Vladimír
Published: November 2013

Corrosion resistance of tungsten and nickel in molten eutectic LiF-NaF was investigated by measurement of polarization resistance and chronopotentiometry. Results obtained by both methods were compared by digital simulation of diffusion of corrosion products. All measurements were carried out at the temperature of 680 °C in two types of atmospheres; in inert argon and oxidation air atmosphere. It was found that presence of air (oxygen) significantly decreases corrosion resistance of used metals. From tested materials, tungsten was more corrosion resistant material than nickel in both types of atmospheres. Obtained results were also compared with those measured in the molten eutectic LiF-NaF-KF earlier.
Ab initio study of the structure and energetic of pyridine dimers
Authors: Sladek Vladimir , Ilčin Michal
Published: November 2013

Strong correlation of stabilization energies of π-stacked pyridine and fluorinated pyridine dimers with various relative orientations is presented. Four possible orientations of the monomers were considered. A SAPT decomposition of the interaction energies is presented and briefly discussed. The dominant electrostatic contribution to the stabilization energy is found in some dimers and its possible origin is addressed in the discussion. An outline of possible future studies is introduced.
Robust control of a chemical reactor with uncertainties
Authors: Vasičkaninová Anna , Bakošová Monika
Published: November 2013

This work deals with the design and the application of a robust control to a chemical reactor. The reactor is exothermic one. There are two parameters with only approximately known values in the reactor. These parameters are the reaction enthalpies. Because of the presence of uncertainty, the robust output feedback is designed. Two robust controllers are designed, the first one is based on the small gain theorem and the second one uses the H2/H∞ control techniques. The presented experimental results confirm applicability of mentioned approaches to safe control of nonlinear processes.
Fuel additives production: ethyl-t-butyl ether, a case study
Authors: Mikuš Vladimír , Ridzoňová Martina , Steltenpohl Pavol
Published: November 2013

The students frequenting the program Chemical Engineering at the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology of the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava are taught to be able to combine and develop their knowledge acquired in the area of chemical, energetic, environmental, and safety engineering. Prior to completing their study, they are obliged to develop a report regarding engineering, economic, and safety analysis of important chemical technology. This paper presents the most valuable outputs of the student’s Technology project aimed on simulation and optimization of the fuel additives production technology. 2-Ethoxy-2-methylpropane (ethyl-t-butyl ether, ETBE) production based on liquid-phase etherification of 2-methylpropene with ethanol in the presence of heterogeneous catalyst was studied. Different patented technologies were investigated in terms of their profitability and safeness. The first technology was an isothermal reactor with the product separation via distillation (Kochar & Marcell, 1981). The next ETBE production design assumed was a modification of the previous one; the product separation was carried out using liquid-phase extraction (Pucci et al., 1992). The last design considered in this study was a reactive distillation column with a pre-reactor (Bakshi et al., 1992). In all three technologies, etherification reaction was carried out using Amberlyst ion-exchange resin in its H+ form as the catalyst. Selected ETBE production designs were simulated using Aspen+ program. Their profitability was compared on basis of the investment and operation costs assessment taking into account both the produced ETBE yield and purity. Further, basic safety analysis of all chosen technologies was performed in order to identify possible hazards. Finally, individual and social risk connected with the plant operation was computed. Taking into account these economic and safety criteria, the best alternative for ETBE production was the reactive distillation.
Design of Robust PI Controller for Counter-Current Tubular Heat Exchangers
Authors: Závacká Jana , Bakošová Monika
Published: November 2013

The paper presents an approach for robust PI controller design for a system affected by parametric uncertainty. The method is based on plotting the stability boundary locus in the plane of controller parameters that is called (kp, ki)-plane. Designed robust PI controller is implemented for control of two counter-current tubular heat exchangers in series with uncertain parameters, in which kerosene as a product of distillation in a refinery has to be cooled by water. The controlled variable is the temperature of the outlet stream of the kerosene from the second heat exchanger and the control input is the volumetric flow rate of the inlet stream of the cold water in the second heat exchanger. Simulation results of robust PI control of heat exchangers are also presented.
Effectiveness of photodecomposition of rhodamine B and malachite green upon coupled tricomponent TiO2(Anatase-Rutile)/ZnO nanocomposite
Authors: Zhang Dongfang
Published: November 2013

In this study, mixed phase ZnO-TiO2 nanocomposite consisting of hexagonal ZnO and anatase/rutile TiO2 has been synthesized via sol-gel process.The physical and photochemical properties of samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS), photoluminscience spectra (PL) and and photocurrent action spectra techniques. In the case of minerlization of rhodamine B (RhB) and malachite green (MG) dyes, the coupled ZnO-TiO2 nanocomposite with the suitable band structure and the lowest photoluminescence intensity showed the best photodecolorization activity. Synergistic effects between the two oxides for photocatalytic decomposition of RhB and MG are proposed to elucidate the decolorization mechanism. The lifetime of electrons and holes was prolonged in the ZnO-anatase/rutile multiple-component system, which can enhance the light harvest and the ability of generating photo-induced electron-hole pairs of active sites, and the favorable electron-transfer properties in the coupled ZnO-TiO2 nanocomposite. Therefore, the as-prepared ZnO-TiO2 nanocomposite showed an excellent efficiency towards the removal of aqueous organic dyes and it is of certain significance for environmental photocatalysis.
Regulatory Patterns of the Internet Development: Expanding the Role of Private Stakeholders through Mediatized “Self-regulation”
Authors: Solarte-Vasquez Maria Claudia
Published: November 2013

This article studies the Internet from an evolutionary point of view, based on historic analysis, to confirm institutional change predictions suggested by Utterback’s innovation development theory. It explores the appearance of rules and the consolidation of public and private initiatives that could enhance the capacity of the private sector to coregulate in the digital sphere, which is especially relevant to the field of electronic commerce-related transactions. This institutional review distinguishes between two distinct layers of the Internet. Also, formal and informal regulatory patterns are identified in their evolutionary stages, revealing the prevailing models: unregulated, self-regulated, co-regulated, or regulated. These conceptual associations aim to provide a framework scheme to further study specific topics in the fields of Internet governance, digital economy, and the information society. This primer should also induce interdisciplinary research, for better understanding on how rules influence digital innovation and behaviour, in practice. Implicit in this account is that most of the credit for the efficient development of these technologies, in their two layers, during their first stages, might be attributed to the availability of collective, collaborating, or independent self-regulatory capacity. The most immediate observations show a growing tendency towards over-prescriptive regulatory systems, promoted to control its use and content; incompatible with the needs and interests of the majority of stakeholders. A concluding claim is that the Internet and telecommunication technologies in general, considered as enabling mediums, would benefit from dynamic and mixed regulatory solutions, according to and depending on whether their object is their infrastructure or the surface layer of its applications.
Innovative Financial Instruments in EU Funding Schemes
Authors: Branten Eva , Purju Alari
Published: November 2013

Innovative financial instruments, in the context of the funding schemes of the European Union, are different from funding by way of direct subsidies. These financial instruments can be divided in two large groups: instruments offering risk capital and equity capital and debt instruments. The instruments help to engage resources from the private sector in projects which might be considered too risky without the said instruments and the implementation of which would be impossible or related to significantly higher expenses for the promoter of the project. As seen from Estonia’s perspective, up until now the use and impact of innovative financial instruments have generally met the expectations. In view of the diversity of areas and target groups of the innovative financial instruments planned within the framework of European Union’s Financial Framework 2014-2020, it may be presumed that several new instruments will be successfully implemented in Estonia.
The European Union in the Estonian Public Discourse
Authors: Vaaks Katri
Published: November 2013

Debates about the democratic legitimacy of the European Union (EU) have been prevalent amongst scholars since its beginning. Students have analysed the legitimacy of the EU in terms of various normative criteria. But how is the EU legitimated in individual Member States and more so in an economic and sovereignty crisis when loyalties are particularly tested? The current study sheds light on it, scrutinising the conceptions associated with the EU in a country case of Estonia. Discourse analysis is used as a methodological tool to analyse the political discourse in printed media. The results indicate that the legitimation of the EU is derived from its output-oriented strategies, seeing the EU largely in instrumental terms.
Inland Excess Water Projection Based on Meteorological and Pedological Monitoring Data on a Study Area Located in the Southern Part of the Great Hungarian Plain
Authors: Barta Károly
Published: November 2013

The research investigated the process of excess water formation. Complex measurement stations were developed in order to determine the most important hydro-meteorological and soil factors contributing to the formation of excess water. The stations measure the amount of precipitation, evapotranspiration, evaporation from water surface, soil moisture in 3 different depths; soil temperature in 5 different depths; furthermore, soil water level. The study area is located in the southeastern part of Hungary, near Szeged, in the flood plain of Tisza and Maros with extremely clayey soils. The former soil data were completed by new soil survey to determine several soil parameters (e.g. bulk density, porosity, field capacity, saturated hydraulic conductivity). Infiltration was calculated from the measured parameters and water budget elements of bigger rainfall event were analyzed between March 2010 and August 2011. Genetic types of excess water can be separated based on the data.
The Advantages of Using Sequential Stochastic Simulations when Mapping Small-Scale Heterogeneities of the Groundwater Level
Authors: Mucsi László , Geiger János , Malvic Tomislav
Published: November 2013

In the environmental risk assessment of oil fields, a detailed knowledge of the heterogeneity of groundwater surfaces is absolutely indispensable. Based on theoretical considerations, in order to analyse small-scale heterogeneities, we decided that the Sequential Gaussian Simulation (SGS) approach seemed to be the most appropriate one. This method gives preference to the reproduction of small-scale heterogeneities at the expense of local accuracy. To test whether this kind of heterogeneity of the groundwater level corresponds to sedimentological variability, a point bar of the River Tisza (South-Hungary) was chosen. In variograms, the longest range was derived from the large-scale sedimentological heterogeneity of the point-bar, the medium range was in accordance with the radius of the meander and its direction coincided with the depositional strike of the meander, while the shortest range corresponded to the lateral heterogeneity of the deposits where the ground water level was measured. The similarities and differences of the realizations of SGS express the uncertainty of the map representation of the ground water surface. The E-type estimates of 100 equiprobable realizations resulted in a very detailed surface. The hydraulic gradient map obtained from the E-type estimates can provide us with a better understanding of the local flow characteristics.
Comparison of Pipette and Laser Diffraction Methods in Determining the Granulometric Content of Fluvial Sediment Samples
Authors: Kun Ágnes , Katona Orsolya , Sipos György , Barta Károly
Published: November 2013

Nowadays there is a growing demand for rapid and accurate determination of grain size distribution. The conventional pipette method is time-consuming and provides less detailed data compared to recently introduced methods. However, in Hungarian practice the pipette method is still considered to be the standard one, as there are a long series of measurements, and grain size thresholds used in sedimentology and soil sciences are based on this approach. The aim of our research was to determine the comparability of the laser diffraction method (LDM) with the conventional pipette method (PM), in order to investigate the controversial question on the interchangeability of the two methods. Based on our measurements on some representative fluvial sediment samples, we found that the largest difference in results can be expected in the silty grain size range. However if the main fractions (clay, silt, sand) are considered the methods provided similar very results, and correlation factors were above 0.92. In all, the LDM has a clear advantage because of its speed, reproducibility and fewer possibilities for operator failure.
Comparison of coagulation behaviour and floc characteristics of polyaluminium chloride (PAX 18, PAX XL19H, ALCAT) with surface water treatment
Authors: Bigaj Izabela M. , Brzozowska Renata , Łopata Michał , Wiśniewski Grzegorz , Dunalska Julita A. , Szymański Daniel , Zieliński Rafał A.
Published: November 2013

Coagulation behaviour of polyaluminium chloride (PACl) was comparatively investigated in terms of the removal of turbidity and colour with surface water. The growth of flocs was also compared. The results show that the decrease in saturation and values of dissolved oxygen was ca. 20% for ALCAT and PAX 18 at both dosages and 15% for PAX XL 19H, respectively. The floc formation growth indicated that PACl coagulation occurred not only by charge neutralization but also by a form of sweep flocculation. Besides, flocs formed by ALCAT had better sizes than the flocs formed by PAX 18 and PAX XL19H. The rate of sedimentation was stable during coagulation with higher doses, and it was dependent on the substance used.
Boron and manganese fractions in dystrophic lake waters (Wigry National Park, NE Poland)
Authors: Cudowski Adam , Górniak Andrzej Stefan , Hryniewicka Marta
Published: November 2013

Physicochemical studies in four dystrophic lakes (Suchar Wielki, Suchar II, Suchar IV, and Wądołek) were carried out in Wigry National Park, NE Poland. Total manganese concentrations oscillated within the range of 386.6-647.5 μg Mn dm-3, while those of soluble reactive manganese, 112.5-328.2 μg Mn dm-3. Fairly high boron contents were recorded in the studied lakes, which amounted to 0.09-2.20 mg B dm-3. The increase in dissolved reactive manganese (DRMn) and decrease in dissolved boron concentration with the lake depth were observed. Almost half (47%) of the total manganese pool was composed of dissolved reactive soluble fraction (DRMn), then dissolved organic form (DOMn, 41%), whereas the particulate fraction (PMn) made up the smallest share (12%). Microbial decomposition of lake organic matter disappears and requirements of authotrophic plankton for Mn2+ decreases when the water temperature drops, thus the fraction prevails. The following regularity was recorded in all analysed dystrophic lakes: iron concentration decreases along with the depth, hence boron content can also be observed due to precipitated borates to bottom sediments, where they are accumulated.
Plankton communities in oxbow lakes of the River Vistula (Oświęcim Basin) with bottom sediments heterogeneously contaminated with heavy metals
Authors: Gadzinowska Joanna
Published: November 2013

This study presents plankton communities (phytoplankton and zooplankton) in the three reservoirs of the River Vistula’s oxbow lake near Zator (Oświęcim Basin). Selected physicochemical parameters of the oxbow lake waters and the bottom sediments were analysed. Aquatic ecosystems in the investigated area have been heterogeneously contaminated with heavy metals (mostly by zinc, cadmium, lead and chromium), because of contaminated waters of the Vistula, and with manganese and iron. The highest differences were observed between Krajskie and Miejsce oxbow lakes among chlorides and the conductivity of the water and among Cr and Fe in the bottom sediments. This indicates a strong influence of the River Vistula. The plankton structure was different in each of the oxbow lakes. The index of taxa similarity showed also differences in the structure of plankton in oxbow lakes, which was convergent with the chemical parameters of oxbow lakes. The index of taxa similarity was similar for all three oxbow lakes only for one group of algae (Chlorophyta) and one group of plankton animals (Rotatoria). Lower similarity was shown between one oxbow lake impacted by the River Vistula (Krajskie) and another oxbow lake completely separated from the River Vistula (Oko).
The Soil Temperature Regime in the Urban and Suburban Landscapes of Olomouc, Czech Republic
Authors: Lehnert Michal
Published: November 2013

The soil temperature regime is a relevant part of comprehensive topoclimatic research. Soil temperature data series measured at selected stations of the metropolitan station system of Olomouc in 2010-2011 were analysed. The focus was on the identification of geofactors influencing the soil temperature regime in the area of interest. The possibility of soil temperature simulation using knowledge of local specifics of the soil temperature regime was verified. The results indicate that the variability of the soil temperature regime was, apart from physical and chemical properties of soil, determined predominately by the character of the relief and the occurrence of related atmospheric inversions. The impact of the urban landscape on the soil temperature regime was not demonstrated. Average daily soil temperature was simulated with satisfying results, based on a model adjusted for a period without snow cover. The results represent a basis for further research on geofactors influencing the soil temperature regime in Olomouc and its surroundings.
Post-mastectomy radiotherapy benefits subgroups of breast cancer patients with T1-2 tumor and 1–3 axillary lymph node(s) metastasis
Authors: Su Yu-Li , Li Shan-Hsuan , Chen Yen-Yang , Chen Hui-Chun , Tang Yen , Huang Cheng-Hua , Chou Fong-Fu , Wu Shih-Chung , Rau Kun-Ming
Published: November 2013

Background. To determine the role of postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) in breast cancer patients with T1-2 and N1 disease.

Patients and methods. A total of 207 postmastectomy women were enrolled. The 5-year Kaplan-Meier estimates of locoregional recurrence rate (LRR), distant recurrence rate (DRR) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed by different tumor characteristics. Multivariate analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards modeling.

Results. With median follow-up 59.5 months, the 5-year LRR, DRR and OS were 9.1%, 20.3% and 84.4%, respectively. On univariate analysis, age < 40 years old (p = 0.003) and Her-2/neu over-expression (p = 0.016) were associated with higher LRR, whereas presence of LVI significantly predicted higher DRR (p = 0.026). Negative estrogen status (p = 0.033), Her-2/neu overexpression (p = 0.001) and LVI (p = 0.01) were significantly correlated with worse OS. PMRT didn’t prove to reduce 5-year LRR (p = 0.107), as well as 5-year OS (p = 0.918). In subgroup analysis, PMRT showed significant benefits of improvement LRR and OS in patients with positive LVI.

Conclusions. For patients with T1-2 and N1 stage breast cancer, PMRT can decrease locoregional recurrence and increase overall survival only in patients with lymphovascular invasion.
Academic Content, Student Learning, and the Persistence of Preschool Effects
Authors: Claessens Amy , Engel Mimi , Curran F. Chris
Published: November 2013

Little research has examined the relationship between academic content coverage in kindergarten and student achievement. Using nationally representative data, we examine the association between reading and mathematics content coverage in kindergarten and student learning, both overall and for students who attended preschool, Head Start, or participated in other child care prior to kindergarten entry. We find that all children benefit from exposure to advanced content in reading and mathematics and that students do not benefit from basic content coverage. Interestingly, this is true regardless of whether they attended preschool, began kindergarten with more advanced skills, or are from families with low income. Policy implications are discussed.
Evaluation of Iron Status in Diabetic CKD Stage 5 Pre- Dialysis Patients
Authors: Haque Wasim Md. Mohosinul , Mahmud Arif , Rahmin Muhammad Abdur , Jahan Jesmin , Sajjad Sarker Mohammad , Ahmed AKM Shaheen , Uddin Khwaja Nazim
Published: November 2013

Objective: To evaluate the iron status among patients with diabetes mellitus and CKD stage 5, who have not started dialysis yet. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried on a total of 50 adult diabetic patients with stage 5 CKD, in the Department of Nephrology, BIRDEM General Hospital, Dhaka over 6 months. Results: Total number of patients was 50. Sixty two percent were male and 38% were female. Mean age was 55.22 (range 33-75) years. Mean± SD hemoglobin and ferritin levels were 7.61±2.54 mg/dl and 155.22±92.32 ng/ml respectively. Seventy percent of the study subjects had haemoglobin level d 9 mg/dl. In 48% of the study subjects, ferritin level was less than 100ng/ml. Fourty six percent of the study subjects had TSAT level below 20%. Haemoglobin, serum ferritin and TSAT level in the study subjects had negative relationship with duration of CKD. Haemoglobin and serum ferritin levels were positively correlated with eGFR of the study population. TIBC level had negative relationship with haemoglobin level which was statistically significant. Serum iron, ferritin and TSAT level in the study subjects were positively correlated with haemoglobin level. Relationship of haemoglobin with serum iron and TSAT level was statistically significant. Statistical analysis showed relationship between eGFR with haemoglobin and serum ferritin level was significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Most of the diabetic CKD stage 5 patients had reduced hemoglobin level and iron deficiency is one of the contributory factors and TSAT is the better indicator for iron deficiency than serum iron, TIBC and ferritin level. Birdem Med J 2013; 3(1): 5-10 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/birdem.v3i1.17120
Names of the Reviewers of Articles in Vol.3(1)
Authors: Editor The
Published: November 2013

Birdem Med J 2013; 3(1): 71 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/birdem.v3i1.17140
Double-Acting Sleeve Muscle Actuator for Bio-Robotic Systems
Authors: Zheng Hao , Shen Xiangrong
Published: November 2013

This paper presents a new type of muscle-like actuator, namely double-acting (DA) sleeve muscle actuator, which is suitable for the actuation of biologically-inspired and biomedical robotic systems, especially those serving human-assistance purposes (prostheses, orthoses, etc.). Developed based on the traditional pneumatic muscle actuator, the new DA sleeve muscle incorporates a unique insert at the center. With the insert occupying the central portion of the internal volume, this new actuator enjoys multiple advantages relative to the traditional pneumatic muscle, including a consistent increase of force capacity over the entire range of motion, and a significant decrease of energy consumption in operation. Furthermore, the insert encompasses an additional chamber, which generates an extension force when pressurized. As such, this new actuator provides a unique bi-directional actuation capability, and, thus, has a potential to significantly simplify the design of a muscle actuator-powered robotic system. To demonstrate this new actuator concept, a prototype has been designed and fabricated, and experiments conducted on this prototype demonstrated the enhanced force capacity and the unique bi-directional actuation capability.
Deformation of Honeycomb with Finite Boundary Subjected to Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Chen Dai-Heng , Ushijima Kuniharu
Published: November 2013

In this paper, the crushing behavior of hexagonal honeycomb structures with finite boundaries (finite width and height) subjected to in-plane uniaxial compressive loading is studied based on the nonlinear finite element analysis. It is found that stress-strain responses for the honeycombs with finite boundaries can be classified into two types: Type I and Type II. Such a characteristic is affected by the wall thickness, the work-hardening coefficient and the yield stress for the honeycombs. Furthermore, a transition from the symmetric to asymmetric deformation mode can be observed in Type I, and these deformed cells were localized in a horizontal layer. However, for the case of Type II response, the symmetric and asymmetric deformation modes can be observed simultaneously, and the region of the asymmetric mode was formed by the cell layer along the diagonal direction. As a result, the shear deformation behavior was developed along that direction. Moreover, the effect of work-hardening on the deformation behavior for the honeycombs with finite boundaries can be explained from that for infinite honeycombs.
Three New Ursane-Type Triterpenoids from the Stems of Saprosma merrillii
Authors: Zhang Dashuai , Chen Wenhao , Chen Wenxing , Song Xiaoping , Han Changri , Wang Yan , Chen Guangying
Published: November 2013

Three new ursane-type triterpenoids, 3α,6α,30-trihydroxy-ursan-28-oic acid (1), 3α,30-dihydroxy-6-oxo-ursan-28-oic acid (2) and 3α,6α,7α,30-tetrahydroxy-ursan-28-oic acid (3), together with one known triterpenoid, betulinic acid (4), one known anthraquinone, 1,7-dihydroxy-2-methylanthraquinone (5), four known phenols, 1,3,5-trimethoxybenzene (6), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (7), syringic acid (8), isovanillin (9), two steroids, sitosterol (10) and daucosterol (11), were isolated from the ethanol extract of the stems of S. merrillii. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of physical and spectral techniques, besides comparison with literature data. Compounds 1–3 showed inhibitory activities against the A549, HEPG2, and B16F10 cell lines.