bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic relevance of CSF interleukin-6
Authors: Gruber Sylvia , Werner Philipp , Germann Reinhard , Fraunberger Peter 
Published: January 2016

Abstract:
In 1985 interleukin 6 (IL-6) was first identified as a differentiation factor for B-cells (B-cell stimulatory factor 2) which caused B-cells to mature and produce antibodies. Numerous studies now demonstrate the pleiotropic character of IL-6, which has been shown to possess important functions in the immune system, the regulation of hematopoesis, inflammation and oncogenesis. In the central nervous system (CNS), IL-6 is involved in neurogenesis and the response of neurons and glia-cells to various injuries. CNS infections, cerebral ischaemia, CNS traumata or chronic inflammatory diseases with CNS manifestations such as neuro-lupus or neuro-sarcoidosis are associated with increased IL-6 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Thus, the use of IL-6 as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in these diseases is being investigated. In this review we aim to provide an overview of current studies and evaluate the diagnostic significance of CSF-IL-6.
Toward a generative theory of language transfer: Experiment and modeling of sC prothesis in L2 Spanish
Authors: Daland Robert , Norrmann-Vigil Ingrid 
Published: January 2016

AbstractWhen native Spanish speakers produce English words with initial [s]-consonant clusters (sC), they sometimes produce a prothetic vowel, e.g. stigma > estigma. This paper reports a production experiment on this phenomena, as well as computational modelling of the experimental results. Carlisle (1991a) proposed the ‘resyllabification account’ in which prothesis is a language transfer effect, whose essential motivation is to satisfy L1/Spanish syllable phonotactics. Replicating all previous work, a greater rate of prothesis was found in postconsonantal contexts than in postvocalic contexts (Rick (e)stinks > Ricky (e)stinks). A novel prediction is that when prothesis occurs, the [s] should have durational characteristics associated with the coda position, whereas it should have onset characteristics when prothesis does not occur; this was found. Another prediction is that a grammar which captures the variability in prothesis should in some sense be “between” the L1/Spanish and L2/English grammars. This latter prediction was tested by developing a constraint-based analysis of sC prothesis in Maximum Entropy Harmonic Grammar (Goldwater & Johnson, 2003). The results were consistent with a view of language transfer as ‘linear interpolation’ of constraint weights, conditioned on an ‘effort’ constraint reflecting how phonological planning varies with task/ modality demands.
The Sarikoli reflexive pronoun
Authors: Kim Deborah 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis paper describes χɯ, the Sarikoli reflexive personal and possessive pronoun, in terms of its agreement, relative prominence, and domain. The reflexive χɯ does not overtly agree with its antecedent, always maintaining the same form. It is subject-oriented and is complementarily distributed with nonreflexive pronouns. In both finite and non-finite subordinate clauses, χɯ is usually used as a local reflexive, with long-distance potential in one variety—the reason adverbial clause. Sarikoli provides confirmatory evidence for the correlation between long-distance reflexives and subject orientation (Pica 1987, 1991; Cole & Sung 1994), since χɯ is subject-oriented whether it refers to an antecedent within the same clause or across a clause boundary.
Satisfaction With Life And Disease Acceptance By Patients With A Stomy Related To Surgical Treatment Of The Rectal Cancer – Determinants Of Quality Of Life?
Authors: Nowicki Andrzej , Marciniak Justyna , Farbicka Paulina , Banaszkiewicz Zbigniew 
Published: January 2016

AbstractSatisfaction with life and disease acceptance by patients with a stomy related to surgical treatment of the rectal cancer depend on multiple factors. Such factors as social support, life conditions and time that elapsed after stomy creation, are very important in this context.was to conduct an early evaluation of life satisfaction and disease acceptance by patients with a stomy related to surgical treatment of the rectal cancer.The study was conducted at Dr. Jan Biziel University Hospital No. 2 in Bydgoszcz and at the prof. F. Łukaszczyk Oncology Centre in Bydgoszcz in 2014. The final analysis included 96 subjects aged 41-87 years (median 59 years). Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) and Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) adapted by Zygfryd Juczyński, were used in this study.Most patients had satisfaction with life score of 5 or 6, 23 (24%) and 28 (29.2%) subjects, respectively. Twenty nine (30.2%) study subjects had low satisfaction level, while 16 (16.7%) had high satisfaction level. Average disease acceptance score was 23.2 points. Most patients, 71 (74%) had a moderate disease acceptance score, while the lowest number of subjects, 9 (9.4%), had high disease acceptance score. None of the study subjects who were under the care of a psychologist (14/100%) did not have a low acceptance level.Half of the study subjects had a moderate level of satisfaction with life. Most patients with stomy related to surgical treatment of the rectal cancer in an early postoperative period had moderate level of the disease acceptance. Patients with high level of satisfaction with life, accept the disease better. Few patients who used help by a psychologist, were two- and three-fold more likely to have higher level of satisfaction with life and disease acceptance, respectively.
In vitro study of the effect of corn dried distillers grains with solubles on rumen fermentation in sheep
Authors: Pecka-Kiełb E. , Zawadzki W. , Zachwieja A. , Michel O. , Mazur M. , Miśta D. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The aim of the in vitro study was to determine the effect of corn dried distillers grains with solubles (corn DDGS), used as a replacement for the concentrate ingredients of sheep diet, on rumen fermentation. The material for the study was the ruminal fluid of Polish Merino sheep which was incubated during 4-, 8- or 24-hour periods. Five groups of samples were prepared for in vitro fermentation: C – control, incubated with the substrate consisting of the concentrate ingredients; D1, D2 and D3, where DDGS was used as a substrate added in proportions of 10, 20 and 30% of dry matter of the concentrate; and D4, where 100% DDGS was used as a substrate. After fermentation, the gas and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) analyses were performed using gas chromatography. The ammonia concentration and pH were also determined, and the SCFA utilization index (NGR), the fermentation efficiency (FE) and the index of cell yield of ruminal microorganisms (CY) were calculated. This research showed no effect of DDGS on the methane emission. The positive correlations between the amount of methane and ammonia concentrations in the 8- and 24-hour fermentation periods were found. DDGS addition increased propionate proportion, but decreased production of acetate (p<0.01). Additionally, D1, D2, D3 and D4 substrates lowered isobutyrate (p<0.05) and isovalerate (p<0.01) production. Based on the results obtained, it can be stated that partial substitution of the concentrate ingredients with DDGS did not have deleterious effect on sheep rumen fermentation processes.
Evaluation of the udder health status in subclinical mastitis affected dairy cows through bacteriological culture, somatic cell count and thermographic imaging
Authors: Bortolami A. , Fiore E. , Gianesella M. , Corrò M. , Catania S. , Morgante M. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractSubclinical mastitis in dairy cows is a big economic loss for farmers. The monitoring of subclinical mastitis is usually performed through Somatic Cell Count (SCC) in farm but there is the need of new diagnostic systems able to quickly identify cows affected by subclinical infections of the udder. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential application of thermographic imaging compared to SCC and bacteriological culture for infection detection in cow affected by subclinical mastitis and possibly to discriminate between different pathogens. In this study we evaluated the udder health status of 98 Holstein Friesian dairy cows with high SCC in 4 farms. From each cow a sample of milk was collected from all the functional quarters and submitted to bacteriological culture, SCC andMycoplasma spp. culture. A thermographic image was taken from each functional udder quarter and nipple. Pearson’s correlations and Analysis of Variance were performed in order to evaluate the different diagnostic techniques. The most frequent pathogen isolated wasStaphylococcus aureusfollowed by Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CNS),Streptococcus uberis,Streptococcus agalactiaeand others. The Somatic Cell Score (SCS) was able to discriminate (p<0.05) cows positive for a pathogen from cows negative at the bacteriological culture except for cows with infection caused by CNS. Infrared thermography was correlated to SCS (p<0.05) but was not able to discriminate between positive and negative cows. Thermographic imaging seems to be promising in evaluating the inflammation status of cows affected by subclinical mastitis but seems to have a poor diagnostic value.
Influence of chamber type integrated with computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) system on the results of boar semen evaluation
Authors: Gączarzewicz D. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of different types of chambers used in computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) on boar sperm concentration and motility parameters. CASA measurements were performed on 45 ejaculates by comparing three commonly used chambers: Leja chamber (LJ), Makler chamber (MK) and microscopic slide-coverslip (SL). Concentration results obtained with CASA were verified by manual counting on a Bürker hemocytometer (BH). No significant differences were found between the concentrations determined with BH vs. LJ and SL, whereas higher (p<0.01) values of this parameter were obtained with MK. Compared to MK and SL, significantly higher values were recorded in LJ for velocity (VCL and VAP) as well as amplitude of the lateral head displacement (ALH) and beat cross frequency (BCF), which was associated with significantly higher percentages of motile, progressively motile and rapidly progressive motile spermatozoa. Higher values for the linearity (LIN) and straightness (STR) of sperm movement were obtained for the analysis performed in MK and SL. In both these chambers, the results of all the linearity and kinetic parameters of sperm were similar (p>0.05). The results obtained show that CASA assessment of boar semen should account for the effect of counting chamber on the results of sperm motility and concentration, which confirms the need for further study on standardizing the automatic analysis of boar semen.
A serological and molecular study on the occurrence of mycoplasmas in European bison (Bison bonasus) from two areas of Eastern Poland
Authors: Dudek K. , Bednarek D. , Szacawa E. , Ayling R.D. , Krzysiak M.K. , Marczuk J. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
European bison (Bison bonasus) from two different areas of Eastern Poland showing gross pathology possibly associated with mycoplasma infections were tested for ruminant Mycoplasma species using serological and molecular methods. Fifty-five samples, blood or tissue were collected from 28 animals during 2013-2014. Six sera were positive for Mycoplasma bovis. The ELISA and complement fixation test for Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides gave a few weak reactions, but were negative by immunoblotting and molecular methods.
Disparity in Discolouration of Thermally Modified Wood Exposed to Solar and Artificial Ultraviolet Irradiation
Authors: Cirule Dace , Kuka Edgars , Antons Andis 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Artificial weathering is a widely used method for predicting wood behaviour during its service life. A study was carried out to compare the colour change of thermally modified aspen (Populus tremula L.) and grey alder (Alnus incana (L.) Moench) wood during natural solar and artificial ultra violet (UV) irradiation. Thermally modified wood specimens were exposed for 30 h to artificial UV irradiation at two different intensities, i.e.1.36 W m−2 at 340 nm and 0.68 W m−2 at 340 nm, as well as to solar irradiation outdoors and indoors. After 2.5, 5 and 10 h exposure, colour parameters and reflectance spectra (360–740 nm) were determined. Colour was expressed in accordance with the CIELAB colour model as colour parameters L*, a*, b*. The total colour change ΔEab was calculated from colour parameter differences ΔL*, Δa*, Δb*. The colour changes caused by solar and artificial UV irradiation had a similar pattern for both thermally modified hardwood species under study. Changes in the individual colour parameters in the course of the experiment altered their direction, which implies that discolouration of thermally modified wood is a complicated and dynamic process with various and different chemical transformations in wood chromophores. Colour and reflectance changes had similar trends for different intensities of the same type of irradiation, but they differed for various irradiation types – natural solar or artificial UV irradiation. Greater discolouration was detected for the specimens exposed to both solar irradiations - outdoors and indoors. The results suggest that the fluorescent lamps of the UVA-340 type, which only imitate well the sunlight UV spectrum from 290 nm to 365 nm, do not fully simulate the changes in thermally modified wood induced by solar radiation.
3D-MID manufacturing via laser direct structuring with nanosecond laser pulses
Authors: Yan Hengfeng , Chen Jimin , Zhao Jinyan 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
3D molded interconnect device (3D-MID) is a kind of injection-molded thermoplastic part with integrated electronic circuit traces. Currently, it is a hotspot of the electronic and telecommunication equipment industry. Laser direct structuring (LDS) is the main approach to fabricate 3D-MID. Laser scans and activates the surface of thermoplastic parts. After plating, the activated area is coated with copper. In this study, a model was built to describe the mechanisms of interaction between a substrate and laser. The nanosecond laser was applied in the LDS process to manufacture 3D circuit on 3D-MID. With the aid of variable laser pulse width, the model was confirmed by a series of experiments including investigations of roughness, surface structure and energy spectrum. Finally, critical factors affecting the LDS process were found out. They are effective guides for many LDS applications.
International Space vs. International Environment: New Phenomena and New Challenges for Poland’s Foreign Policy
Authors: Łoś-Nowak Teresa 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
While analysing Poland’s foreign policy and its dilemmas from the perspective of changes in the international environment at the turn of the 21st century, the Author introduces a new analytical category – “international space”. This is a new analytical term with larger explanatory content and more capacious than the category of international environment. This paper explains the validity of such a procedure and its analytical strength. Against the significance of changes, it is the international space, not international environment, that is able to explain the depth of changes in morphology of the international system, where access to knowledge and information has become the source of changes and their dynamics. These phenomena and processes critical for the international system force the post-industrial country to develop a new approach to Poland’s foreign policy. They also impose reflection on Poland’s presence in the global “post-modern” international space, segments of international relations that are important for its development. This paper should be treated as an introduction to the difficult but very important debate on Poland’s foreign policy, dilemmas that it has to face, and areas of special sensitivity for the state and its development.
“New Public Policy” As an Example of Pro-Innovation Policy – The Neo-Institutional Perspective
Authors: Kwieciński Leszek 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
This article presents the main elements of the creation of the pro-innovation policy as a new public policy. For understanding this kind of policy we should analyse the structural and functional aspects this public policy. The main concept of structural description pro-innovation policy is a National Innovation System. NIS is being analysed as a sub-functional part of the political system as a whole. This sub-functional political system should also have social and institutional connections. Furthermore, pro-innovation activity is connected with the market, state, and social aspects. The pro-innovation policy and system must be based on social endogenous resources, needs, and possibilities. These are the basic factors for legitimisation and participation, which are crucial elements for the effective implementation of the pro-innovation policy.
Lead exposure from battery recycling in Indonesia
Authors: Haryanto Budi 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
In Indonesia, more than 200 illegal used lead acid battery (ULAB) smelters are currently operating. Only a few health studies support the finding of lead-related symptoms and diseases among populations living near the smelters. To assess the blood lead levels (BLLs) and potential health impacts among the population surrounding ULAB recycling smelters, we evaluated health effects reported from 2003 to 2013, conducted focus group discussions with lead smelter owner/workers and a group of 35 female partners of smelter owners or workers not actively engaged in smelter work, and retook and measured BLLs. It was found that many children in the areas were having difficulty achieving high grades at school and having stunting or other problems with physical development. The average mean of BLLs increased by almost double in 2015, compared with in 2011. The risk of having hypertension, interference in the ability to make red blood cells in females occurred among 24% of respondents; Elevated blood pressure, hearing loss, and interference in the ability to make red bloods cell occurred in 20% of males; Kidney damage, infertility in male, nerve problems, including decreased sensation and decreased ability to move quickly occurred in 13%; Decreased ability to make red blood cells (20%), and; Frank anemia, decreased life-span, coma/seizures were experienced by 22%. The populations living in areas surrounding ULAB smelters are experiencing severe chronic health problems. It is recommended that the smelters must be moved and placed far away from the municipality.
Health co-benefits in mortality avoidance from implementation of the mass rapid transit (MRT) system in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Authors: Kwan Soo Chen , Tainio Marko , Woodcock James , Hashim Jamal Hisham 
Published: January 2016

Abstract

Introduction: The mass rapid transit (MRT) is the largest transport infrastructure project under the national key economic area (NKEA) in Malaysia. As urban rail is anticipated to be the future spine of public transport network in the Greater Kuala Lumpur city, it is important to mainstream climate change mitigation and public health benefits in the local transport development. This study quantifies the health co-benefits in terms of mortality among the urbanites when the first line of the 150 km MRT system in Kuala Lumpur commences by 2017.

Method: Using comparative health risk assessment, we estimated the potential health co-benefits from the establishment of the MRT system. We estimated the reduced CO2 emissions and air pollution (PM2.5) exposure reduction among the general population from the reduced use of motorized vehicles. Mortality avoided from traffic incidents involving motorcycles and passenger cars, and from increased physical activity from walking while using the MRT system was also estimated.

Results: A total of 363,130 tonnes of CO2 emissions could be reduced annually from the modal shift from cars and motorcycles to the MRT system. Atmospheric PM2.5 concentration could be reduced 0.61 μg/m3 annually (2%). This could avoid a total of 12 deaths, mostly from cardio-respiratory diseases among the city residents. For traffic injuries, 37 deaths could be avoided annually from motorcycle and passenger cars accidents especially among the younger age categories (aged 15–30). One additional death was attributed to pedestrian walking. The additional daily physical activity to access the MRT system could avoid 21 deaths among its riders. Most of the mortality avoided comes from cardiovascular diseases. Overall, a total of 70 deaths could be avoided annually among both the general population and the MRT users in the city.

Conclusion: The implementation of the MRT system in Greater Kuala Lumpur could bring substantial health co-benefits to both the general population and the MRT users mainly from the avoidance of mortality from traffic injuries.
Mercury exposure in the work place and human health: dental amalgam use in dentistry at dental teaching institutions and private dental clinics in selected cities of Pakistan
Authors: Khwaja Mahmood A. , Nawaz Sadaf , Ali Saeed Waqar 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
During the past two decades, mercury has come under increasing scrutiny with regard to its safety both in the general population and in occupationally exposed groups. It’s a growing issue of global concern because of its adverse environmental and health impacts. Very few investigations on mercury amalgam use in the dentistry sector have been carried out in South Asia and there is little data reported on mercury contamination of indoor/outdoor air at dental sites. According to an earlier SDPI study, reported in 2013, alarmingly high mercury levels were observed in air (indoor as well as outdoor) at 11 of the 34 visited dental sites (17 dental teaching institutions, 7 general hospitals & 10 dental clinics) in five main cities of Pakistan. 88% of the sites indicated indoor mercury levels in air above the USA EPA reference level of 300 ng/m3. According to our study, carried out at 38 dental teaching institutions in 12 main cities (in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh provinces) of Pakistan, respondents were of the opinion that the currently offered BDS curriculum does not effectively guide outgoing dental professionals and does not provide them adequate knowledge and training about mercury/mercury amalgam and other mercury related human health and mercury waste issues. 90% of respondents supported the review and revision of the present dental curriculum offered at dental teaching institutions in the country, at the earliest. A study has also been conducted to assess the status of mercury amalgam use in private dental clinics in Gilgit, Hunza, Peshawar, Rawalpindi and Islamabad. More than 90 private dental clinics were visited and dental professionals/private clinics in-charge were interviewed during June–July, 2015. The focus areas of the study were Hg amalgam toxicity, its waste management practices and safety measures practiced among the dental practitioners. In the light of the findings described and discussed in this brief report, to safeguard public health and for the protection of environment, it is strongly recommended that since mercury amalgam use cannot be banned immediately in the country, its use may be regularized and allowed subject to use of “Amalgam Separators,” “Capsulated Mercury” and “Mechanized Mixing,” use of mercury amalgam be banned for children (below 12 years age) and pregnant women. The curriculum currently being taught at medical and dental colleges in the country be reviewed and revised, to ensure adequate training towards minimizing mercury exposure.