bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regeneration traits are structuring phylogenetic diversity in cork oak (Quercus suber) woodlands
Authors: Coca Manuel , Pausas Juli G. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractQuestion: What factors determine the deviations from the relationship between species richness (which considers species as independent entities) and phylogenetic diversity (PD) (which considers species relatedness)? What are the implications for community composition and phylogenetic structure?Location: Los Alcornocales Natural Park (36°03′–36°45′N and 5°20′–5°45′W), in southern Iberian Peninsula (Spain).Methods: We recorded all woody species and geographical features on 94 (20 m × 20 m) plots of cork oak woodlands. Disturbance information was obtained from the Park records; precipitation was estimated from local maps. PD was computed as the minimum total length of all the phylogenetic branches spanning the set of species on each site. Then, PD was regressed against species richness to test to what extent the unexplained variance in this relationship could be accounted for by environmental variables and disturbances, and against the representation of species with different regeneration strategies.Results: Species richness and PD are strongly related; however, the remaining variability can be explained by: (1) precipitation and disturbance, and (2) the proportion of seeder species. Thus, the PD both of areas with low precipitation and high disturbance, and of areas with a high representation of seeder species, is lower than what would be expected from the species richness.Conclusions: Regeneration traits are important in structuring plant community composition; specifically, they contribute to shaping biodiversity in Mediterranean ecosystems. Species richness tends to overestimate biodiversity in highly disturbed systems.
Autonomy Markers in Brazilian Adults With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Dos Santos Flávia Heloísa , Groth Silvana Maria , Machado Maria Luiza 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between autonomy markers in adult people with intellectual disabilities (ID) and variables such as intelligence quotient (IQ), early aging, and literacy. Participants were 47 adults with ID (33 men; aged 28–58 years with nonspecific etiology, 34 literate). All participants were trainees at the Center for Training of Capacity and Orientation for Employment at Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais de São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil. They were divided into two age groups: younger (n = 27, mean age 31.85; ±2.23), and older (n = 38, mean age 41.84; ±5.54). They were administered intelligence scales twice, and answered questions related to social participation, community integration, and choice‐making; the percentage of item responses leaning toward self‐determination and freedom in choice‐making was considered in defining the autonomy score. For both groups, IQ declined from the first to the second assessment. Autonomy scores were more determined by IQ classification than by literacy. Authors concluded that autonomy in people with ID is a multifactorial phenomenon associated with cognitive decline.
Sexual Dysfunctions and Suicidality in Patients with Bipolar Disorder and Unipolar Depression
Authors: Dell’Osso Liliana , Carmassi Claudia , Carlini Marina , Rucci Paola , Torri Paolo , Cesari Daniela , Landi Paola , Ciapparelli Antonio , Maggi Mario 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Impairment in sexual function is frequent and underestimated in patients with mental disorders, particularly in those with mood disorders. Few studies have examined the relationship between sexual dysfunctions and the clinical characteristics of mood disorders.

Aim
The aim of the present study was to explore the frequency of sexual dysfunctions in patients with bipolar I disorder (BD) and unipolar depression (UD) with respect to control subjects, as well as their relationship with suicidality.

Main Outcome Measures
Assessments included: the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition (SCID-I/P), the 24-item Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and the Mood Spectrum Self-Report, a questionnaire exploring lifetime mood spectrum symptomatology including symptoms of sexual functioning and suicidality.

Methods
A consecutive sample of 142 patients (60 BD and 82 UD) and a comparison group of 101 control subjects were recruited in a multicenter study involving 11 academic departments of psychiatry.

Results
Lifetime impairment in the sexual response cycle, including desire, excitement, and ability to achieve orgasm, was significantly more common in patients with mood disorders compared with control subjects. Increase in sexual activity and promiscuity were significantly more common in patients with BD vs. the other two groups.
Lifetime dysfunctions in all three phases of the sexual response cycle explored were significantly associated with lifetime suicide attempts in patients with BD and with thoughts of death in patients with UD. In BD patients, the lifetime presence of periods with frequent changes of sexual partners was significantly associated with thoughts of death.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest the importance of assessing sexual dysfunctions in patients with either BD or UD, as they may be clinically helpful in identifying phenotypes of mood disorders characterized by high suicidality.
Vaginal Orgasm Is Associated with Vaginal (Not Clitoral) Sex Education, Focusing Mental Attention on Vaginal Sensations, Intercourse Duration, and a Preference for a Longer Penis
Authors: Brody Stuart , Weiss Petr 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTIntroductionEvidence was recently provided for vaginal orgasm, orgasm triggered purely by penile–vaginal intercourse (PVI), being associated with better psychological functioning. Common sex education and sexual medicine approaches might undermine vaginal orgasm benefits.AimsTo examine the extent to which women’s vaginal orgasm consistency is associated with (i) being told in childhood or adolescence that the vagina was the important zone for inducing female orgasm; (ii) how well they focus mentally on vaginal sensations during PVI; (iii) greater PVI duration; and (iv) preference for above-average penis length.MethodsIn a representative sample of the Czech population, 1,000 women reported their vaginal orgasm consistency (from never to almost every time; only 21.9% never had a vaginal orgasm), estimates of their typical foreplay and PVI durations, what they were told in childhood and adolescence was the important zone for inducing female orgasm, their degree of focus on vaginal sensations during PVI, and whether they were more likely to orgasm with a longer than average penis.Main Outcome MeasuresThe association of vaginal orgasm consistency with the predictors noted above.ResultsVaginal orgasm consistency was associated with all hypothesized correlates. Multivariate analysis indicated the most important predictors were being educated that the vagina is important for female orgasm, being mentally focused on vaginal sensations during PVI, and in some analyses duration of PVI (but not foreplay) and preferring a longer than average penis.ConclusionsFocusing attention on penile–vaginal sensation supports vaginal orgasm and the myriad benefits thereof.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH—ENDOCRINOLOGY: Comparison of Free Testosterone Results by Analog Radioimmunoassay and Calculated Free Testosterone in an Ambulatory Clinical Population
Authors: Moreno Sergio A. , Shyam Anita , Morgentaler Abraham 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The most widely used method for measuring free testosterone (FT) is by analog immunoassay (aFT); however, this assay has been criticized as unreliable based on laboratory studies in small groups of men. Calculated FT (cFT), derived from total testosterone (TT) and sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) values has been recommended in its place. There are limited data comparing aFT and cFT in clinical populations.

Aim
The purpose of this study was to compare aFT with cFT in a population of ambulatory men in a clinical setting.

Methods
Medical records were reviewed for 100 randomly selected men in a urology practice, yielding 140 test results complete for TT, aFT, and SHBG. Calculated FT was determined via an online calculator. Comparisons were made with Pearson rank coefficients.

Main Outcome Measures
Pearson rank correlation between aFT and cFT.

Results
Mean patient age was 52.3 ± 14.3 years (range 24–80). Mean TT was 443.0 ± 208.3 ng/dL (range 110–1276). Mean aFT was 1.22 ± 0.54 ng/dL (range 0.24–3.8) and mean cFT 9.4 ± 4.5 ng/dL (range 1.8–27.8). Mean SHBG was 34.2 ± 19.5 nmol/L (range 9–127). A strong correlation was observed for aFT and cFT (r = 0.88, P &lt;0.0001), particularly at low concentrations. Significant correlations were also noted between aFT and TT (r = 0.73, P &lt;0.0001), and between cFT and TT (r = 0.82, P &lt;0.0001). Numerical values for aFT were approximately one-eighth of the values obtained for cFT. Neither aFT nor cFT correlated with SHBG.

Conclusions
A strong correlation was observed between aFT and cFT in this clinical population of ambulatory men. Different sets of reference values must be applied for each of these tests.
REMOVAL OF LIPID AND CHOLESTEROL FROM GOAT PLACENTA BY SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE EXTRACTION
Authors: LIU GUANGMIN , ZHENG YUANYUAN , XU XIANG , LIU XUAN , YUAN FANG , GAO YANXIANG 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) extraction was applied to remove lipid and cholesterol from the freeze‐dried goat placenta. The effects of process parameters including pressure, temperature, moisture content and particle size on the lipid and cholesterol removal efficiencies were investigated. The composition of fatty acid in the lipid extracted by SC‐CO2 was compared with those by traditional extraction techniques with n‐hexane and chloroform/methanol mixture, respectively. The cholesterol content in placenta was reduced to 7.09 mg/g (equal to 96% removal efficiency,) and 80% lipid recovery were achieved by SC‐CO2 extraction at 30 MPa and 47.5C with 15 L/h for CO2 flow rate and 5.2% moisture content of raw material. Therefore, supercritical carbon dioxide extraction is suitable for effective and selective removal of lipid and cholesterol from goat placenta.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSSupercritical fluid extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) nowadays has been considered a new alternative for benign extraction of natural compounds. SC‐CO2 extraction has been successfully applied to lower the cholesterol level in many animal products such as beef, chicken, pork, cow brain, shrimp and butter oil. This study showed the feasibility of selectively removing lipid and cholesterol from goat placenta with SC‐CO2. Placenta products, with the removal of lipid and cholesterol, can be developed as healthy low‐cholesterol foods.
DESIGN OF PI CONTROLLER WITH INPUT CONSTRAINT: APPLICATION ON BLENDING PROCESS
Authors: CHUA B.L. , TAIP F.S. , AZIZ N.A. , CHOONG T.S.Y. 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT Because of their simplicity, reliability and effectiveness, proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controllers remain the most widely used controllers in the process industries. Actuator saturation is among the most common and significant problem in control systems design. Normal PID controller does not take this into consideration. Normally, an anti‐windup compensator is employed in the system to overcome the problem. In this contribution, a new set of controller tuning relations is developed to tune the PI controller when the system is under saturation. The blending process was described as first order plus time delay (FOPTD) process and an expression is developed for saturation level, U as a function of controller gain, Kc with the range of R 0.4–2 (ratio of time delay to time constant). The proposed tuning rule relate the parameters of the controller to the parameters of a FOPTD model of the plant to a step change in the set point. The proposed method was applied to PI controller and tested on the process of blending system of sweetened condensed milk. The performance of the controller with various tuning formulae incorporated with classical anti‐windup strategies has been compared. The simulation results showed that the proposed method could give satisfactory performance in controlling the process.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe proposed tuning method can be applied to a proportional–integral (PI) controller and can be tested to any first order plus time delay process, for example, spray‐drying process, pasteurization and blending process with or without input saturation. If the final product of the food process is deviated from the set point, it will send a signal to the PI controller tuned by proposed tuning method and the actuator will receive the signal from the PI controller and, finally, the actuator will control the opening of the valve. It can ensure that the controlled variable in the food processes is within the set point and at the same time avoid the input saturation. With this proper control strategy incorporated to any food process, it can ensure the safety of plant and at the same time achieve higher profits.
ULTRASONIC ASSISTED EXTRACTION OF COENZYME Q10 FROM LITCHI (LITCHI CHINENSIS SONN.) PERICARP USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY
Authors: RAO GUOHUA , SHEN GUANGLIN , XU GUANG 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT Litchi is an exotic fruit in tropical and subtropical areas. In this work, litchi pericarp was chosen to extract coenzyme Q10 by ultrasonic treatment. Response surface methodology was used to build a mathematical model between the yield of coenzyme Q10 and ultrasonic variables (ultrasonic power, time and temperature). The P values of the model and “lack of fit,” as well as R2, were determined to be 0.0006, 0.143 and 0.938, respectively. All these values confirmed that the model had a good fitness to the true behavior. The response surface plots indicated that ultrasonic time and temperature showed apparent effects on the yield of coenzyme Q10. The optimal conditions to obtain the highest yield of coenzyme Q10 were determined to be 127.9 W, 50.0 min and 69.8C. The predicted yield was 135.3 µg/g dry pericarp, which was not significantly (P > 0.05) different to the experimental value determined under the same ultrasonic conditions.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSCoenzyme Q10 has been reported to have many pharmaceutical properties such as against heart failure and hypertension. Litchi is a well‐accepted fruit over the world. A significant amount of coenzyme Q10 has been detected in its pericarp. It will be an interesting attempt to investigate the potential of litchi fruit pericarp as the source of coenzyme Q10. Therefore, coenzyme Q10 was extracted from litchi fruit pericarp by ultrasonic treatment in this work. The effects of ultrasonic power, time and temperature on the yield of coenzyme Q10 were measured by response surface methodology. The optimalconditions to obtain the highest yield of coenzyme Q10 were calculated. The results confirmed litchi pericarp as a good source of coenzyme Q10. This research was helpful for extensive development of this special fruit.
THE EFFECT OF SPRING WHEAT STARCH PROPERTIES ON FLOUR TORTILLA QUALITY
Authors: WHITNEY KRISTIN , SIMSEK SENAY , BERZONSKY WILLIAM , OHM JAE‐BOM , SORENSON BRIAN 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT Starch properties affect the end‐use quality of products made from wheat flour. Seven genotypes of wheat flour, having various amounts of amylose, were grown in North Dakota. Flour from these genotypes was tested for starch properties to assess the impact of starch on tortilla quality. Amylose content of flours ranged from 10.38 to 25.35%. Amylose content of the flours showed a correlation of 0.756 (P < 0.05) to the specific volume of tortillas. Amylose content showed a correlation of 0.878 (P < 0.01) to work required to stretch on day 1. There was correlation of 0.769, 0.871 and −0.760 (P < 0.05) between amylose content and force to stretch on days 0, 3 and 7, respectively. Gelatinization and pasting properties of extracted starch were determined and the values were correlated to tortilla quality parameters. Wheat flour starch properties and composition significantly impact tortilla quality, and various low‐amylose flour mixtures could result in enhancement of tortilla quality.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSTortilla is a flat bread made from either corn or wheat. They are the second highest‐selling product in the packaged bread category. In this study, flour from seven genotypes of wheat grown at three separate North Dakota locations as well as commercial flour samples were analyzed for their starch properties and tortilla quality. Results of this study showed that wheat flour starch properties and composition significantly impact tortilla quality, and various low‐amylose flour mixtures could result in enhancement of tortilla quality. We believe that tortilla industry can utilize the results of this study in their applications.
Les risques politiques et la privatisation du système de retraite: le cas de l'Argentine (1994‐2008)
Authors: Kay Stephen J. 
Published: September 2009

RésuméLes tenants de la privatisation des retraites en Amérique latine ont soutenu que les régimes privés par capitalisation anticipée à cotisations définies fondés sur des comptes individuels seraient mieux à l'abri de la politique que les régimes publics par répartition. Cependant, comme l'illustre le cas argentin, et plus récemment avec la nationalisation en 2008 de son système privé de comptes individuels, le transfert de la gestion et de la capitalisation des pensions au secteur privé n'a pas nécessairement réduit ni éliminé le risque politique. En fait, la mise en œuvre des régimes de comptes individuels crée une nouvelle série de risques politiques, en partie parce qu'ils constituent une ressource financière potentielle pour les gouvernements, surtout en périodes de difficultés économiques. Le présent article décrit l'éventail de risques politiques inhérents aux régimes de retraite fondés sur des comptes individuels, en mettant l'accent sur l'expérience de privatisation en Argentine pendant la période de 1994‐2008.
Affiliation volontaire au régime de retraite à comptes individuels du Pérou
Authors: Li Carmen A. , Olivera Javier 
Published: September 2009

RésuméUn aspect important de la conception de la protection sociale est la couverture. Au Pérou, comme dans la plupart des pays latino‐américains, la couverture de la sécurité sociale n'est obligatoire que pour les travailleurs du secteur formel. Les auteurs du présent article ont étudié les déterminants de l'affiliation volontaire au régime de retraite à comptes individuels du Pérou. Ils ont constaté qu'un groupe de population bien précis a davantage de chances de s'affilier volontairement que d'autres personnes. Ce groupe est composé d'hommes mariés ayant un niveau d'éducation supérieur à celui de l'enseignement secondaire et vivant dans des ménages à hauts revenus dont d'autres membres sont déjà affiliés à un régime de retraite à comptes individuels. Pour le reste, les résultats obtenus laissent à penser que les filets de sécurité basés sur la famille peuvent servir de solution de remplacement à la participation volontaire au régime de retraite à comptes individuels. Il n'en demeure pas moins que l'extension de la couverture des pensions et la lutte contre la pauvreté restent problématiques pour le gouvernement.
Freiwillige Verbesserung der sozialen Sicherheit: Aktuelle gesetzliche Regelung und Rechtsprechung in Spanien
Authors: García Valverde María Dolores , García Valverde Francisco 
Published: September 2009

AuszugMit der vorliegenden Arbeit soll dem Leser eine Übersicht über freiwillige Beiträge zur Verbesserung von Sozialleistungen (mejoras voluntarias) als Form der freiwilligen Sozialvorsorge des spanischen Systems der sozialen Sicherheit geboten werden. Um dieses Ziel zu erreichen, haben wir die verschiedenen Modalitäten dieser freiwilligen Verbesserungen analysiert, unter Gesichtspunkten der gesetzlichen Regelung und der Rechtsprechung. Besonders berücksichtigt wurden konfliktträchtige Probleme. Die freiwilligen Verbesserungen sollten zwar Privatinitiativen im Bereich der sozialen Vorsorge fördern, sie verbleiben jedoch in der Obhut der sozialen Sicherheit, die die Kontrolle sowohl über die Finanzierung als auch über die Verfahren behält. Wie in der Arbeitswelt üblich, unterliegt ihre Gestaltung kollektiven Tarifverhandlungen.
El seguro de dependencia en el Japón: superación de la visión binaria entre el Estado y la familia
Authors: Naïto Kusuto 
Published: September 2009

ResumenLa atención de la salud de las personas de edad avanzada dependientes ha sido considerada en el Japón como una actividad que incumbe exclusivamente a la esfera familiar, a pesar de que, por un lado, existe una gran diversidad regional en términos de estructuras familiares y de que, por otro lado, en el pasado existían simultáneamente solidaridades extrafamiliares. La evolución sociodemográfica desde mediados del siglo XX ha conducido a los poderes políticos, pero también a la opinión pública, a crear un seguro público de dependencia, establecido en 2000 y encaminado a «socializar» esas actividades que, en principio, eran familiares y femeninas. Este artículo propone un análisis crítico del sistema y del contexto en que se generó el seguro. ¿Responde el sistema a las necesidades de las personas de edad avanzada y de sus entornos (familiares y no familiares)? Además, ¿tiene en cuenta las diversidades regionales, en particular en lo relativo a la situación de las familias, además de los problemas financieros y de las presunciones sociales? El proceso de envejecimiento demográfico que experimentan las sociedades industrializadas nos obliga a revisar los avances histórico‐sociales de esas sociedades, con el fin de adaptar regularmente los comportamientos y lugares de residencia a los contextos socioeconómicos que evolucionan rápidamente.
Las mejoras voluntarias de la seguridad social: situación actual en la normativa y la jurisprudencia de España
Authors: García Valverde María Dolores , García Valverde Francisco 
Published: September 2009

ResumenCon este trabajo se pretende ofrecer al lector una visión general sobre las mejoras voluntarias como forma de previsión social voluntaria del sistema español de Seguridad Social. Para conseguir este objetivo hemos analizado las distintas modalidades de mejoras voluntarias, tanto desde el punto de vista legal como de la jurisprudencia. Dedicando una especial atención a los principales problemas que son objeto de conflicto. Con las mejoras voluntarias se pretendía fomentar la iniciativa privada en materia de previsión social, pero encauzándola hacia la Seguridad Social, como medio de control tanto de fondo, cuanto de procedimiento. Junto a la práctica empresarial, su articulación se vincula a la negociación colectiva.