bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
White matter hyperintensity volume predicts persistent cognitive impairment in transient ischemic attack and minor stroke
Authors: Sivakumar Leka , Riaz Parnian , Kate Mahesh , Jeerakathil Thomas , Beaulieu Christian , Buck Brian , Camicioli Richard , Butcher Ken 
Published: October 2016

Background Temporary and permanent cognitive changes following transient ischemic attack/minor stroke have been described previously. It is unknown if persisting cognitive deficits in these patients are correlated with acute infarction identified using magnetic resonance imaging. Aims We tested the hypothesis that persistent cognitive impairment after transient ischemic attack/minor stroke can be predicted by the volume of diffusion-weighted imaging lesions. Methods Acute transient ischemic attack/minor stroke (NIH stroke scale score ≤ 3) patients were prospectively recruited within 72 h of onset. Patients underwent Montreal cognitive assessment and magnetic resonance imaging, including diffusion-weighted imaging and Fluid-Attenuated Inverse Recovery sequences, at baseline, days 7 and 30. Cognitive testing was repeated at day 90. Diffusion-weighted imaging lesion and Fluid-Attenuated Inverse Recovery chronic white matter hyperintensity volumes were measured planimetrically. Cognitive impairment was defined a priori as Montreal cognitive assessment score < 26. Results One hundred fifteen patients were imaged at a median (inter-quartile range) of 24.0 (16.6) h after onset. Acute ischemic lesions were present in 91 (79%) patients. Cognitive impairment rates were similar in patients with (47/91, 52%) and without diffusion-weighted imaging lesions (13/24, 54%; p = 0.83). Although linear regression indicated no relationship between acute diffusion-weighted imaging lesion volume and day 30 Montreal cognitive assessment scores (β = −0.163, [−2.243, 0.334], p = 0.144), white matter hyperintensity volumes at baseline were predictive of persistent cognitive deficits after 30 days (β = 2.24, [1.956, 45.369], p = 0.005). Conclusions In most transient ischemic attack/minor stroke patients who suffer acute cognitive impairment post event, deficits are temporary. Deficits after 30 days of onset are correlated with chronic white matter hyperintensity, suggesting subclinical cognitive impairment and/or impaired ability to compensate for the effects of acute ischemic infarcts.
Direct Cost Analysis of Outpatient Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair in Medicare and Non-Medicare Populations
Authors: Narvy Steven J. , Didinger Tracey C. , Lehoang David , Vangsness C. Thomas , Tibone James E. , Hatch George F. Rick , Omid Reza , Osorno Felipe , Gamradt Seth C. 
Published: October 2016

Background: Providing high-quality care while also containing cost is a paramount goal in orthopaedic surgery. Increasingly, insurance providers in the United States, including government payers, are requiring financial and performance accountability for episodes of care, including a push toward bundled payments. Hypothesis: The direct cost of outpatient arthroscopic rotator cuff repair was assessed to determine whether, due to an older population, rotator cuff surgery was more costly in Medicare-insured patients than in patients covered by other insurers. We hypothesized that operative time, implant cost, and overall higher cost would be observed in Medicare patients. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Billing and operative reports from 184 outpatient arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs performed by 5 fellowship-trained arthroscopic surgeons were reviewed. Operative time, number and cost of implants, hospital reimbursement, surgeon reimbursement, and insurance type were determined from billing records and operative reports. Patients were stratified by payer (Medicare vs non-Medicare), and these variables were compared. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the number of suture anchors used, implant cost, surgical duration, or overall cost of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair between Medicare and other insurers. Reimbursement was significantly higher for other payers when compared with Medicare, resulting in a mean per case deficit of $263.54 between billing and reimbursement for Medicare patients. Conclusion: Operating room time, implant cost, and total procedural cost was the same for Medicare patients as for patients with private payers. Further research needs to be conducted to understand the patient-specific factors that affect the cost of an episode of care for rotator cuff surgery.
Leukotriene B4 levels in sputum from asthma patients
Authors: Higham Andrew , Cadden Paul , Southworth Thomas , Rossall Matthew , Kolsum Umme , Lea Simon , Knowles Richard , Singh Dave 
Published: October 2016

Poor asthma control is associated with increased airway neutrophils. Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a potent neutrophil chemoattractant. We examined the levels of LTB4 levels in the sputum of asthma patients and the relationship with disease severity.47 asthma patients (categorised according to Global Initiative for Asthma treatment stage) and 12 healthy controls provided sputum samples that were processed first with PBS to obtain supernatants and secondly with dithiothreitol (DTT) to obtain supernatants. LTB4 levels were determined by ELISA.LTB4 levels were significantly higher in step 1 (steroid naïve) and step 3 (inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) plus long acting β-agonist) patients than step 2 patients (ICS alone) (p=0.02 and p=0.01, respectively). There was very good correlation when comparing PBS processed to DTT processed supernatants.High LTB4 levels were found in the sputum of asthmatics at step 3 despite ICS use.
Effects ofHd2in the presence of the photoperiod-insensitive functional allele ofHd1in rice
Authors: Zhang Zhen-Hua , Cao Li-Yong , Chen Jun-Yu , Zhang Ying-Xin , Zhuang Jie-Yun , Cheng Shi-Hua 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTThe role of photoperiod sensitivity (PS) of flowering genes have become well recognized in rice, whereas little attention has been drawn to the non-PS component of these genes, especially to their influence on gene-by-gene interactions. Rice populations in which the photoperiod-sensitive allele at Hd1 has become insensitive to photoperiod but continued to affect heading date (HD) were used in this study to fine-map a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for HD and analyze its genetic relationship to Hd1. The QTL was delimitated to a 96.3-kb region on the distal end of the long arm of chromosome 7. Sequence comparison revealed that this QTL is identical to Hd2. In the near-isogenic line (NIL) populations analyzed, Hd1 and Hd2 were shown to be photoperiod insensitive and have pleiotropic effects for HD, plant height and yield traits. The two genes were found to largely act additively in regulating HD and yield traits. The results indicate that non-PS components of flowering genes involved in photoperiod response play an important role in controlling flowering time and grain yield in rice, which should allow breeders to better manipulate pleiotropic genes for balancing adaptability and high-yielding accumulation.
Determinação do gradiente hidráulico médio em aquífero costeiro influenciado pela variação constante de carga hidráulica em ambiente estuarino
Authors: Negrão Paulo Cesar , Pereira Sueli Yoshinaga , Gasparini Felipe , Leite Valter 
Published: October 2016

Na determinação dos gradientes hidráulicos das águas subterrâneas em aquíferos estuarinos, as ondas de pressão decorrentes das flutuações das marés e corpos de água devem ser consideradas. Para este estudo, monitorou-se por 45 dias as variações de nível de água do Rio Cubatão e carga hidráulica do aquífero raso (em 3 níveis de profundidade) numa área industrial adjacente ao rio, em Cubatão, SP, a fim de se determinar as cargas hidráulicas médias e gradientes médios pelo método conforme proposto por Serfes (1991). Este monitoramento foi contínuo e realizado em dois cenários: com o sistema de remediação (“Air Sparging”) ativado e desativado. Os resultados mostraram a interferência do sistema de remediação e da variação da maré nas cargas hidráulicas dos poços monitorados nos poços próximos ao rio Cubatão, e somente a variação da maré nos poços mais distantes. No entanto, na porção superior do aquífero monitorado mostrou a condição de influência do rio Cubatão nos dois cenários. Condições de efluência e influência na porção intermediária e efluência predominante desse rio na porção mais profunda foram observadas. Nas porções intermediária e profunda, os gradientes hidráulicos calculados apresentam valores baixos (-0,0027 a 0,0030), de modo que a análise sobre o sentido de fluxo deve ser criteriosa.
Nano-iron fertilizer effects on some plant traits of dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) under different sowing densities
Authors: YOUSEFZADEH Saeed , Sabaghnia Naser 
Published: October 2016

evaluate the effects of iron nano-fertilizer rates (0, 1, 2 and 3 g l-1) and planting density levels (10, 15, 20 and 40 cm) on the fresh herb, essential oil content and other traits under the natural conditions. Traits such as number of flowering branches (NFB), height of first flowering branch (HFB), number of secondary branches (NSB), stem diameter (SD), essential oil content (EOC), dry mass (DM), essential oil yield (EOY), total anthocyanins (TA), chlorophyll a (CA), chlorophyll b (CB), flavonoid 270 nm (F270), flavonoid 300 nm (F300), and total flavonoid (TF) were measured. Results showed that the nano Fe treatment × trait (TT) biplot accounted 39 % and 25 % of total variation, respectively. The vertex treatments in polygon biplot were D2-N2 (15 cm density and 1 g l-1 nano-fertilizer) was the best in the EOC, DM and EOY, while D4-N3 (40 cm density and 2 g l-1 nano-fertilizer) was the best for TA, F270, F300 and TF. Sowing densities (10, 15 and 20 cm) with iron nano-fertilizer treatments (1 and 2 g l-1) were the best combinations of evaluated factors for all the measured traits of the dragonhead.
Comparison of indirect fluorescent antibody test and the modified agglutination test for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in stray dogs from Southern Brazil
Authors: de Almeida Jonatas Campos , Frehse Michelle Salmon , Navarro Italmar Teodorico , Garcia João Luis , Biondo Alexander Welker , Freire Roberta Lemos 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of antibodies to
A new species of Trichodina Ehrenberg, 1830 (Ciliophora: Trichodinidae) from Rhamdia quelen (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) and Gymnotus sp. (Teleostei: Gymnotidae) in Brazil
Authors: Hashimoto Gabriela S.O. , Marchiori Natalia C. , Pádua Santiago B. , Ishikawa Márcia M. , Garcia Juan R.E. , Martins Maurício L. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe present study describes a new species of
A genetic structure of novel population of Fascioloides magna from Poland, Podkarpackie Province, indicates an expanding second European natural focus of fascioloidosis
Authors: Juhásová Ľudmila , Bazsalovicsová Eva , Králová-Hromadová Ivica , Karamon Jacek 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe veterinary important parasite of ruminants, giant liver fluke
On Linguistic Abilities, Multilingualism, and Linguistic Justice
Authors: Iannàccaro Gabriele , Dell’Aquila Vittorio 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
The notion of linguistic justice should be related to the concept of linguistic ease, by which we mean the full social and communicative freedom of concern of the speaker in a given social interaction involving the use of language(s) present in the society, according to the social norms of use. To acquire an acceptable degree of linguistic ease, the knowledge of at least one L2 is considered important. But the acquisition of a L2 is interfered by the previous linguistic skills of the learner/speaker who, in many cases, does not have a suitable competence even of the languages of the society in which he/she lives.
New Concepts of Modeling and Complex Simulation of Electronic Circuits for Interfacing Tactile Sensors in Cyber-mechatronic Systems
Authors: Constantin Anghel , Gheorghe Gheorghe Ion 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
The paper presents an original concept for interfacing tactile force sensors in modern cyber-mechatronic systems. The authors show the results and conclusions of a PSPICE simulation of an original patented circuit. In the simulations, in models used were introduced some circuit components corresponding to the physical implementation for a practical mechatronic system which has already been used for the analysis of human walking. After these simulations were revealed important aspects of dynamic behavior and was proposed an optimal variant of the interface circuit as a non-typically instrumentation differential circuit spitted in two parts, one near to the sensor, and the second far from the sensor and close to an A/D converter of the data acquisition system. For electrical links between the two parts can be used low cost cable without important loss of the signal / noise ratio.
Study and Optimization of a CO2 Sparger for Carbonated Beverages and Beer by Means of CFD Modeling
Authors: Rinaldi Massimiliano , Cordioli Matteo , Barbanti Davide , Dall’Aglio Marco 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
In the present work, two different geometries of spargers for beverage carbonation were modeled by means of CFD technique, taking into consideration three different flow rates. The first geometry presented a radial inlet of liquid food while the second one a tangential one. Calculation allowed to study the effect of fluid velocities on mixing and to identify the best solution; mathematical results were then confirmed from a qualitative point of view by experimental tests with both water and apple juice. CFD resulted a very useful technique for in-silico designing, not only for technically-simple parts of plants but also for very complicated ones such as carbon dioxide spargers in which gas and liquid are mixed together.
Tobacco smoke exposure induces irreversible alteration of testicular function in prepubertal rats
Authors: Aprioku Jonah S. , Ugwu Theresa C. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract

Background:
Smoking is a serious public health problem and an important risk factor of many diseases. The present study evaluated whether or not the influence of prolonged tobacco smoke (TS) exposure on spermatic indices and reproductive hormones would be reversible in young and adult rats.

Methods:
Prepubertal and adult rats were grouped into five (I, II, III, IV, and V) separately (n=5/group) and exposed to TS at target concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 0.5, and 1.0 mg nicotine/day, respectively for 30 days using the whole body exposure inhalation method. Groups I, II, and III were sacrificed 24 h after TS exposure, while groups IV and V were allowed to recover for 30 days before they were sacrificed.

Results:
Sperm count and motility were significantly (p<0.05) reduced in exposed prepubertal and adult rats. Additionally, sperm morphology was unaltered, testosterone was reduced, while luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were elevated compared to the non-TS exposed control group. The reductions in sperm count and motility were reversed only in adult recovery rats. LH and FSH elevations were reversed in all recovery animals, but testosterone concentrations remained lower than control. Furthermore, malondialdehyde levels in testes of exposed rats were significantly increased. This was reversed only in adult recovery rats that received 0.5 mg nicotine. Testicular levels of catalase, reduced glutathione, and superoxide dismutase were unaltered, except in prepubertal rats wherein catalase was decreased in both treated and recovery groups.

Conclusions:
The TS exposure alters sperm characteristics reversibly in adult, but irreversibly in prepubertal rats, which is attributable to elevation of oxidative stress.
A Method of m-Point Sinusoidal Signal Amplitude Estimation
Authors: Sienkowski Sergiusz 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
The paper presents a new and original method of m-point estimation of sinusoidal signal amplitude. In this method, an m-point estimator is calculated on the basis of m initial signal samples. The way the estimator is constructed is explained. It is shown that the starting point for constructing the estimator is two initial signal samples. Next, in order to determine the estimator general form, three and m subsequent initial signal samples appearing in a signal period are used. Some special cases of an estimator are considered. Such an estimator is compared with a four-point estimator proposed by Vizireanu and Halunga. It is shown that the m-point estimator makes it possible to estimate the signal amplitude more accurately.
Comparison of silicon drift detectors made by Amptek and PNDetectors in application to the PHA system for W7-X
Authors: Krawczyk Natalia , Kaczmarczyk Jacek , Kubkowska Monika , Ryć Leszek 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
The paper presents comparison of two silicon drift detectors (SDD), one made by Amptek, USA, and the second one by PNDetector, Germany, which are considered for a soft X-ray diagnostic system for W7-X. The sensitive area of the first one is 7 mm2 × 450 μm and the second one is 10 mm2 × 450 μm. The first detector is cooled by a double-stage Peltier element, while the second detector is cooled by single-stage Peltier element. Each one is equipped with a field-effect transistor (FET). In the detector from Amptek, the FET is mounted separately, while in the detector from PNDetector, the FET is integrated on the chip. The nominal energy resolution given by the producers of the first and the second one is 136 eV@5.9 keV (at -50°C) and 132 eV@5.9 keV (at -20°C), respectively. Owing to many advantages, the investigated detectors are good candidates for soft X-ray measurements in magnetic confinement devices. They are suitable for soft X-ray diagnostics, like the pulse height analysis (PHA) system for the stellarator Wendelstein 7-X, which has been developed and manufactured at the Institute of Plasma Physics and Laser Microfusion (IPPLM), Warsaw, in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP), Greifswald. The diagnostic is important for the measurements of plasma electron temperature, impurities content, and possible suprathermal tails in the spectra. In order to choose the best type of detector, analysis of technical parameters and laboratory tests were done. Detailed studies show that the most suitable detector for the PHA diagnostics is the PNDetector.
Study on radiation-induced radicals giving rise to stable EPR signal suitable for the detection of irradiation in L-sorbose-containing fruits
Authors: Guzik Grzegorz P. , Stachowicz Wacław 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
The stable and complex EPR signals produced by the action of ionizing radiation on crystalline L-sorbose (C6H12O6) separated from rowan berries (Sorbus aucuparia) were studied. Isothermal heating of the samples at the temperature close to the melting point of L-sorbose (140°C) results in the modification and simplification of the EPR signal involved. In the EPR signal of heated L-sorbose, the isotropic quartet was distinguished. In the differential spectrum obtained by subtraction of normalized spectra of unheated and heated L-sorbose, the isotropic doublet was identified in addition. The DFT fitting offers the probable assignment of the EPR signals to specific radical structures.
Drift of scroll waves of electrical excitation in an isotropic model of the cardiac left ventricle
Authors: Pravdin Sergei F. , Dierckx Hans , Panfilov Alexander 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe dynamics of scroll waves in a symmetric isotropic model of the human cardiac left ventricle is considered. The position of the attractor and the wave rotation velocity over the attractor were determined depending on the wall thickness, parameters of the cell model, chirality of the wave, and the initial position. Mechanisms of observed phenomena are discussed.
The Information Integration in the SMEs
Authors: Coman Dan Marius , Horga Mihaela , Coman Denisa-Mihaela 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
The evolution of technology in the field of business has led to the emergence of software programs to facilitate marketing operations, analysis and reporting various activities. Thus, there are programs for the warehouse management of raw materials and finished goods, accounting programs which facilitate the recording of accounting operations, programs for booking income and expenses.
His work, “Integrated Computer Systems ERP in SMEs” means a coordinated study for completion of undergraduate studies master's degree where we tried along with the graduate to identify ERP solutions available on the market in Romania, and to determine the degree to which SMEs use such computer solutions.
The Risk of Insolvency and its Impact on Romanian Banks
Authors: Drăgoi Elena Violeta , Preda Larisa Elena 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
The new regulations on capital adequacy aimed to strengthen the stability of financial and banking system because a stable banking system contributes to assure a sustainable development with long term beneficial effects on economy.
This article represents a review of the impact on new higher standards for Romanian banks regarding capital adequacy.
Modlitwa wolności a kontyngencja człowieka w pamiętnikach Etty Hillesum
Authors: Mizdrak Inga 
Published: October 2016

The experience of freedom, treated in various ways by philosophy, psychology, sociology, theology and politics, is shown as an infinite category. Its complexity and problematic matter is concerned not only with unlimited intellectual interpretations but also with the ways it is treated. From various ways of revealing the phenomenon of freedom, in the context of human contingency, the way of dialogue is prominent, which reveals one of the most important traits which freedom is.The original reflection, included in Etty Hillesum’s diaries (An Interrupted Life) reveals the basic feature of freedom: its relatedness, the deepest expression of which is achieved through one’s relationship with God. Through this feature, the trait of the human him- or herself is shown as he or she is able to direct him- or herself towards love or hate, life or death, beauty or ugliness, good or evil. Etty Hillesum herself is for life as it is, and she becomes the real ambassador of life through vertical relations with God, even in the face of extreme danger, injustice and the cruelty of war. In this context, life is not treated as the dominant and oppressive contingency but as a time of kairos, which means something that can be creatively and positively used to make human values and become a witness of life fulfilled by the element of eternity.In this light, the main goal of this study is to present a few basic threads of the description of humanity, as extracted from Hillesum’s self-reflective writing. By delving into the description of Hillesum’s inner world, an attempt is made to characterise those elements in the subjectivity of the human, which emphasises the specific individuum as being immersed in relations with himself, others and God.
When small RNAs become smaller: non - canonical functions of snoRNAs and their derivatives
Authors: Mleczko Anna Maria , Bąkowska-Żywicka Kamilla 
Published: October 2016

Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are molecules placed in the cell nucleolus and in Cajal bodies. Many scientific reports clearly show that snoRNAs are not only responsible for modifications of other RNAs but also possess multiple other functions such as metabolic stress regulation or modulation of alternative splicing. Full-length snoRNAs as well as small RNAs derived from snoRNAs have been implied in human diseases such as cancer or Prader – Willi Syndrome. In this review we would like to describe these non – canonical roles of snoRNAs and their derivatives with the emphasis on their role in human diseases.