bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impossible constitutional reconciliation of the BVerfG and the ECJ in the OMT case. A legal analysis of the first preliminary referral of the BVerfG
Authors: Pennesi Francesco 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
In Gauweiler v. ECB, the German Constitutional Court referred for the first time a case to the European Court of Justice. The BVerfG openly doubted the legality of the OMT program of the European Central Bank, one of the most effective European instruments in counteracting the effects of the Euro-crisis. Despite the apparent willingness of the BVerfG to accept the referring decision of the ECJ, it is clear that the German judges have a different constitutional interpretation of the monetary mandate of the ECB. This article will focus on the different conceptions of European Monetary Union and in particular of the ECB proposed by the two Supreme Courts in their case-law, and will explain why the legality of the ECB’s activity will be re-examined in the near future.
Change, Resistance to Change and Organizational Cynicism
Authors: Grama Blanca , Todericiu Ramona 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Over the past decades, the focus of the scientists has shifted towards the area of organizational change. The concept has been approached from several perspectives and studied by numerous disciplines and refers to a shift or transformation of an organization, of several components of the organization or of the processes that lie within. Being in an environment characterized by competitiveness and complexity, organizations are under a constant need of change, of progress, while the aim of each change is to improve the aspects that make this happen. The dynamics of the labour force market has contributed to the creation of an environment in which organizations are permanently facing the need to implement various changes regarding their strategy, structure, processes or culture. Henceforth, the factors that can alter the implementation of change benefit from an increased focus. Understanding the reason for which some employees can resist change can have major financial implications for the organization. When considering the human resources involved in the change, nothing seems simple; most of the times things are not as they should be, and most of the employees experience a resistance to change, sometimes in the form of change-specific cynicism, a notion defined as the belief of employees that the organization in which they work lacks integrity. This paper represents the cultural adaptation of Change-Specific Cynicism Scale (a scale proposed by David J. Stanley in 1998, validated on the Canadian population), to the specifics of the Romanian population and supplies a method of evaluating change-specific cynicism for the specialized literature. Statistic results have shown that the Change-Specific Cynicism Scale has a high level of internal consistency (α=0,84) and can be used exclusively for equivalent populations. Moreover, this paper aims to approach the term organizational cynicism and its role in the context of organizational change.
Some Insights on the Changing Architecture of the World’s Top 100 Multinationals
Authors: Ogrean Claudia , Herciu Mihaela 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Premise: globalization represents both the fertile background and the accountable foreground that accompanies the evolution of TNCs/MNEs, within a self-enforcing spiral of co-evolution which gratifies the winners and discards the losers.
Argument: UNCTAD’s Top 100 non-financial TNCs/MNEs gathers together, since 1993, some of the most prominent winners of the above mentioned processes, making this instrument one of the best indicators and benchmarks in terms of both globalization and transnationalization – when analyzed at a given moment in time (for a particular year), and even more relevant when analyzed dynamically and by comparison.
Context: two major global shifts have occurred during the last decade or so: the global (financial and) economic crisis and its repercussions, and the rise of the emerging economies and of their TNCs/MNEs.
Aim: to depict the dynamics registered within the world’s top 100 non-financial TNCs/MNEs – in order to identify significant insights on how the world of TNCs/MNEs has evolved and its architecture (and inner composition) has changed – by fueling the two shifts mentioned above while internalizing their outcomes.
The Trade-Off between Planning Objectives and Planning Success
Authors: Laval Valerian 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
The aim of this paper it to analyse, why companies face difficulties in implementing modern planning concepts. For this the paper will discuss and define the terminology and goals of modern planning. Based on this, the article analyses how strategy orientation influences the willingness of companies to move from traditional budgeting to modern budgeting concepts. It will be outlined, why especially companies pursuing a cost leadership strategy are still reluctant to open themselves for modern budgeting concepts. The contribution of this paper is to analyse the influence of the strategy orientation on the readiness of organizations. Also it will be illustrated, how the overall value added of the corporate planning can be improved by prioritizing the most appropriate planning objectives.
Passing-by “Ça va?” checks in clinic corridors
Authors: González-Martínez Esther , Bangerter Adrian , Lê Van Kim 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWe have conducted a video-based field study on work interactions between staff members in the corridors of a hospital outpatient clinic in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. In this paper, we examine a specific mobile interactional configuration: passing-by interactions in which staff members get involved as they walk following close and parallel trajectories going in opposite directions. We also examine a specific conversational activity performed in the corridors: checks – introduced by the French expression “
Multiresolution Analysis of EEG Signals
Authors: Borowska Marta , Białobłocka Natalia 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
This paper reports on a multiresolution analysis of EEG signals. The dominant frequency components of signals with and without observed epileptic discharges were compared. The study showed that there were significant differences in dominant frequency between the signals with epileptic discharges and the signals without discharges. This gives the ability to identify epilepsy during EEG examination. The frequency of the signals coming from the frontal, central, parietal and occipital channels are similar. Multiresolution analysis can be used to describe the activity of brain waves and to try to predict epileptic seizures, thereby contributing to precise medical diagnoses.
Application of Artificial Neural Networks and Principal Component Analysis to Predict Results of Infertility Treatment Using the IVF Method
Authors: Milewski Robert , Jankowska Dorota , Cwalina Urszula , Milewska Anna Justyna , Citko Dorota , Więsak Teresa , Morgan Allen , Wołczyński Sławomir 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
There are high hopes for using the artificial neural networks (ANN) technique to predict results of infertility treatment using the in vitro fertilization (IVF) method. Some reports show superiority of the ANN approach over conventional methods. However, fully satisfactory results have not yet been achieved. Hence, there is a need to continue searching for new data describing the treatment process, as well as for new methods of extracting information from these data. There are also some reports that the use of principal component analysis (PCA) before the process of training the neural network can further improve the efficiency of generated models. The aim of the study herein presented was to verify the thesis that the use of PCA increases the effectiveness of the prediction by ANN for the analysis of results of IVF treatment. Results for the PCA-ANN approach proved to be slightly better than the ANN approach, however the obtained differences were not statistically significant.
Selection of Phase Space Reconstruction Parameters for EMG Signals of the Uterus
Authors: Brzozowska Ewelina , Borowska Marta 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Biological time series have a finite number of samples with noise included in them. Because of this fact, it is not possible to reconstruct phase space in an ideal manner. One kind of biomedical signals are electrohisterographical (EHG) datasets, which represent uterine muscle contractile activity. In the process of phase space reconstruction, the most important thing is suitable choice of the method for calculating the time delay τ and embedding dimension d, which will reliably reconstruct the original signal. The parameters used in digital signal processing are key to arranging adequate parameters of the analysed attractor embedded in the phase space. The aim of this paper is to present a method employed for phase space reconstruction for EHG signals that will make it possible for their further analysis to be carried out.
Early-Stage Pilot Study on Using Fractional-Order Calculus-Based Filtering for the Purpose of Analysis of Electroencephalography Signals
Authors: Kawala-Janik Aleksandra , Bauer Waldemar , Żołubak Magda , Baranowski Jerzy 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Analysis of Electroencephalography (EEG) signals has recently awoken the increased interest of numerous researchers all around the world with regard to rapid development of Brain-Computer Interaction-related research areas and because EEG signals are implemented in most of the non-invasive BCI systems, as they provide necessary information regarding activity of the brain. In this paper, a very early stage pilot study on implementation of filtering based on fractional-order calculus (Bi-Fractional Filters – BFF) for the purpose of EEG signal classification is presented in brief.
E-learning for Part-Time Medical Studies
Authors: Półjanowicz Wiesław , Latosiewicz Robert , Kołodziejczak Barbara , Roszak Magdalena 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Distance education undoubtedly has many advantages, such as individualization of the learning process, unified transmission of teaching materials, the opportunity to study at any place and any time, reduction of financial costs for commuting to classes or accommodation of participants, etc. Adequate working conditions on the e-learning portal must also be present, eg. well-prepared, substantive courses and good communication between the participants. Therefore, an important element in the process of conducting e-learning courses is to measure the increase of knowledge and satisfaction of participants with distance learning. It allows for fine-tuning the content of the course and for classes to be properly organized. This paper presents the results of teaching and assessment of satisfaction with e-learning courses in “Problems of multiculturalism in medicine”, “Selected issues of visual rehabilitation” and “Ophthalmology and Ophthalmic Nursing”, which were carried out experimentally at the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Medical University of Bialystok for nursing students for the 2010/2011 academic year. The study group consisted of 72 part-time students who learnt in e-learning mode and the control group of 87 students who learnt in the traditional way. The students’ opinions about the teaching process and final exam scores were analyzed based on a specially prepared survey questionnaire. Organization of e-learning classes was rated positively by 90% of students. The average result on the final exams for all distance learning subjects was at the level of 82%, while for classes taught in the traditional form it was 81%. Based on these results, we conclude that distance learning is as effective as learning according to the traditional form in medical education studies.
Fringe projection profilometry using rigid and flexible endoscopes
Authors: Matthias Steffen , Schlobohm Jochen , Kästner Markus , Reithmeier Eduard 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Quality control is an important aspect of modern production processes. Obtaining quantitative information not only helps
to ensure the function of machinery and products, but also enables cost reduction by feedback control of process
parameters. A multitude of modern industrial applications feature an increasing amount of highly integrated machinery,
resulting in a requirement for new measuring devices. Two new measuring systems are presented for in-situ inspection tasks
in confined spaces. A combination of endoscopy techniques with structured illumination enables capturing areal 3-D
geometry information of functional elements in integrated machinery. Depending on the requirements for inspection, either
rigid or flexible image guides may be used to transport the structured light patterns. While a flexible endoscope allows
for a more flexible positioning of the sensor head, its resolution is limited by the number of individual fiber
cores. Alternatively, if constraints on the versatility of sensor positioning can be accepted, rigid endoscopes feature
higher image quality. Both approaches are described in detail and compared based on evaluations on features of
a calibrated micro contour standard.
Rheological Properties of Piezoresistive Smart Cement Slurry Modified With Iron-Oxide Nanoparticles for Oil-Well Applications
Authors: Vipulanandan C. , Mohammed A. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
In this study, rheological properties and piezoresistivity of the oil-well smart cement slurry modified with iron-oxide nanoparticles (NanoFe2O3) at a water-to-cement ratio of 0.38 were investigated. Series of experiments were performed immediately after mixing to evaluate the piezoresistivity of the smart cement slurry with 0.1 % of conductive filler (CF) and up to 1 % NanoFe2O3 to identify the most reliable sensing property that can be relatively easily monitored. To evaluate the piezoresistive behavior the applied pressure was varied up to 5.5 MPa for the smart cement slurries with and without NanoFe2O3 in the high-pressure–high-temperature cylinder where a two-probe method was used with the impedance spectroscopy (IS) to measure the resistivity of the slurry. The shear-thinning behavior of the smart cement slurries, with and without NanoFe2O3, have been quantified using the new hyperbolic rheological model and compared with the Vocadlo model with three material parameters. The results showed that the hyperbolic rheological model predicated the shear-thinning relationship between the shear-stress and shear-strain rate of the smart cement slurries very well. Based on the hyperbolic rheological model the maximum shear stresses produced by the smart cement slurries modified with 0 %, 0.1 %, 0.5 %, and 1 % were 183 Pa, 199 Pa, 232 Pa, and 300 Pa, respectively. The resistivity of the basic cement slurry did not change with pressure. The electrical resistivity of the smart cement slurries with and without NanoFe2O3 decreased with increasing the pressure. The smart cement without and with 1 % NanoFe2O3 additive changed its resistivity by 14 % and 24 %, respectively, when the pressure was increased to 5.5 MPa. A piezoresistivity (stress-resistivity) model was developed to predict the observed piezoresistive behavior of the smart cement slurry and can be used to predict the pressure on the smart cement.
Gap Junction–Mediated Signaling from Motor Neurons Regulates Motor Generation in the Central Circuits of LarvalDrosophila
Authors: Matsunaga Teruyuki , Kohsaka Hiroshi , Nose Akinao 
Published: January 2017

In this study, we used the peristaltic crawling ofDrosophilalarvae as a model to study how motor patterns are regulated by central circuits. We built an experimental system that allows simultaneous application of optogenetics and calcium imaging to the isolated ventral nerve cord (VNC). We then investigated the effects of manipulating local activity of motor neurons (MNs) on fictive locomotion observed as waves of MN activity propagating along neuromeres. Optical inhibition of MNs with halorhodopsin3 in a middle segment (A4, A5, or A6), but not other segments, dramatically decreased the frequency of the motor waves. Conversely, local activation of MNs with channelrhodopsin2 in a posterior segment (A6 or A7) increased the frequency of the motor waves. Since peripheral nerves mediating sensory feedback were severed in the VNC preparation, these results indicate that MNs send signals to the central circuits to regulate motor pattern generation. Our results also indicate segmental specificity in the roles of MNs in motor control. The effects of the local MN activity manipulation were lost inshaking-B2(shakB2) orogre2, gap-junction mutations inDrosophila, or upon acute application of the gap junction blocker carbenoxolone, implicating electrical synapses in the signaling from MNs. Cell-type-specific RNAi suggestedshakBandogrefunction in MNs and interneurons, respectively, during the signaling. Our results not only reveal an unexpected role for MNs in motor pattern regulation, but also introduce a powerful experimental system that enables examination of the input–output relationship among the component neurons in this system.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTMotor neurons are generally considered passive players in motor pattern generation, simply relaying information from upstream interneuronal circuits to the target muscles. This study shows instead that MNs play active roles in the control of motor generation by conveying information via gap junctions to the central pattern-generating circuits in larvalDrosophila, providing novel insights into motor circuit control. The experimental system introduced in this study also presents a new approach for studying intersegmentally coordinated locomotion. Unlike traditional electrophysiology methods, this system enables the simultaneous recording and manipulation of populations of neurons that are genetically specified and span multiple segments.
Target Cell Type-Dependent Differences in Ca2+Channel Function Underlie Distinct Release Probabilities at Hippocampal Glutamatergic Terminals
Authors: Éltes Tímea , Kirizs Tekla , Nusser Zoltan , Holderith Noemi 
Published: January 2017

Target cell type-dependent differences in presynaptic release probability (Pr) and short-term plasticity are intriguing features of cortical microcircuits that increase the computational power of neuronal networks. Here, we tested the hypothesis that different voltage-gated Ca2+channel densities in presynaptic active zones (AZs) underlie differentPrvalues. Two-photon Ca2+imaging, triple immunofluorescent labeling, and 3D electron microscopic (EM) reconstruction of rat CA3 pyramidal cell axon terminals revealed ∼1.7–1.9 times higher Ca2+inflow per AZ area in highPrboutons synapsing onto parvalbumin-positive interneurons (INs) than in lowPrboutons synapsing onto mGluR1α-positive INs. EM replica immunogold labeling, however, demonstrated only 1.15 times larger Cav2.1 and Cav2.2 subunit densities in highPrAZs. Our results indicate target cell type-specific modulation of voltage-gated Ca2+channel function or different subunit composition as possible mechanisms underlying the functional differences. In addition, highPrsynapses are also characterized by a higher density of docked vesicles, suggesting that a concerted action of these mechanisms underlies the functional differences.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTTarget cell type-dependent variability in presynaptic properties is an intriguing feature of cortical synapses. When a single cortical pyramidal cell establishes a synapse onto a somatostatin-expressing interneuron (IN), the synapse releases glutamate with low probability, whereas the next bouton of the same axon has high release probability when its postsynaptic target is a parvalbumin-expressing IN. Here, we used combined molecular, imaging, and anatomical approaches to investigate the mechanisms underlying these differences. Our functional experiments implied an approximately twofold larger Ca2+channel density in high release probability boutons, whereas freeze–fracture immunolocalization demonstrated only a 15% difference in Ca2+channel subunit densities. Our results point toward a postsynaptic target cell type-dependent regulation of Ca2+channel function or different subunit composition as the underlying mechanism.
Sexual Dimorphism in a Reciprocal Interaction of Ryanodine and IP3Receptors in the Induction of Hyperalgesic Priming
Authors: Khomula Eugen V. , Ferrari Luiz F. , Araldi Dionéia , Levine Jon D. 
Published: January 2017

Hyperalgesic priming, a model of pain chronification in the rat, is mediated by ryanodine receptor-dependent calcium release. Although ryanodine induces priming in both sexes, females are 5 orders of magnitude more sensitive, by an estrogen receptor α (EsRα)-dependent mechanism. An inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) receptor inhibitor prevented the induction of priming by ryanodine. For IP3induced priming, females were also more sensitive. IP3-induced priming was prevented by pretreatment with inhibitors of the sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase and ryanodine receptor. Antisense to EsRα prevented the induction of priming by low-dose IP3in females. The induction of priming by an EsRα agonist was ryanodine receptor-dependent and prevented by the IP3antagonist. Thus, an EsRα-dependent bidirectional interaction between endoplasmic reticulum IP3and ryanodine receptor-mediated calcium signaling is present in the induction of hyperalgesic priming, in females. In cultured male DRG neurons, IP3(100 μm) potentiated depolarization-induced transients produced by extracellular application of high-potassium solution (20 mm, K20), in nociceptors incubated with β-estradiol. This potentiation of depolarization-induced calcium transients was blocked by the IP3antagonist, and not observed in the absence of IP3. IP3potentiation was also blocked by ryanodine receptor antagonist. The application of ryanodine (2 nm), instead of IP3, also potentiated K20-induced calcium transients in the presence of β-estradiol, in an IP3receptor-dependent manner. Our results point to an EsRα-dependent, reciprocal interaction between IP3and ryanodine receptors that contributes to sex differences in hyperalgesic priming.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe present study demonstrates a mechanism that plays a role in the marked sexual dimorphism observed in a model of the transition to chronic pain, hyperalgesic priming. This mechanism involves a reciprocal interaction between the endoplasmic reticulum receptors, IP3and ryanodine, in the induction of priming, regulated by estrogen receptor α in the nociceptor of female rats. The presence of this signaling pathway modulating the susceptibility of nociceptors to develop plasticity may contribute to our understanding of sex differences observed clinically in chronic pain syndromes.