bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stability of routine biochemical analytes in whole blood and plasma/serum: focus on potassium stability from lithium heparin
Authors: Dupuy Anne Marie , Cristol Jean Paul , Vincent Bruno , Bargnoux Anne Sophie , Mendes Mickael , Philibert Pascal , Klouche Kadda , Badiou Stéphanie 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Background:
Blood specimens are transported from clinical departments to the biochemistry laboratory by hospital courier service, sometimes over long distances. The aim of this study was to assess the stability of common biochemical analytes in venous blood under our routine transport conditions and to evaluate analyte stability after prompt or delayed centrifugation.

Methods:
We investigated pre- and postanalytical contributions of 32 biochemical analytes in plasma and serum samples from 10 patients (healthy adults and patients from intensive care units). Differences in analyte concentrations between baseline (T0) and different time intervals (2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 h) following storage after prompt and delayed centrifugation were reported. Evaluation was against the total change limit as described by Oddoze et al. (Oddoze C, Lombard E, Portugal H. Stability study of 81 analytes in human whole blood, in serum and in plasma. Clin Biochem 2012;45:464–9).

Results:
The majority of analytes were stable with delayed separation up to 12 h, except for potassium, C-peptide, osteocalcin, parathyroid hormone (PTH), bicarbonate and LDH. After prompt centrifugation and storage at 4°C, stability was greatly increased up to 48 h for most analytes. LDH and bicarbonate had the lowest stability after centrifugation; therefore, no reanalysis of these analytes in a centrifuged tube can be allowed.

Conclusions:
Knowledge of analyte stability is crucial to interpret biological analysis with confidence. However, centrifugation prior to transport is time consuming, and the transfer of plasma or serum from a primary tube to a secondary tube increases the risk of preanalytical errors. For analytes that are stable in whole blood for 24 h or more, it seems that there is no benefit to centrifuge before transport.
Common ground across globalized English varieties: A multivariate exploration of mental predicates in World Englishes
Authors: Deshors Sandra C. , Götz Sandra 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis study tests for similarities and differences in the uses of near-synonymous mental predicates by speakers of different ENL and ESL speech communities to capture whether, and if so to what degree, speakers of different first and second language English varieties use the four near-synonymous predicates semantically differently. Specifically, we focus on I believe, I think, I suppose and I guess in eight native and second-language varieties of English (i.e. American, British, Canadian, Irish, Hong Kong, Indian, Singapore and New Zealand). We adopt a multivariate modeling approach to analyze mental predicates annotated for six semantic variables (verifiability, epistemic mode, epistemic class, epistemic type, evaluation and negotiability) as well as genre. Our findings show the usefulness of exploring Englishes through the lens of semantic structure. Although, on the surface, two groups of English varieties emerge with different preferential patterns of predicates (British, Indian, Irish and Singapore vs. Canadian, Hong Kong and American), at a more abstract level, those predicates share similar semantic combinatory patterns common to all varieties in focus. It emerges that modeling the development of Englishes based on theoretical frameworks that account for simultaneous development of generic (i.e. common to all Englishes) and specialized (i.e. specific to individual Englishes) linguistic patterns may be beneficial. At a time when English has become a worldwide language shaped by globalization, the present study adds to the discussion on the developmental pathways that characterize the evolution of non-native Englishes in the twenty-first century.
A Time-Fractional Diffusion Equation with Generalized Memory Kernel in Differential and Difference Settings with Smooth Solutions
Authors: Alikhanov Anatoly A. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
In this paper, an a priori estimate for the corresponding
differential problem is obtained by using the method of the energy
inequalities. We construct a difference analog of the Caputo
fractional derivative with generalized memory kernel (L1 formula).
The basic properties of this difference operator are investigated
and on its basis some difference schemes generating approximations
of the second and fourth order in space and the

(

2
-
α

)

{(2-\alpha)}

-th
order in time for the generalized time-fractional diffusion equation
with variable coefficients are considered. Stability of the
suggested schemes and also their convergence in the grid

L
2

{L_{2}}

-norm with the rate equal to the order of the approximation error are
proved. The obtained results are supported by numerical
calculations carried out for some test problems.
Some microelectrochemical methods for the investigation of passivity and corrosion
Authors: Fushimi Koji , Nakagawa Ryogo 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Microelectrochemical approaches using a microcapillary cell (MCC), scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), and in situ ellipsomicroscopy for studying heterogeneous passive or corroding surfaces of materials are reviewed. An MCC can be used to investigate the localized behavior of a site of interest on a material by various electrochemical methods, including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. SECM has often been used for imaging corroding surfaces or passive films on materials. Moreover, the use of a liquid-phase ion gun, a mode of SECM that forms a local aggressive environment at the solution/material interphase, can reveal the depassivation mechanism and kinetics of the surface of a material. The heterogeneous growth or degradation of a thin passive film on a material has been monitored using in situ ellipsomicroscopy, and a depassivation site has been successfully found before a film breakdown is initiated. These microelectrochemical methods are useful for monitoring the heterogeneous distribution of a passive film and for investigating the heterogeneity of the passivity of materials.
Growth of passive oxide films on iron and titanium under non-stationary state
Authors: Ohtsuka Toshiaki 
Published: September 2017

AbstractGrowth of passive oxides on iron and titanium under the non-stationary state was studied during constant current density (CD) oxidation and potential sweep oxidation. Increase and decrease of the thickness of the passive oxide film were determined from the relation between dissolution and growth CDs. By using rotating Fe disc-Pt ring electrode, the CDs of the dissolution from the oxide to solution and the growth of the passive oxide on iron were simultaneously measured. From the ratio of the growth CD to the dissolution CD and the pH dependence of the growth CD, a possible mechanism was discussed. Next, the growth of passive oxides on iron in pH 8.4 borate solution and on titanium in 0.1msulfuric acid solution during the potential sweep oxidation was examined by using three-parameter ellipsometry. Oxide growth was initially delayed when the sweep in the positive direction was started, and then the oxide film linearly grew with the potential increase. It was found that the oxide growth rate influenced the properties of the oxide film. The electric field in the oxide film during the non-stationary growth was discussed, concerned with the CD of the oxide film formation.
Development of novel surface treatments for corrosion protection of aluminum: self-repairing coatings
Authors: Chiba Makoto , Yamada Chinami , Okuyama Haruka , Sugiura Minori , Pletincx Sven , Verbruggen Hilke , Hyono Atsushi , Graeve Iris De , Terryn Herman , Takahashi Hideaki 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Two types of self-repairing coatings for the protection of Al and its alloys are reviewed: (1) organic coatings with capsules containing repairing agent and (2) porous anodic oxide films with inhibitor solution stored in the pores of the oxide film. First, polyurethane microcapsules containing liquid surface-repairing agents were synthesized and polyurethane coating with the capsules was painted on Al alloy specimens. After mechanical damage to the coating, self-repairing occurred by the reaction of water vapor in the air with the repairing agents released from the capsules. Second, porous-type anodic oxide films were formed on Al alloys, and the pores of the anodic oxide films were filled with inhibitor solutions, followed by application of a covering polyurethane layer. Inhibitors released from the pores efficiently protected the Al alloy substrate from corrosion arising from induced mechanical damage.
Endoscopic imaging using surface-enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Kim Yong-il , Jeong Sinyoung , Jun Bong-Hyun , Lee Yun-Sang , Lee Yoon-Sik , Jeong Dae Hong , Lee Dong Soo 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn this review, we assessed endoscopic imaging using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). As white-light endoscopy, the current standard for gastrointestinal endoscopy, is limited to morphology, Raman endoscopy using surface-enhanced Raman scattering nanoparticles (SERS endoscopy) was introduced as one of the novel functional modalities. SERS endoscopy has multiplex capability and high sensitivity with low autofluorescence and photobleaching. As a result, multiple molecular characteristics of the lesion can be accurately evaluated in real time while performing endoscopy using SERS probes and appropriate instrumentation. Especially, recently developed dual modality of fluorescence and SERS endoscopy offers easy localization with identification of multiple target molecules. For clinical use of SERS endoscopy in the future, problems of limited field of view and cytotoxicity should be addressed by fusion imaging, topical administration, and non-toxic coating of nanoparticles. We expect SERS endoscopic imaging would be an essential endoscopic technique for diagnosis of cancerous lesions, assessment of resection margins and evaluation of therapeutic responses.
Modreg: A Modular Framework for RGB-D Image Acquisition and 3D Object Model Registration
Authors: Kornuta Tomasz , Stefańczyk Maciej 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
RGB-D sensors became a standard in robotic applications requiring object recognition, such as object grasping and manipulation. A typical object recognition system relies on matching of features extracted from RGB-D images retrieved from the robot sensors with the features of the object models. In this paper we present ModReg: a system for registration of 3D models of objects. The system consists of a modular software associated with a multi-camera setup supplemented with an additional pattern projector, used for the registration of high-resolution RGB-D images. The objects are placed on a fiducial board with two dot patterns enabling extraction of masks of the placed objects and estimation of their initial poses. The acquired dense point clouds constituting subsequent object views undergo pairwise registration and at the end are optimized with a graph-based technique derived from SLAM. The combination of all those elements resulted in a system able to generate consistent 3D models of objects.
Keypoint-Less, Heuristic Application of Local 3D Descriptors
Authors: Harasymowicz-Boggio Bogdan , Chechliński Łukasz 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
One of the most important topics in the research concerning 3D local descriptors is computational efficiency. The state-of-the-art approach addressing this matter consists in using keypoint detectors that effectively limit the number of points for which the descriptors are computed. However, the choice of keypoints is not trivial and might have negative implications, such as the omission of relevant areas. Instead, focusing on the task of single object detection, we propose a keypoint-less approach to attention focusing in which the full scene is processed in a hierarchical manner: weaker, less rejective and faster classification methods are used as heuristics for increasingly robust descriptors, which allows to use more demanding algorithms at the top level of the hierarchy. We have developed a massively-parallel, open source object recognition framework, which we use to explore the proposed method on demanding, realistic indoor scenes, applying the full power available in modern computers.
Postharvest properties of sweet cherry fruit depending on rootstock and storage conditions
Authors: Dziedzic Ewa , Błaszczyk Jan , Kaczmarczyk Elżbieta 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT
‘Regina’ sweet cherry fruit (Prunus avium L.) harvested from trees grown on vigorous and semi-dwarfing rootstocks was stored in normal atmosphere (NA) at 8°C and 2°C, and in a controlled atmosphere (CA) 3% O2 + 5% CO2 at 2°C for two weeks. At harvest time, the fruits differed in the measured quality parameters (firmness, soluble solids content - SSC, titratable acidity - TA) depending on the rootstock. The storage conditions and the rootstocks significantly influenced the fruit quality parameters after storage. Generally, reduced fruit firmness and TA, and higher SSC and SSC/TA ratio were observed at the end of the storage period. Among the rootstocks, the lowest soluble solids content was found in the fruit from trees on the vigorous F12/1 rootstock. The lower storage temperature decreased the SSC independently of the storage atmosphere composition. Firmer fruit was found in CA 2°C compared with the other two treatments. The greatest loss of weight was found after fruit storage in NA 8°C. The extent of fruit decay depended on the season, storage conditions and the rootstock. Storage in NA 8°C of the fruit grown on F12/1 rootstock resulted in the highest percentage of fungal decay. The best retention of the green colour of the peduncle was noted in CA 2°C. The findings on how the rootstocks affect sweet cherry fruit properties can be useful for sweet cherry breeding programmes, as well as for sweet cherry crop production and storage technologies.
Denitrification of water using ZnO/Cu as the photocatalyst
Authors: Rahmani Ehasn , Rahmani Mohammad 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
The ZnO:xCu photocatalyst was prepared with reacting media, namely, water method followed by wet impregnation to deposit Cu on the ZnO nano particles. X-ray diffraction was used to perform crystallography and the determination of the ZnO:xCu particle size. Fourier transform infrared was employed for the detection of chemical bonds in the synthesized photocatalyst. The nanoparticle morphology was studied by field emission scanning electron microscope. The elemental composition of the synthesized catalysts was evaluated with X-ray fluorescence technique. Diffuse reflection spectroscopy analysis was performed to investigate the light absorption of the ZnO:xCu catalysts. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared ZnO:xCu nanoparticles was studied for the removal of nitrate from the aqueous solution of ammonium nitrate (50 mg·l−1) under UV irradiation. Results indicated that the ZnO:xCu photocatalyst has high photocalytic activity to remove nitrate from water. Moreover, complete degradation was achieved after 2.5 h.
Life cycle assessment of solvent extraction as a low-energy alternative to distillation for recovery of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone from process waste
Authors: Tozzi Paul V. , Wisniewski Christian M. , Zalewski Nicholas J. , Savelski Mariano J. , Slater C. Stewart , Richetti Frank A. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
This case study investigates low-energy alternatives to distillation for the recovery of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) from solvent waste in the manufacture of resin precursors. Evaluation includes environmental and economic life cycle assessment of solvent recovery and reuse using batch distillation, solvent extraction, and solvent extraction at a sister plant. Solvent extraction at the sister plant involved shipment of hazardous waste to a facility with existing solvent recovery equipment and lower purity standards for NMP. The amount of processing required to recover useful NMP is reduced, increasing reductions in life cycle emissions and damages to the environment. Extraction at the sister plant recovered 98% of the NMP at a purity of 97.1 wt% from aqueous waste containing 17 wt% NMP. Extraction at the sister plant reduced total and CO2 life cycle emissions by 61% and 59%, respectively. Compared to the distillation recovery alternative, extraction at the sister plant results in reductions of 32% and 33% for total and CO2 life cycle emissions, respectively. Annual operating costs were reduced by 80%, with no capital investment, due to utilization of existing equipment. This resulted in a 10-year net present value (NPV) of $4.20 million, whereas distillation resulted in a 10-year NPV of $3.12 million.
An efficient green synthesis of 5H-spiro[benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-c]quinazoline-6,3′-indolin]-2′-ones catalyzed by iodine in ionic liquids
Authors: Zhang Mei-Mei , Wang Yue , Liu Jian-Quan , Wang Xiang-Shan 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Benzene-1,2-diamine was treated with 2-nitrobenzaldehyde in EtOH, and the product was reduced with hydrazine hydrate in the presence of Fe(C) without separation to give 2-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)aniline (1). Reactions of compound 1 with isatins in the presence of iodine in an ionic liquid furnished 5H-spiro[benzo[4, 5]imidazo[1,2-c]quinazoline-6,3′-indolin]-2′-ones in high yields.
Employee Satisfaction with Training Opportunities and its Relation to Internal Marketing
Authors: Treľová Silvia , Olšavský František 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
The article aims to find a link between employee training and satisfaction with educational activities and marketing efforts of the organization. Qualification growth of employees is closely connected to the organization’s success. Since obstacles in education hinder achieving desirable results, they need to be identified and overcome.
Theoretical background and knowledge was confronted with data collected in primary research. Interviewing was used as the method and questionnaire as the instrument. Data were statistically analysed and results of chi-square were calculated in software Statgraphics.
Testing the relationship between barriers in training involvement of employees and their socio-economic characteristics proved that, gender, age, education level, sector of economy, length of current employment, and income satisfaction are independent. The only relevant dependence is apparent in case of fear of failure which is a barrier indicated for low income people.
This article clarifies the state of satisfaction with education possibilities of employees through identifying of the main barriers and concludes consequences for sustainable growth of organization.
Other economico-social factors of the saving process
Authors: Grigorescu Adriana , Oprisan Oana , Condrea Elena 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSavings and investments are not unconditioned universal ways for the economic development and growth of a country. They accomplish only the motor role in a healthy macroeconomic ambiance, but in the context of a coherent and consistent long-term policy, as well. Only in these circumstances it can become reality the virtuous circle of high savings – large investments – economic growth.For the insuring of the sustainability of the economic growth there will be the need of more effort, which indicates the fact that success is obtainable and that the political efforts in this direction will be rewarded.
Violence, Faith, and Women in Romanian Literature
Authors: Chandra Giti , Bădulescu Sanda-Marina 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis essay offers a gendered reading of the confluence of violence and faith in Romanian literature, through a reading of two texts: Tatiana Bran’s “Deadly Confession”, and Elie Wiesel’s “Night”. While the former looks at the violence visited upon women in the context of religion and faith, the latter seeks to locate the place of women in the course of the loss of faith in a male context. The essay embeds these readings within the larger context of women and violence in Romanian literature from the 19thcentury to the present. While the instance of Bran’s novel serves as representative of much of this literature, the example of Wiesel’s autobiographical narrative is uniquely contextualized by the field of Holocaust literature. Nevertheless, it is possible to see these two readings – one, a woman authored text of violence against women, the other, a male authored text of women as a refuge from violence – as complementing each other in the ways in which women respond to faith and the loss of faith.
The impact of international energy price on Romanian macroeconomic
Authors: Xiao Yukun 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
The recent decade has witnessed wild swings in International Energy price, and there is no doubt that a large fluctuation in energy prices will have an impact on a country’s macro economy. This study examines the impact of international energy price on Romanian macroeconomic –CPI, exchange rate and industrial product – by using Granger causality test and quantiles regression. We find that the international energy price can affect the CPI and industrial product of Romania, while it can’t influence exchange rate at all. Also when energy price increase and decrease, it will have different impact on Romanian macroeconomic.
Research & Development through a gender lens – the case of Romania and Iceland
Authors: Zamfir Ana-Maria , Hjálmarsdóttir Erla Hlín 
Published: September 2017

AbstractFor many years, gender equality has been on the agenda of various stakeholders from different sectors of activity and from different levels of action. However, information regarding the participation of women to research and development remains scarce and insufficient for assessing the progress towards equality related goals in this area. This paper aims to explore the participation of women to the research & development sector in two selected European countries – Romania and Iceland. Thus, the present study is focused on the presence of women in a highly specialized sector that contributes to the creation of a competitive, knowledge-based society. Data on research and development personnel are analyzed from a comparative perspective in order to assess how Romania and Iceland perform in the field of gender equality in research and development sector. The findings of this paper show that women are still underrepresented in specific sectors of performance, as well as in some fields of science. Due to data lacking, analysis on the presence of women in management position in research and development couldn’t be performed. So, better and more comparable statistics on gender equality issues in science is needed for ensuring a more accurate image of women participation.