bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Technical Problem in Diagnosis Clarity of Solitary Spinal Cord Neurofibroma in an Eleven-month-old Boy
Authors: Poriazova Elena G. , Boykinova Oliana B. , Ivanov Ivan S. , Spasova Maria I. , Bozhilov Georgi B. , Kevorkyan Ani K. , Novakov Stoyan S. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractSpinal neurofibroma is one of the rarest of the neoplasms involving the spinal cord or roots and occurs much less often than neurinoma, meningioma or glioma. The sixth pediatric case of solitary intramedullary tumor was described in 2013, according to B. Eljebbouri et al. We present a rare, difficult to diagnose and may-be the seventh pediatric case of solitary neurofibroma of the cauda equine in an 11-month-old infant. The patient underwent a laminectomy of T12, L1, L2 and L3, extirpation of intradural, intramedullary and extramedullary spinal cord tumor. The patient is fully recovered for 5 years of monitoring. Although rare, spinal neurofibromas in children should be diagnostically considered and radically treated for a favorable outcome.
The development of the market of qualified coal fuels in Poland
Authors: Stala-Szlugaj Katarzyna 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
The aim of this article is to discuss the changes that have been observed on the market of qualified coal fuels (the so-called eco-pea coal) over the last few years. These changes are related to the markets of both the producers and the products they offer. Qualified coal fuels are produced from selected lots of high-calorific coal. They are characterized by strictly defined repeatable physico-chemical parameters (low sulphur content, ash content, and agglomerating capacity) and they are dedicated for use in modern, low-emission retort boilers. On the basis of multiannual observations, five groups of producers of qualified coal fuels have been identified, broken down by the origin of utilized coal. Initially, the production of eco-pea coal in Poland was limited to domestic coal mining companies only. However, in response to the growing demand for these fuels, smaller businesses (mostly dedicated to trading coal from major coal mining companies) have also engaged in production of these fuels. A part of them started producing eco-pea coal under licenses from large coal mining companies, and some of them created their own blends as well. In the years 2007-2015, the whole hard coal mining industry’s eco-coal production was in the range of 0.4-1.1 million t/year. In terms of calorific value, almost all of the producer groups mainly offer eco-pea coal with values in the range of 24-26 MJ/kg. The ash content of the offered eco-pea coal is usually 5-10% Ai r, and sulphur content-in the range of 0.4-1.0%. The prices of eco-pea coal at fuel depots vary by region and are close to the price offers of coarse grain sizes. Compared to sales prices (ex-mine) of coarse grain sizes intended for the market of other domestic customers, they are usually higher by a dozen or so PLN/GJ. The growing number of eco-pea coal producers contributes to the increase in these fuels’ price range. The difference between maximum and minimum price offer is a dozen or so PLN/GJ. In the years 2009-2016, the prices of eco-pea coal produced on the basis of domestic coal were changing within a range of 12-33 PLN/GJ, and for the product based on imported raw material-between 12 and 31 PLN/GJ.
Development of kaolin production, reserves and processing in the Czech Republic in 1999–2015
Authors: Starý Jaromír , Pticen František , Jirásek Jakub , Sivek Martin 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
This paper aims to characterize and interpret the trends in reserves, resources, and in the mine production of crude kaolin and output of beneficiated kaolin between 1999 and 2015 in the Czech Republic. With nearly 1.2 billion tonnes of total resources, kaolin belongs to the key industrial minerals of the Czech Republic. With an annual output of about 3 to 4 million tonnes of crude kaolin and of around 0.6 million tonnes of beneficiated kaolin, the Czech Republic ranks among the top European and world kaolin producers. Mine production of crude kaolin has been relatively stable since 1997, while the output of beneficiated kaolin has been increasing gradually during the same period. The increased production and yield of beneficiated kaolin resulted from the use of progressive methods in kaolin processing, primarily high-intensity electromagnetic separation. The positive growth trend was not a reflection of the stability of the extractive sector and domestic industry, but it was the result of a pro-export orientation. The amount and share of exports are continuously increasing and constitute 80% of the entire kaolin production sector at the present time. The only exception occurred in 2005-2008, when exports declined by one-half as a result of the government´s export restrictions. The results of analyses were not optimistic for the Czech economy and indicated a sharp downturn in the domestic mining industry. Moreover, a similar situation exists in the case of other essential industrial minerals such as feldspar, clays, and silica sand.
Do sufficient vitamin D levels at the end of summer in children and adolescents provide an assurance of vitamin D sufficiency at the end of winter? A cohort study
Authors: Shakeri Habibesadat , Pournaghi Seyed-Javad , Hashemi Javad , Mohammad-Zadeh Mohammad , Akaberi Arash 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackground:The changes in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in adolescents from summer to winter and optimal serum vitamin D levels in the summer to ensure adequate vitamin D levels at the end of winter are currently unknown. This study was conducted to address this knowledge gap.Methods:The study was conducted as a cohort study. Sixty-eight participants aged 7–18 years and who had sufficient vitamin D levels at the end of the summer in 2011 were selected using stratified random sampling. Subsequently, the participants’ vitamin D levels were measured at the end of the winter in 2012. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine optimal cutoff points for vitamin D at the end of the summer to predict sufficient vitamin D levels at the end of the winter.Results:The results indicated that 89.7% of all the participants had a decrease in vitamin D levels from summer to winter: 14.7% of them were vitamin D-deficient, 36.8% had insufficient vitamin D concentrations and only 48.5% where able to maintain sufficient vitamin D. The optimal cutoff point to provide assurance of sufficient serum vitamin D at the end of the winter was 40 ng/mL at the end of the summer. Sex, age and vitamin D levels at the end of the summer were significant predictors of non-sufficient vitamin D at the end of the winter.Conclusions:In this age group, a dramatic reduction in vitamin D was observed over the follow-up period. Sufficient vitamin D at the end of the summer did not guarantee vitamin D sufficiency at the end of the winter. We found 40 ng/mL as an optimal cutoff point.
Association of cognitive-emotional regulation strategies to depressive symptoms in type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Mocan Andreia Ş. , Iancu Silvia Ş. , Băban Adriana S. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract

Aim. The present cross-sectional observational study aimed to investigate the relation between cognitive–emotional regulation strategies and depressive symptoms in type 2 diabetes patients in the context of sociodemographic and clinical factors, of diabetes distress, perception of illness consequences and previous depression.

Method. Multiple logistic regression was performed on the responses of 354 adults with type 2 diabetes (58.5% women; mean ± SD age: 61.14 ± 8.5 years; diabetes duration: 9.7 ± 6.4 years; BMI: 30.9 ± 5.3 kg/m2). Depressive symptoms were present in 16.9% and diabetes distress in 45.5%. Participants completed questionnaires on depression (BDI-II), cognitive-emotional regulation strategies (CERQ), diabetes distress (DDS), illness perceived consequences (IPQ-R).

Results. Of the cognitive–emotional strategies, lower positive reappraisal of diabetes (OR:0.49;CI:0.34-0.70) and increased catastrophizing (OR:2.08; CI:1.47-2.91) were found to increase the likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms in the presence of higher diabetes distress (OR: 1.53; CI:1.07-2.19), increased negative perception of diabetes consequences (OR:2.02; CI:1.34-3.06) and the presence of previous depression (OR:4.18; CI:2.03-8.63).

Conclusion. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report on cognitive-emotional regulation strategies in type 2 diabetes and provides evidence for the beneficial influence of positive reappraisal and adverse effect of catastrophizing on depressive symptoms in the context of diabetes distress, perceived consequences of diabetes and previous history of depression.
Causes of Early-Age Thermal Cracking of Concrete Foundation Slabs and their Reinforcement to Control the Cracking
Authors: Bilčík Juraj , Sonnenschein Róbert , Gažovičová Natália 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
This paper focuses on the causes and consequences of early-age cracking of mass concrete foundation slabs due to restrained volume changes. Considering the importance of water leaking through cracks in terms of the serviceability, durability and environmental impact of watertight concrete structures, emphasis is placed on the effect of temperature loads on foundation slabs. Foundation slabs are usually restrained to some degree externally or internally. To evaluate the effect of external restraints on foundation slabs, friction and interaction models are introduced. The reinforcement of concrete cannot prevent the initiation of cracking, but when cracking has occurred, it may act to reduce the spacing and width of cracks. According to EN 1992-1-1, results of calculating crack widths with local variations included in National Annexes (NAs) vary considerably. A comparison of the required reinforcement areas according to different NAs is presented.
Delivering a Gamespeed-Focused Speed and Agility Development Program in an English Premier League Soccer Academy
Authors: Jeffreys Ian , Huggins Sam , Davies Nick 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT
SPEED AND AGILITY ARE HIGHLY PRIZED COMMODITIES IN SOCCER, BUT IT CAN BE ARGUED THAT WHAT IS CRUCIAL IS NOT SPEED AND AGILITY PER SE, BUT HOW THESE CAPACITIES ARE EXPLOITED IN THE GAME. OF THEMSELVES, SPEED AND AGILITY WILL BE INEFFECTIVE UNLESS THEY CAN BE COMBINED WITH THE ABILITY TO DEPLOY THESE CAPACITIES TO EFFECTIVELY PERFORM THE TASKS OF THE GAME. OPTIMIZING THESE CAPACITIES REQUIRES A SOPHISTICATED DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM THAT ADDRESSES THE FULL GAMUT OF POTENTIAL CONSTRAINTS TO PERFORMANCE. THIS ARTICLE OUTLINES HOW SUCH A DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM HAS BEEN SET-UP AT AN ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE SOCCER ACADEMY.
Improved Artificial Bee Colony Optimization Approach in UWBOFDM for Frequency Offset Estimation
Authors: Eswaramoorthi R. , Singaravel G. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is considered a crucial and fundamental potential approach because of its significance and role with regards to broadband wireless communication systems. The swarm intelligence optimization approach has been deployed to facilitate frequency offset optimization. An improved artificial bee colony (IABC) based optimization approach is proposed in this work that will enable ultra wideband orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (UWBOFDM) system, which will then be deployed in the carrier frequency offset (CFO) joint estimation and also for sampling frequency offset (SFO). By proper selection of cyclic delay times, correlation existing between adjacent sub carriers, a joint estimation of both CFO and SFO has been derived by employing IABC. The performance of the proposed algorithm is compared with the existing estimators, and this comparison is carried out by MATLAB7.2 simulation, which clearly depicts that the performance of the proposed algorithm is superior in terms of estimation accuracy. The performances are measured in terms of the mean square error (MSE), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and normalized mean square error (NMSE). The proposed approach considered for transmitter (t = 4) and receiver (r = 4) with SNR is 30 dB, which achieves MSE of about 0.35 %. Similarly, when (t = 2) and (r = 2), the proposed IABC approach achieves MSE of about 0.4 %, whereas particle swam optimization (PSO) and maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) methods achieve 0.42 and 0.44 % MSE values, respectively. On the other hand, considering (t = 4) and (r = 4) with SNR of 8 dB, the proposed approach achieves NMSE of about 0.0008 %. However, considering (t = 2) and (r = 2), the NMSE values of IABC approach, PSO, and MLE are observed to be 0.002, 0.008, and 0.08 %, respectively, for Channel Model 4 (CM4).
On the Mechanical Behavior of Granite Material With Particular Emphasis on the Influence From Pre-Existing Cracks and Defects
Authors: Saadati M. , Forquin P. , Weddfelt K. , Larsson P. L. , Hild F. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
In this investigation, experiments were carried out in order to determine the mechanical properties of Bohus granite considering the influence from pre-existing cracks and defects. The experimental investigation aimed at a complete material characterization, for the purpose of mechanical analyses using advanced constitutive models, based on a variety of tests. In doing so, direct tensile and compression tests were performed to evaluate the stiffness and strength; quasi-oedometric tests were carried out in order to obtain the deviatoric and volumetric behavior of the material at different levels of hydrostatic pressure (up to 860 MPa); three-point bend tests were performed to evaluate the quasi-static strength of the rock and its distribution. Weibull statistics was then employed to describe the strength distribution. The intact specimens indicated a rather low scatter in the mechanical properties such as Young’s modulus and tensile strength. However, specimens with large initial defects behaved differently. The failure mechanism in these specimens was not as brittle as the intact ones. The crack was opened on the tensile surface of such specimens during the three-point bend test at an early stage during loading, as demonstrated by digital image correlation results.
Laboratory Investigations of Cold Mix Asphalt for Cold Region Applications
Authors: Hasanuzzaman M. , Hashemian L. , Bayat A. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Cold mix asphalt (CMA) can be a quick, environmentally friendly, and low-cost option for utility-cut backfilling on urban streets and most highway agencies prefer it as a pothole patching and pavement surface repairing material over hot mix asphalt (HMA) during winter and wet seasons. However, applying poor quality CMA may result in premature patching and backfilling failures, reduce pavement’s integrity and longevity, and impair drivers’ safety. Additionally, CMA’s lack of stability and durability while exposed to heavy traffic, moisture, and freeze-thaw conditions may accelerate further deterioration. This paper focused on evaluating and comparing twelve CMAs through laboratory tests to determine properties that may cause poor performance in cold climatic regions. Taking into consideration the identified CMA distresses, this study conducted Marshall Stability and flow, indirect tensile strength (ITS), cohesion, and adhesiveness tests on nine proprietary and three conventional cold mixes, including both open- and dense-graded materials. Most mixes had low adhesion properties and high sensitivity to freeze-thaw cycles. An analysis of variance showed that aggregate grain size distribution and bitumen content had a significant effect on CMA’s performance.
Luciferase shRNA Presents off-Target Effects on Voltage-Gated Ion Channels in Mouse Hippocampal Pyramidal Neurons
Authors: Hasegawa Yuto , Mao Wenjie , Saha Sucharita , Gunner Georgia , Kolpakova Jenya , Martin Gilles E. , Futai Kensuke 
Published: October 2017

AbstractRNA interference (RNAi) is a straightforward approach to study gene function from thein vitrocellular level toin vivoanimal behavior. Although RNAi-mediated gene knockdown has become essentially routine in neuroscience over the past ten years, off-target effects of short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) should be considered as the proper choice of control shRNA is critical in order to perform meaningful experiments. Luciferase shRNA (shLuc), targeting firefly luciferase, and scrambled shRNAs (shScrs) have been widely used as controls for vertebrate cell research. However, thorough validation of control shRNAs has not been made to date. Here, we performed thorough physiological and morphological studies against control shRNAs in mouse hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. As expected, all control shRNAs exhibited normal basal synaptic transmission and dendritic morphology. However, to our surprise, shLuc exerted severe off-target effects on voltage-gated ion channel function, while the shScr had no detectable changes. These results indicate that thorough validation of shRNA is imperative and, in the absence of such validation, that shScr is the best available negative control for gene knockdown studies.
Are the Neural Correlates of Consciousness in the Front or in the Back of the Cerebral Cortex? Clinical and Neuroimaging Evidence
Authors: Boly Melanie , Massimini Marcello , Tsuchiya Naotsugu , Postle Bradley R. , Koch Christof , Tononi Giulio 
Published: October 2017

The role of the frontal cortex in consciousness remains a matter of debate. In this Perspective, we will critically review the clinical and neuroimaging evidence for the involvement of the front versus the back of the cortex in specifying conscious contents and discuss promising research avenues.Dual Perspectives Companion Paper:Should a Few Null Findings Falsify Prefrontal Theories of Conscious Perception?, by Brian Odegaard, Robert T. Knight, and Hakwan Lau
До становлення школи істориків Університету Св. Володимира: В. Ф. Цих та О. І. Ставровський
Authors: Tarasenko O. O. 
Published: October 2017

У статті досліджено період праці в Університеті Св. Володимира професора кафедри всесвітньої історії, декана, ректора Університету Св. Володимира Володимира Францовича Циха (1805–1837) та професора кафедри всесвітньої історії Олександра Івановича Ставровського (1811–1882). Проаналізовані життєвий шлях, педагогічна й наукова діяльність та наукова спадщина В. Ф. Циха та О. І. Ставровського на основі вивчення історіографії про істориків із другої третини ХІХ ст. до початка ХХІ ст. включно. Аргументовано, що В. Ф. Цих та О. І. Ставровський своєю діяльністю в Університеті Св. Володимира започаткували перший період становлення школи істориків Університету Св. Володимира, який тривав від відкриття закладу у 1834 р. до середини ХІХ ст. Доведено, що В. Ф. Цих та О.І. Ставровський, які генерували традиції українського освітянського і наукового простору, були серед фундаторів української історичної освіти і науки, мають зайняти почесне місце серед викладачів і вчених України першої половини – середини ХІХ ст.
Evaluating the Efficacy of an Attachment-Informed Psychotherapeutic Parenting Program for Incarcerated Parents
Authors: Kamptner N. Laura 
Published: October 2017

An attachment-based, psychotherapeutic parent education course was created for incarcerated
mothers and fathers to improve their ability to provide positive parenting and a more stable home environment for their children. The current study assessed the effects of this parenting curriculum on parents’ tendencies to be abusive, their sense of efficacy and satisfaction as a parent, their psychological distress, and their knowledge of child development and positive child guidance strategies. Results of pre-post assessments showed a significant improvement in parents’ sense of efficacy and satisfaction in the parenting role; their knowledge, skills, and behavior as a parent; their understanding of child development; their knowledge of alternatives to using corporal punishment; establishing appropriate parent-child boundaries; and they were less likely to view their child’s independence as a threat. Females showed a significant decrease in distress symptoms. Results are discussed in terms of the critical need for effective, high-quality parent education to break the intergenerational cycle of poor parenting for this at-risk population.
Study of serum lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and its association with diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Kolhar Ullasini , P. Priyanka 
Published: October 2017

Background: Dyslipidaemia is highly prevalent in type 2 Diabetes mellitus patients. The role of dyslipidaemia in macrovascular complications of Diabetes have been extensively studied but its role in microvascular complications namely nephropathy is still unclear. The present study was undertaken to study the prevalence and pattern of dyslipidaemia and its association with Diabetic nephropathy (DN) in patients with type 2 DM.Methods: 100 patients with type 2 DM attending OPD or admitted, over a period of 1 year were studied. Detailed history was taken and clinical examination was done. Serum lipid profile was studied in all patients and its association with DN was assessed.Results: The prevalence of dyslipidaemia in DM patients in our study was 90% and there was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence among males and females. Poorly controlled diabetics had high prevalence of dyslipidaemia as compared to well controlled diabetics. The prevalence of Diabetic nephropathy in our study was 41%. There was significant association of DN with high Total Cholesterol, high Low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) and high Triglycerides. There was no significant association of DN with High density lipoprotein (HDL-C).Conclusions: Present study highlights the magnitude of dyslipidaemia in type2 DM patients and that there is a significant association of DN with lipid parameters. Hence patients should be managed with life style modifications with or without lipid lowering agents to achieve target lipid values along with adequate glycemic control to prevent or delay the appearance and progression of DN.