bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of the names of two new species of Codium (Chlorophyta, Bryopsidales) from Isla Guadalupe and Rocas Alijos, Pacific Mexico and the southern California Channel Islands, with some remarks on insular endemism
Authors: Silva Paul C. , Pedroche Francisco F. , Chacana Max E. , Miller Kathy Ann
Published: July 2014

The names Codium schmiederi and Codium dawsonii are validated by the provision of designated types. The species to which the invalidly published name C. schmiederi applies is known only from Isla Guadalupe and Rocas Alijos, Baja California, Mexico. The history of phycological exploration of these two remote localities is detailed. The species to which the invalidly published name C. dawsonii applies is found in those two localities as well as on coastal islands of Baja California and southern California. It is seldom found on the mainland. Codium hubbsii, originally described from Islas San Benito, has a distribution similar to that of C. dawsonii, but occurs more often on the mainland. The distributions of these three species constitute a pattern of insular endemism.
Modeling of a Bridge-Shaped Nonlinear Piezoelectric Energy Harvester
Authors: Gafforelli Giacomo , Xu Ruize , Corigliano Alberto , Kim Sang-Gook
Published: July 2014

Piezoelectric microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) energy harvesting is an attractive technology for harvesting small energy from ambient vibrations. Increasing the operating frequency bandwidth of such devices is one of the major challenges to be solved for real-world applications. A MEMS-scale doubly clamped nonlinear beam resonator has demonstrated very wide bandwidth and high-power density among the energy harvesters reported. In this paper, a first complete theoretical discussion of nonlinear resonance-based piezoelectric energy harvesting is provided. The sectional behavior of the beam has been studied through the Classical Lamination Theory (CLT) specifically modified to introduce the piezoelectric coupling and nonlinear Green-Lagrange strain tensor. A lumped parameter model has been built through Rayleigh–Ritz method and the resulting nonlinear coupled equations have been solved in the frequency domain through the Harmonic Balance Method (HBM). Finally, the influence of external load resistance on the dynamic behavior has been studied. The theoretical model shows that nonlinear resonant harvesters have much wider power bandwidth than that of linear resonators but their maximum power is still bounded by the mechanical damping as is the case for linear resonating harvesters.
Sulfonated fluorinated-aromatic polymers as proton exchange membranes
Authors: Ghosh Anindita , Banerjee Susanta
Published: July 2014

In recent years, extensive research on the preparation and properties of proton exchange membranes (PEMs) has been realized. This article focusses on the recent studies on new PEM materials based on aromatic hydrocarbon polymers with sulfonated groups as hydrophilic domains and fluorinated groups as hydrophobic domains as alternatives to conventional perfluorinated polymers. It is necessary to improve the proton conductivity especially under low-humidity conditions and at high operating temperatures to break through the current aromatic PEM system. Hence, there is a need to develop new high-conductivity fuel cell ionomers with improved thermal, chemical, and electrochemical stability by designing a suitable polymer structure for PEM application.
Modelling and Analysis of a Three-Phase to Five-Phase Transformer
Authors: Khan M. Rizwan , Alammari Rashid , Moinoddin Shaikh , Iqbal Atif
Published: July 2014

Multi-phase systems are the focus of research in recent times due to their inherent advantages compared to the three-phase counterpart. A lot of research effort has been put to develop commercially feasible multi-phase drive systems. There is a necessity to develop a static phase transformation system to obtain multi-phase supply from available three-phase grid. This paper presents an extension of a novel transformer connection scheme to convert three-phase supply to five-phase fixed voltage and fixed frequency supply already published. The various simulation and experimental results are reported in this paper to prove the viability of system.
Randomization Inference in the Regression Discontinuity Design: An Application to Party Advantages in the U.S. Senate
Authors: Cattaneo Matias D. , Frandsen Brigham R. , Titiunik Rocío
Published: July 2014

In the Regression Discontinuity (RD) design, units are assigned a treatment based on whether their value of an observed covariate is above or below a fixed cutoff. Under the assumption that the distribution of potential confounders changes continuously around the cutoff, the discontinuous jump in the probability of treatment assignment can be used to identify the treatment effect. Although a recent strand of the RD literature advocates interpreting this design as a local randomized experiment, the standard approach to estimation and inference is based solely on continuity assumptions that do not justify this interpretation. In this article, we provide precise conditions in a randomization inference context under which this interpretation is directly justified and develop exact finite-sample inference procedures based on them. Our randomization inference framework is motivated by the observation that only a few observations might be available close enough to the threshold where local randomization is plausible, and hence standard large-sample procedures may be suspect. Our proposed methodology is intended as a complement and a robustness check to standard RD inference approaches. We illustrate our framework with a study of two measures of party-level advantage in U.S. Senate elections, where the number of close races is small and our framework is well suited for the empirical analysis.
Antenatal testing in uncomplicated pregnancies: should testing be initiated after 40 or 41 weeks?
Authors: Mackeen A. Dhanya , Edelson P. Kaitlyn , Wisch Susan , Plante Lauren , Weiner Stuart
Published: July 2014

Objective: This study aims to compare outcomes of antenatal testing in women who received testing between 40 weeks and 40+6 weeks versus those who received testing at ≥41 weeks.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included women without maternal comorbidities, who were referred for outpatient antenatal testing for gestational age ≥40 weeks. We compared women who received antenatal testing between 40 and 40+6 weeks (Group 1), to those who were only tested at ≥41 weeks (Group 2).

Results: A total of 827 Group 1 and 244 Group 2 pregnancies were evaluated. One-hundred and eighty-nine (18%) were sent to labor and delivery (L&D) for further evaluation. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of being sent or admitted to labor and delivery, the reason for which women were sent, induction of labor, mode of delivery, neonatal length of stay, or admission to intensive care.

Conclusion: Pregnancies tested at 40 weeks were identified as abnormal and sent to L&D at the same rate as those tested at 41 weeks. Therefore, it may be reasonable to initiate fetal surveillance at the estimated date of delivery.
Placental gene expression of inflammatory markers and growth factors – a case control study of obese and normal weight women
Authors: Allbrand Marianne , Bjorkqvist Maria , Nilsson Kerstin , Ostlund Ingrid , Aman Jan
Published: July 2014

Objective: To survey the placental gene expression of inflammatory markers and growth factors in non-smoking obese women with an uncomplicated pregnancy without associated morbidity and delivery at term compared with normal weight women.

Methods: Placental tissue samples from 32 obese women (body mass index, BMI≥35.0 kg/m2) were compared with samples from 94 normal weight women (BMI 18.5–25.0 kg/m2) matched for age (±1 year), gestational age (±3 days), parity and mode of delivery. Semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to analyse toll receptor-2 and -4, interleukin-6 and -8, tumour necrosis factor-α, leptin, adiponectin, insulin-like growth factor-1 and -2, hepatocyte growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor receptor and insulin receptor.

Results: There was no significant difference in gene expression in placental tissue samples from obese and normal weight women.

Conclusion: We found no difference in the occurrence of inflammatory marker and growth factor mRNA levels in placental tissue samples from a large group of obese women without associated morbidity and with healthy infants compared to a closely matched control group of healthy normal weight women. Compared with the previous studies, this anomalous finding may be explained by the absence of associated morbidity in the obese women in our study.
The value of lipopolysaccharide binding protein for diagnosis of late-onset neonatal sepsis in very low birth weight infants
Authors: Leante-Castellanos José Luis , de Guadiana-Romualdo Luis García , Fuentes-Gutiérrez Carmen , Hernando-Holgado Ana , García-González Ana , Jiménez-Santos Enrique
Published: July 2014

Objective: To assess the accuracy of lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) for diagnosing late-onset neonatal sepsis (LONS) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.

Study design: Observational, prospective study. We assessed the diagnostic performance of LBP in 26 suspected LONS episodes among 54 patients. Proven and probable LONS episodes were recorded according to established criteria. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to evaluate LBP’s ability to predict LONS.

Results: LONS was diagnosed in 17 of 26 episodes. LBP levels were significantly higher in confirmed LONS episodes (P<0.001). The area under the curve of LBP was 0.89. A cut-off of 17.5 μg/mL had a sensitivity of 94.1%, a specificity of 77.8%, a positive predictive value of 88.9% and a negative predictive value of 87.5%.

Conclusions: Serum LBP measurement may be useful as an additional tool in the evaluation of suspected LONS in VLBW infants.
Associated anomalies in congenital diaphragmatic hernia: perinatal characteristics and impact on postnatal survival
Authors: Hidaka Nobuhiro , Ishii Keisuke , Mabuchi Aki , Yamashita Akiko , Ota Shiyo , Sasahara Jun , Murata Masaharu , Mitsuda Nobuaki
Published: July 2014

Objective: We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and postnatal outcomes of fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and additional anomalies.

Materials and methods: We reviewed the charts of fetuses with CDH managed between 2005 and 2013. Patients were divided into complex and isolated groups based on the presence of additional anomalies. We analyzed the respective polyhydramnios, liver herniation, stomach position, lung to thorax transverse area ratio (LTR), and prognoses of the two groups. The survival rates of both groups were assessed based on the LTR as well as on stomach and liver positions.

Results: CDH was diagnosed in 65 fetuses, and additional anomalies were found in 23. The incidences of liver herniation, polyhydramnios, and death were significantly higher, and LTR was significantly lower, in the complex group. The mortality rate of fetuses with a LTR <0.08 was lower than that of fetuses with a LTR of ≥0.08 in the complex group. Further, the survival rate of fetuses with intrathoracic liver was lower than those without liver herniation.

Conclusions: The prognosis of complex CDH is poor. This may result from both the associated anomalies and the severity of CDH itself. Even in complex CDHs, intrathoracic liver and LTR values are useful in estimating postnatal outcome.
MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Epidemiology of hormonal contraceptives-related venous thromboembolism
Authors: Hugon-Rodin Justine , Gompel Anne , Plu-Bureau Geneviève
Published: July 2014

For many years, it has been well documented that combined hormonal contraceptives increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The third-generation pill use (desogestrel or gestodene (GSD)) is associated with an increased VTE risk as compared with second-generation (levonorgestrel) pill use. Other progestins such as drospirenone or cyproterone acetate combined with ethinyl-estradiol (EE) have been investigated. Most studies have reported a significant increased VTE risk among users of these combined oral contraceptives (COCs) when compared with users of second-generation pills. Non-oral combined hormonal contraception, such as the transdermal patch and the vaginal ring, is also available. Current data support that these routes of administration are more thrombogenic than second-generation pills. These results are consistent with the biological evidence of coagulation activation. Overall, the estrogenic potency of each hormonal contraceptive depending on both EE doses and progestin molecule explains the level of thrombotic risk. Some studies have shown a similar increased VTE risk among users of COCs containing norgestimate (NGM) as compared with users of second-generation pill. However, for this combination, biological data, based on quantitative assessment of sex hormone-binding globulin or haemostasis parameters, are not in agreement with these epidemiological results. Similarly, the VTE risk associated with low doses of EE and GSD is not biologically plausible. In conclusion, newer generation formulations of hormonal contraceptives as well as non-oral hormonal contraceptives seem to be more thrombogenic than second-generation hormonal contraceptives. Further studies are needed to conclude on the combinations containing NGM or low doses of EE associated with GSD.
MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Are metabolically healthy obese individuals really healthy?
Authors: Blüher Matthias
Published: July 2014

Obesity has become one of the major public health concerns of the past decades, because it is a key risk factor for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and certain types of cancer, which may lead to increased mortality. Both treatment of obesity and prevention of obesity-related diseases are frequently not successful. Moreover, a subgroup of individuals with obesity does not seem to be at an increased risk for metabolic complications of obesity. In this literature, this obesity subphenotype is therefore referred to as metabolically healthy obesity (MHO). Importantly, individuals with MHO do not significantly improve their cardio-metabolic risk upon weight loss interventions and may therefore not benefit to the same extent as obese patients with metabolic comorbidities from early lifestyle, bariatric surgery, or pharmacological interventions. However, it can be debated whether MHO individuals are really healthy, especially since there is no general agreement on accepted criteria to define MHO. In addition, overall health of MHO individuals may be significantly impaired by several psycho-social factors, psychosomatic comorbidities, low fitness level, osteoarthritis, chronic pain, diseases of the respiratory system, the skin, and others. There are still open questions about predictors, biological determinants, and the mechanisms underlying MHO and whether MHO represents a transient phenotype changing with aging and behavioral and environmental factors. In this review, the prevalence, potential biological mechanisms, and the clinical relevance of MHO are discussed.
Оцінка цитотоксичної дії антигістамінних препаратів лоратадину та дезлоратадину з використанням тест-об’єкта – сперміїв бугаїв
Authors: Kuzminov O. , Ostapiv D. , Alekhina T.
Published: July 2014

Antihistamines with active ingredients of loratadine and desloratadine are produced by Ukrainian pharmaceutical industry. According to the law, ther are assessed for their potential danger to human health and the environment, including alternative test objects. Evaluation has been carried out with regard to cytotoxic effect of pharmacological substances (loratadine and desloratadine) using the bull sperm suspension as test objects, standardized and highly sensitive to toxic substances. Sperm was divided into the control sample (dissolved by phosphate-buffered saline) and the investigated sample. Loratadine was added to phosphate-buffered saline in doses of 1/500 LD50 (12.3 mg), 1/100 LD50 (61.5 mg) and LD50 (6150 mg). Desloratadine doses were 1/500 LD50 (1.25 mg), 1/100 LD50 (6.25 mg) and LD50 (625 mg). Survival of spermatozoa was defined until termination of rectilinear forward movement in sperm intacted at +2…+5 °C. Respiratory activity (ex tempore) was defined in 1.0 ml thermostated cell (temperature of 38.5 °C) by polarography with the automatic registration of process flow by potentiometer; restorative activity was defined potentiometrically, using the open microelectrodes that were inserted in thermostated polarographic cell. Survival of spermatozoa in the sperm under the impact of loratadine in doses of 1/500 LD50 and 1/100 LD50 is respectively 136.0 ± 26.2 hours and 144.0 ± 19.6 hours. Adding LD50 dose of loratadine reduced survival to 112.0 ± 26.2 hours, which is lower than the control (160.0 ± 26.1 hours), respectively, by 10.0–15.0 and 30.0%. Loratadine reduces the respiratory activity of sperm: in the dose of 1/500 LD50 by 20.5%, in the dose of 1/100 LD50 – by 43.6%, and that of 100 LD50 – by 61.5% compared to the control. Restorative sperm activity under the impact of the loratadine reduced by 84.0% (dose of 1/500 LD50), 98.0% (dose of 1/100 LD50), 80.0% (dose LD50) compared to controls. The survival of spermatozoa in the sperm under desloratadine action in the dose of 1/500 LD50 is 144.0 ± 19.6 hours (10.0% reduction compared with the control – 152.0 ± 23.6 hours), in the dose of 1/100 LD50 – 136.0 ± 26.1 hours (15.0% reduction), in the dose of LD50 – 72.0 ± 19.6 hours (30.0% reduction). The intensity of oxygen consumption by sperm reduced by 16.2% when adding desloratadine in the dose of 1/500 LD50, by 38.8% in the dose of 1/100 LD50 and by 80.7% – in the dose of LD50, compared with the control. Inhibition of respiratory activity is accompanied by decreasing in the transport of protons and electrons from spermatozoa into the extracellular medium, that manifests decreasing of reconstructive activity when the dose of desloratadine is 1/500 LD50 (by 12.0%), 1/100 LD50 (by 40.0%) and LD50 (by 60,0%) compared with the control.
Влияние цефтриаксона и тетрациклина на формирование биопленки штаммами Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Sidashenko O. I. , Voronkova O. S. , Sirokvasha Y. A. , Vinnikov A. I.
Published: July 2014

122 strains of staphylococci were identified. Among the examined 122 clinical strains of staphylococci, 67 strains belonged to coagulase-positive, and 55 strains to the coagulase-negative ones. According to the study of physiological and biochemical properties, it was found that 37 strains (30.3%) belonged to S. epidermidis species. One of the biological properties of many bacteria is the ability to film formation and these strains attract special attention, since it is known that the film antibiotic resistance is higher than in planktonic cultures. It was determined that 20 strains of those under study were film-forming, 17 strains – non-biofilm forming ones. The film was formed during three days, and settled to the bottom of the plate holes. The clinical (Cl) strain of S. epidermidis was sensitive to ceftriaxone and tetracicline. The control (C) strains of S. epidermidis were sensitive to ceftriaxone, tetracycline and sizomicine. The study of biofilm growth for 2, 3 and 4 days of incubation was carried out. The maximum rate of biofilm S. epidermidis C was observed during 2–3 days; there is the most intense increase of cells number from 5.2 × 108 CFU/ml, for S. epidermidis Cl to 5.6 × 108 CFU/ml. The effect of ceftriaxone and tetracycline on biofilm formation by 2 investigation strains of S. epidermidis was found. We determined differences in minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for planktonic cultures and biofilm of strains under study. It was established that MIC antibiotics inhibited the growth of planktonic cultures on average 2 times lower compared to the MIC which inhibited the biofilm formation. MIC for planktonic culture of S. epidermidis Cl defined for ceftriaxone was equal to 10 mg/ml, and for tetracycline – 1 mg/ml. MIC of ceftriaxone for the control strain was equal to 12 mg/ml, MIC of tetracycline – 0.7 mg/ml. MIC values for dynamics biofilm formation of S. epidermidis Cl strain on the plater were as follows: to ceftriaxone – 20 mg/ml and for tetracycline – 2 mg/ml, MIC of ceftriaxone for S. epidermidis C strain – 24 mg/ml, MIC of tetracycline – 1.5 mg/ml. The effect of ceftriaxone and tetracycline was defined to the larger extent, than MIC for biofilm-forming on the plate (10, 50 and 100 times). More effective action of tetracycline was shown for 1- and 2-daily biofilm cultures of S. epidermidis clinical strain. Adding tetracycline concentration of 20 mg/ml in the culture medium of the 1-day biofilm of S. epidermidis Cl strain reduced the cell number of biofilm formation 590 times, increasing concentrations of tetracycline to 100 mg/ml and added to the 1-day biofilm of the clinical strain reduced the number of bacterial cell 4400 times compared with control.
Моніторинг розповсюдження вірусів серед домашніх котів і собак у м. Дніпропетровськ
Authors: Yashchuk L. V. , Cherevach N. V. , Vinnikov A. I.
Published: July 2014

Cats and dogs kept at home, as well as other animals, are susceptible to infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms, including viruses. Viral infections in urban environments are extremely common and cause severe diseases in domestic animals which often lead to death, resulting in high material and moral damages to owners of animals. Therefore, investigation of the prevalence of pathogens of viral diseases is very important in our time. The aim of this work is to define the indicators of spreading viral diseases of animals in Dnipropetrovsk, to analyze the seasonal spread of viral infections in animals, and influence of sex and breed on the frequency of disease manifestations. Materials for research were obtained on the basis of three veterinary clinics in Dnipropetrovsk. During the study, we used serological methods of diagnostics of clinical materials, namely ELISA and IHA. Immunosorbent assay was performed using the thermostatic shaker ST-3 and strip immunoassay analyzer Stat Fax 303 Plus. Also we used commercial test systems VetExpert CAV Ag and Feline VacciCheck ImmunoComb®, based on the immuno-chromatographic method. During clinical studies of 491 animals (268 cats and 223 dogs) it was found that the most common respiratory viral infections in cats were calicivirus infection and rhinotracheitis, while in dogs there were viral diseases of gastrointestinal tract, i.e. enteritis and hepatitis. Using IHA method, we revealed the antibodies to respiratory viruses in the blood of deseased cats: to calicivirus – in 95 cats, to rhinotracheitis – in 60 cats; by ELISA method we identified antigens of parvovirus, enteritis pathogen, in biological material of 61 dogs, by IHA we found antibodies to virus of infectious hepatitis in 49 individuals. Based on these data, it has been revealed that during the winter months the animals suffered mostly the respiratory viral infections (60%), and in spring there were increased occur-rence of enteritis, observed in all age groups of animals. From May, hepatitis started to appear and prevailed for all summer months, mixed with enteritis (about 50% of total number of cases). Hepatitis was recorded both in cats and dogs. By the fall, recurrence was observed for calicivirus and herpes virus infections in cats, and the cases of enteritis decreased, while hepatitis was recorded until mid-October. Such statistics is kept relatively constant. The research results can be applied in the practice of veterinary laboratories for the development of diagnostic measures and prevention of viral diseases in domestic animals, as well as in the prediction of dissemination of viral infections in animals in the near future.
Comer ou não comer, eis a questão: diferenças de gênero na neofobia alimentar
Authors: Lopes Fívia de Araújo , Cabral Juliana Severo Procópio , Spinelli Luísa Helena Pinheiro , Cervenka Luíza , Yamamoto Maria Emilia , Branco Rochele Castelo , Hattori Wallisen Tadashi
Published: July 2014

A neofobia alimentar é um comportamento de cautela quanto à ingestão de alimentos desconhecidos. Homens e mulheres apresentam diferenças comportamentais, embora as pesquisas sobre a resposta neofóbica apontem controvérsias. Neste estudo, 266 indivíduos realizaram uma tarefa de escolha entre dois alimentos, um familiar e outro não-familiar, e responderam a uma escala de neofobia, a fim de investigar as diferenças de gênero. Os resultados indicaram que as mulheres são mais neofóbicas que os homens, o que corrobora os dados anteriores sobre o comportamento alimentar e pode estar relacionado ao papel feminino de seleção e preparo do alimento no âmbito familiar.
Fabrication and output power test of a Bi2Te3-based thermoelectric module
Authors: Fuqiang Cheng , Yanji Hong , Chao Zhu
Published: July 2014

Thermoelectric power features many favourable characteristics and has been widely utilised as heat harvesters. Bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3)-based materials are the best thermoelectric materials working at low temperatures currently. In order to fabricate a Bi2Te3-based thermoelectric module for high output power, p-type Bi0·5Sb1·5Te3 and n-type Bi2Te2·7Se0·3 thermoelectric bulks were prepared by zone melting technique. The tested figure-of-merits of the p- and n-type materials reached 1·1 at 300 K and 1·09 at 325 K, respectively. Then a Bi2Te3-based module was fabricated of 127 pairs of p-n thermoelements whose thicknesses and widths are 1·0 mm and 1·4 mm, respectively. At last the output power of the module was measured in the built experimental system. The maximum power up to 8·2 W was achieved when the temperature difference of the heat source and the heat sink was 178 K, and the corresponding area-specific power was 0·52 Wcm−2.
Self-Extubation in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit and Restraint Policy Change: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Denny John T. , Pantin Enrique , Denny Julia , Grubb William , Tse James , Chyu Darrick , Trihn Phat , Hunter Christine
Published: July 2014

Background:

Self-extubation is a serious complication of mechanical ventilation. The incidence of self-extubation in a university hospital may be altered by a recent policy change, which requires daily written and face-to-face patient re-evaluations regarding the need for restraints in the intensive care units. There are many concerns and suspicions that this might result in less use of restraints and thereby increase the risk of self-extubation.

Methods:

The goal of this study was to describe the incidence of self-extubation (SE) over time and report any observed change with the change in restraint policy (RP).

Results:

The rate of self-extubation during the control year was 1.62% which increased to 2.33% during the initial study period and decreased to 1.30% in the following year. The distant follow-up period eight years after the initial change in restraint policy showed a rate of 1.14%. Apache scores did not differ significantly between the years compared.

Conclusion:

A new restraint policy, which requires frequent reordering by physicians, has the potential to be associated with increased self-extubation, at least temporarily. Staff education may help reduce this risk. Further research will be useful in clarifying which interventions can most reduce this potentially life-threatening complication.
Automated Morphometric Analysis of the Femur on Large Anatomical
Databases with Highly Accurate Correspondence Detection
Authors: Schröder Manuel , Gottschling Heiko , Reimers Nils , Hauschild Matthias , Burgkart Rainer
Published: July 2014

For a variety of medical applications, detailed knowledge on the statistical distribution of morphometric
characteristics among specific patient groups is required. We present a novel approach for performing automated
morphometric measurements on the surface of anatomical bone samples obtained from CT segmentation. The system
developed supports various types of measurements (distances, angles, radii) on several kinds of features (points, lines,
planes or circles), which are performed automatically for every bone sample in a given data set. The desired features can
be specified by the user in two ways, either by marking them on a standardized template that is mapped to all samples via
a correspondence mapping, or by hierarchically building new features from existing features.

The system was implemented and tested on a database containing about 1200 segmented femur. The quality of the
automated matching was assessed through a study comparing the performance of the system with results obtained from
manual labeling by medical experts. It was found that the deviation between the two methods was generally less than
2mm.
Diabetes-Related Distress, Insulin Dose, and Age Contribute to Insulin-Associated Weight Gain in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Results of a Prospective Study
Authors: Jansen Henry J. , Vervoort Gerald M.M. , de Haan Anton F.J. , Netten Paetrick M. , de Grauw Wim J. , Tack Cees J.
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE

The determinants of insulin-associated weight gain in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are partly unknown. Therefore, we conducted a prospective study to identify predictors of insulin-associated weight gain.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In patients with T2DM, we assessed physical activity by accelerometry and measured diabetes-related distress by questionnaires before and 6 and 12 months after starting insulin therapy. Glycemic control (HbA1c) and insulin dose were monitored.

RESULTS

After 12 months of insulin therapy, mean body weight had increased by 3.0 ± 2.5 kg (P < 0.001). The drop in HbA1c was correlated with insulin-associated weight gain. With the use of a multiple linear regression model, a cluster of variables was identified that significantly related to weight gain. Diabetes-related distress, initial insulin dose, and the increase of insulin dose during the course of the study as well as age appeared to be important predictors of weight gain after initiation of insulin therapy. Physical activity (measured as MET) decreased from 1.40 ± 0.04 at baseline to 1.32 ± 0.04 MET (P < 0.05) but was not significantly related to weight changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes-related distress, initial and titration of insulin dose, and age all significantly predict insulin-associated weight gain. After the initiation of insulin therapy, physical activity decreased significantly, but this did not determine weight gain over the first 12 months. Our study findings may have clinical implications.
Effect of 8 Weeks of Overfeeding on Ectopic Fat Deposition and Insulin Sensitivity: Testing the “Adipose Tissue Expandability” Hypothesis
Authors: Johannsen Darcy L. , Tchoukalova Yourka , Tam Charmaine S. , Covington Jeffrey D. , Xie Wenting , Schwarz Jean-Marc , Bajpeyi Sudip , Ravussin Eric
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE

The presence of large subcutaneous adipocytes in obesity has been proposed to be linked with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes through the “adipose tissue expandability” hypothesis, which holds that large adipocytes have a limited capacity for expansion, forcing lipids to be stored in nonadipose ectopic depots (skeletal muscle, liver), where they interfere with insulin signaling. This hypothesis has, however, been largely formulated by cross-sectional findings and to date has not been prospectively demonstrated in the development of insulin resistance in humans.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Twenty-nine men (26.8 ± 5.4 years old; BMI 25.5 ± 2.3 kg/m2) were fed 40% more than their baseline requirement for 8 weeks. Before and after overfeeding, insulin sensitivity was determined using a two-step hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. Intrahepatic lipid (IHL) and intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) were measured by 1H-MRS and abdominal fat by MRI. Subcutaneous abdominal adipose and skeletal muscle tissues were collected to measure adipocyte size and markers of tissue inflammation.

RESULTS

Subjects gained 7.6 ± 2.1 kg (55% fat) and insulin sensitivity decreased 18% (P < 0.001) after overfeeding. IHL increased 46% from 1.5% to 2.2% (P = 0.002); however, IMCL did not change. There was no association between adipocyte size and ectopic lipid accumulation. Despite similar weight gain, subjects with smaller fat cells at baseline had a greater decrease in insulin sensitivity, which was linked with upregulated skeletal muscle tissue inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

In experimental substantial weight gain, the presence of larger adipocytes did not promote ectopic lipid accumulation. In contrast, smaller fat cells were associated with a worsened metabolic response to overfeeding.
Ethnic Literature and Slovak American Research
Authors: Židová Diana
Published: July 2014

The article outlines the beginnings of ethnic literature research in the United States of America with regards to its reception from the 1960s to the 1980s. Aesthetic merit as a leading consideration in the evaluation of literary works, in view of the opinions of numerous critics, is quite problematic to apply in the case of Czech and Polish literature. Considering the output of Slovak-American research in the field of literary criticism and literary history, the results are not satisfactory either. There are a few works that provide valuable insight into the literature of the Slovak diaspora.
Under (Re)Construction – Belfast in the Poetry and Prose of Ciaran Carson
Authors: Dolmányos Péter
Published: July 2014

Ciaran Carson’s poetry is deeply concerned with the city of Belfast, as many of the poems unfold their twisting itinerary against the active background of this northern urban location. In addition to the poems Carson has published a fair number of prose pieces and a tentative autobiography, which also resurrects the city in its dynamism, though on a different timescale. The poems and the prose pieces together constitute a narrative of the changing city with the conclusion that the most apparent element of permanence in the context of the city is change itself, which leads to a strained relationship between the city and the map representing it.
Humanism and Ethos in the Works of Ralph Waldo Emerson
Authors: Plechová Viera
Published: July 2014

The article deals with the ideas of humanity and morality as reflected in the works of R. W. Emerson, the main representative of an intellectual movement called American transcendentalism. It conveys basic facts about the movement and focuses on the key aspects of Emerson’s transcendental philosophy, particularly his concept of the Over-soul and his concept of Nature, which gave his humanistic philosophy a religious and moral accent. Due to it, Emerson’s religious humanism also became the basis of American democratic individualism. The article offers insight into Emerson’s ideas on morality and ethical behaviour, which challenge us to live in harmony with God and nature.
Changing Patterns in the Export of Goods Versus International Competitiveness. A Comparative Analysis for Central-East European Countries in the Period 2000–2011
Authors: Lechman Ewa
Published: July 2014

This paper discusses the existing links between changing patterns in the export of goods, broken down by technology-intensity, versus intrenational competitiveness. The study covers nine Central-East European (CEE) economies: Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and the Slovak Republic, in the time span 2000-2011. We examine the hypothesis of a strong, positive and statistically significant relationship between flows of export of high-tech and ICT manufactures industries goods, and an economy’s level of international competitiveness (approximated by the Global Competitiveness Index - GCI, see: World Economic Forum). Our methodological approach relies on elaboration of each country`s individual export patterns with regard to industries of different technology-intensities, and statistical analysis between the international GCI variable and variables identifying shares in total export of certain industries. Contrary to what was initially expected, our empirical results do not seem to support the hypothesis on statistically positive links between growing shares of high-tech and ICT manufactures industries in the total value of export versus the Global Competitiveness Index in the analyzed countries.
Competitiveness in International Trade in Knowledge-Intensive Services – The Case of Poland
Authors: Wyszkowska-Kuna Joanna
Published: July 2014

The aim of this paper is to study Poland’s competitiveness in international trade in knowledge-intensive services (KIS). The author analyzes the trends in Polish KIS trade and tries to answer the question whether Poland is moving towards obtaining a comparative advantage in this field. The first part of the paper presents a definition and classification of KIS, indicators to measure competitiveness in international services trade, and a short review of the research in this field. The second part of the study is empirical. The author uses traditional indicators of international competitiveness such as: export performance, trade balance, and the RCA index. The analysis also touches upon the impact of Poland’s accession to the EU on its competitiveness in KIS trade. Finally, some possible determinants of Poland’s competitiveness in particular KIS sectors are indicated. The paper uses the Eurostat and WTO databases. The analyzed period for international transactions is usually 2000-2010, but for Poland the 1994-2010 period was used, i.e. since the European Agreement entered into force.
Aspects in Classification Learning - Review of Recent Developments in Learning Vector Quantization
Authors: Kaden M. , Lange M. , Nebel D. , Riedel M. , Geweniger T. , Villmann T.
Published: July 2014

.Classification is one of the most frequent tasks in machine learning. However, the variety of classification tasks as well as classifier methods is huge. Thus the question is coming up: which classifier is suitable for a given problem or how can we utilize a certain classifier model for different tasks in classification learning. This paper focuses on learning vector quantization classifiers as one of the most intuitive prototype based classification models. Recent extensions and modifications of the basic learning vector quantization algorithm, which are proposed in the last years, are highlighted and also discussed in relation to particular classification task scenarios like imbalanced and/or incomplete data, prior data knowledge, classification guarantees or adaptive data metrics for optimal classification.
The embodied classroom - A phenomenological discussion of the body and the room
Authors: Alerby Eva , Hagström Erica , Westman Susanne
Published: July 2014

A (Western) school is, among other things, a building with its own spatial formations and boundaries. In educational settings, the place for learning, as well as the human body in the place, is significant. In this paper, we explore the theory of the lived body as it was formulated by Maurice Merleau-Ponty and argue why we think this theory can be used fruitfully in educational research, and specifically in a study of learning places such as classrooms. We also discuss what a classroom is and can be drawing upon the work of Otto Friedrich Bollnow.

As humans, we access the world through our bodies and the knowledge we develop is always embodied. The body and the world are two aspects of a reversibility, which Merleau-Ponty terms flesh. He also stresses that the body inhabits the world, and our corporeality can therefore be tied to the room-we are affected by and affect the room in a mutual interplay.

In this paper, we develop this further and argue that teachers and students inhabit the classroom. Corporeality is therefore closely connected to spatiality and is understood as a prerequisite for being involved in relationships. We argue for the importance of exploring the notion of embodiment in educational settings with a special focus on the embodied classroom using the phenomenology of the life-world
Enacting teaching and learning in the interaction process: “Keys” for developing skills in piano lessons through four-hand improvisations
Authors: Laroche Julien , Kaddouch Ilan
Published: July 2014

Embodied mind theories underline the role of the body in the act of knowing. According to the enactive approach, we learn to perceive and to know through our bodily interactions with the world (Varela, Thompson & Rosch, 1991). However, such an approach remains incomplete as long as sociality is not taken into account (Froese & Di Paolo, 2009). Recently, an inter-enactive approach has accordingly been proposed. Social interactions are seen as processes of coordinated sense-making that emerge from the dynamics of the inter-action process itself (De Jaegher & Di Paolo, 2007). As learning mainly takes place in intersubjective contexts (e.g. as an effect of teaching), this approach is relevant to the issue of pedagogy. Teaching settings are a special case though: cognitive interactions are reciprocal but asymmetrically guided by the teacher. In this paper, the question of the relations between body and education is thus addressed from the point of view of the inter-enactive approach. To this end, we first sketch out the phenomenological and theoretical contours of embodied intersubjectivity and intersubjective embodiment. Then, we present an interactive pedagogical method for musical learning (free spontaneous four-hand improvisations in the context of the Kaddouch pedagogy) and discuss it using illustrative case studies. The teacher’s role appears to operate directly within the dynamics of the interaction process, a source of knowing and skill enaction for the learner
Toward an affective pedagogy of human rights education
Authors: Hung Ruyu
Published: July 2014

This paper explores the notion of Affective Pedagogy of Human Rights Education (APHRE) on a theoretical level and suggests a concept of curricular framework. APHRE highlights the significance of affectivity and body in the process of learning, factors usually neglected in the mainstream intellectualistic approach to learning, especially in areas under the Confucian tradition. The paper’s first section explores the thinking of three philosophers - Rorty, Merleau-Ponty, and Beardsley - who serve as sources for APHRE. The second section explains how their concepts contribute to APHRE’s development. In the third section, a practical curricular framework is presented. Finally, the paper discusses implementing the framework and concludes by recognizing APHRE as a pedagogic approach for crossing borders among nationalities, cultures, and languages
Mathematical Modelling of a Hybrid Micro-Cogeneration Group Based on a Four Stroke Diesel Engine
Authors: Apostol Valentin , Prisecaru Tudor , Petcu Cristian , Dobrovicescu Alexandru , Prisecaru Mălina , Popescu Gheorghe , Pop Horaţiu , Ciobanu Cristina , Pop Elena , Untea Adrian , Kadhum Mahdi Hatf , Bădescu Viorel
Published: July 2014

The paper presents a part of the work conducted in the first stage of a Research Grant called ”Hybrid micro-cogeneration group of high efficiency equipped with an electronically assisted ORC” acronym GRUCOHYB. The hybrid micro-cogeneration group is equipped with a four stroke Diesel engine having a maximum power of 40 kW. A mathematical model of the internal combustion engine is presented. The mathematical model is developed based on the Laws of Thermodynamics and takes into account the real, irreversible processes. Based on the mathematical model a computation program was developed. The results obtained were compared with those provided by the Diesel engine manufacturer. Results show a very high correlation between the manufacturer’s data and the simulation results for an engine running at 100% load. Future developments could involve using an exergetic analysis to show the ability of the ORC to generate electricity from recovered heat
Magnetic Deposits of Iron Oxides in the Human Brain
Authors: Makohusová Miroslava , Mrázová Viera , Kopáni Martin , Boča Roman
Published: July 2014

Deposits of iron oxides in the human brain (globus pallidus) are visible under electron microscopy as object of regular and or/irregular shape but giving sharp diffraction patterns in the transmission mode. The SQUID magnetometry reveals that the magnetization curves decline form an ideal Langevin function due to the dominating diamagnetism of organic tissue. The fitting procedure yields the quantitative characteristics of the overall magnetization curves that were further processed by statistical multivariate methods
Induction gemcitabine in standard dose or prolonged low-dose with cisplatin followed by concurrent radiochemotherapy in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a randomized phase II clinical trial
Authors: Vrankar Martina , Zwitter Matjaz , Bavcar Tanja , Milic Ana , Kovac Viljem
Published: July 2014

Background. The optimal combination of chemotherapy with radiation therapy for treatment locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains an open issue. This randomized phase II study compared gemcitabine in two different schedules and cisplatin - as induction chemotherapy, followed by radiation therapy concurrent with cisplatin and etoposid.

Patients and methods. Eligible patients had microscopically confirmed inoperable non-metastatic non-small cell lung cancer; fulfilled the standard criteria for platin-based chemotherapy; and signed informed consent. Patients were treated with 3 cycles of induction chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin. Two different aplications of gemcitabine were compared: patients in arm A received gemcitabine at 1250 mg/m2 in a standard half hour i.v. infusion on days 1 and 8; patients in arm B received gemcitabine at 250 mg/m2 in prolonged 6-hours i.v. infusion on days 1 and 8. In both arms, cisplatin 75 mg/m2 on day 2 was administered. All patients continued treatment with radiation therapy with 60-66 Gy concurrent with cisplatin 50 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, 29 and 36 and etoposid 50 mg/m2 on days 1-5 and 29-33. The primary endpoint was response rate (RR) after induction chemotherapy; secondary endpoints were toxicity, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results. From September 2005 to November 2010, 106 patients were recruited to this study. No statistically signifficant differences were found in RR after induction chemotherapy between the two arms (48.1% and 57.4%, p = 0.34). Toxicity profile was comparable and mild with grade 3/4 neutropenia as primary toxicity in both arms. One patient in arm B suffered from acute peripheral ischemia grade 4 and an amputation of lower limb was needed. With a median follow-up of 69.3 months, progression-free survival and median survival in arm A were 15.7 and 24.8 months compared to 18.9 and 28.6 months in arm B. The figures for 1- and 3-year overall survival were 73.1% and 30.8% in arm A, and 81.5 % and 44.4% in arm B, respectively.

Conclusions. Among the two cisplatin-based doublets of induction chemotherapy for inoperable NSCLC, both schedules of gemcitabine have a comparable toxicity profile. Figures for RR, PFS and OS are among the best reported in current literature. While there is a trend towards better efficacy of the treament with prolonged infusion of gemcitabine, the difference between the two arms did not reach statistical significance