bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Comprehensive Glucose Pentagon: A Glucose-Centric Composite Metric for Assessing Glycemic Control in Persons With Diabetes
Authors: Vigersky Robert A. , Shin John , Jiang Boyi , Siegmund Thorsten , McMahon Chantal , Thomas Andreas 
Published: July 2017

Background: Composite metrics have the potential to provide more complete and clinically useful information about glycemic control than traditional individual metrics such as hemoglobin A1C, %/time/area under curve of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Methods: Using five key metrics that are derived from continuous glucose monitoring, we developed a new, multicomponent composite metric, the Comprehensive Glucose Pentagon (CGP) that demonstrates glycemic control both numerically and visually. Two of its axes are composite metrics—the intensity of hypoglycemia and intensity of hyperglycemia. This approach eliminates the use of the surrogate marker, hemoglobin A1C (A1C), and replaces it with glucose-centric metrics. Results: We reanalyzed the data from two randomized control trials, the STAR 3 and ASPIRE In-Home studies using the CGP. It provided new insights into the effect of sensor-augmented pumping (SAP) in the STAR 3 trial and sensor-integrated pumping with low-glucose threshold suspend (SIP+TS) in the ASPIRE In-Home trial. Conclusions: The CGP has the potential to enable health care providers, investigators and patients to better understand the components of glycemic control and the effect of various interventions on the individual elements of that control. This can be done on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. It also allows direct comparison of the effects on different interventions among clinical trials which is not possible using A1C alone. This new composite metric approach requires validation to determine if it provides a better predictor of long-term outcomes than A1C and/or better predictor of severe hypoglycemia than the low blood glucose index (LBGI).
Prospective evaluation of a specific technique of sexual function preservation in external beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Samlali Hamza , Udrescu Corina , Lapierre Ariane , Enachescu Ciprian , Ruffion Alain , Jalade Patrice , Chapet Olivier 
Published: July 2017

Objective:
Sexual preservation is an important issue in the treatment of localized prostate cancer. A technique of irradiation was developed to better preserve this function and has been evaluated.

Methods:
Eleven patients, with no erectile dysfunction (ED), were treated with daily IMRT-IGRT (total dose: 76–78 Gy). The pudendal arteries, penile bulb and cavernous body were delineated on the planning CT scan. The doses to these structures (with a 5 mm margin) were optimized to be as low as possible.
The erectile function was documented using IIEF-5 scores at baseline, 6 months, 1 and 2 years. No ED was defined by an IIEF5 ≥ 20/25, a mild ED by an IIEF5 score of 17–19 and an important ED by a score &lt;17.

Results:
The mean age was 68.4 years. At the median follow-up of 36 months, there was no biochemical relapse. Before RT, the mean IIEF5 score in all 11 patients was 23.4 (range, 20–25). At 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after RT, the mean IIEF scores were 21.2 (14–25), 21.3 (14–25), 21.8 (16–25) and 21.8 (16–25), respectively. At 2 years, 8 patients (72.7%) had no ED and 2 patients (18.2%) experienced a mild ED. The only patient with an important ED had a medical treatment and recovered a satisfactory IIEF score from 16 to 24.

Conclusion:
The results of this technique of optimisation for sexual preservation are encouraging. Despite a mean age close to 70 years at the time of treatment, 90.9% of the patients had no to mild ED at 2 years. This rate increases at 100% with medical treatment.

Advances in knowledge:
Dose optimization on sexual organs is possible and could decrease the ED rates.
INFLUÊNCIA DA SALINIDADE NO CRESCIMENTO INICIAL DE MUDAS DE Jatropha curcas L.
Authors: De Araújo Rafaela Pereira souza , Alves da silva Elaine Cristina , Dos Santos Cibele Alves , Pacheco Cinthya Mirella , Custódio nogueira Rejane Jurema mansur 
Published: July 2017

A propagação das sementes de Uma das consequências resultantes do processo de degradação ambiental é a salinização do solo. Uma estratégia para recuperação dessas áreas degradadas seria a inserção e manejo adequado de espécies vegetais, tais como o pinhão manso. Tendo em vista as potencialidades do pinhão manso, a presente pesquisa objetivou avaliar a influencia da salinidade no crescimento inicial de mudas de Jatropha curcas submetidas ao estresse salino. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação do Laboratório de Fisiologia Vegetal da UFRPE. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado sendo em esquema fatorial 2 x 4 correspondendo a dois períodos de avaliação (15 e 30 dias após a diferenciação dos tratamentos) e quatro tratamentos salinos (0, 50, 75 e 100 mM de NaCl), com seis repetições. Analisou-se o crescimento, a produção da matéria seca e a alocação de biomassa da parte aérea e raiz. A salinidade afetou a altura, o número de folha e o diâmetro das plantas a partir da concentração de 50 mM de NaCl. Foi observada redução na produção da matéria seca da folha, um investimento na produção de matéria seca da raiz e uma alocação de biomassa para o caule. Conclui-se que as variáveis relacionadas ao crescimento, foram afetadas a partir de 50 mM de NaCl, contudo, a produção do sistema radicular e a alocação de biomassa para o caule, foi responsável pela manutenção do crescimento de Jatropha curcas, embora que numa taxa reduzida, até a concentração de 100 mM de NaCl.
Automatisiertes Testen von Webapplikationen
Authors: Koesling Sven 
Published: July 2017

Zusammenfassung
Der aufwendige und immer wiederkehrende Prozess des Testens kann automatisiert und vom Computer übernommen werden. Dabei ist nicht nur die Arbeitsersparnis von Vorteil, auch der Beschaffungsprozess neuer Software profitiert von der für die Tests notwendigen klaren Formulierung der Anforderungen und der Kommunikation unter allen Beteiligten. Der Autor zeigt an einem vereinfachten Beispiel, wie verbreitete Probleme bei der Implementierung neuer Software durch die Rahmenbedingungen, die automatisiertes Testen setzt, vermieden werden können.
Sonohysterography in a suspected case of uterine perforation after dilatation and curettage for retained placenta
Authors: Yoshioka Norihito , Hasegawa Junichi , Tozawa Akiko , Nakamura Kentaro , Kawahara Tai , Maeda Ichiro , Suzuki Nao 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
A 35-year-old woman, gravida 3, para 2, spontaneously delivered an infant without any major complications. On the 38th day after delivery, she returned to the hospital due to irregular bleeding. Transvaginal ultrasound showed a mass in the cervix; therefore, dilatation and curettage was performed, using placental forceps, to remove the retained placenta. During the procedure, a uterine perforation was suspected. Sonohysterography was performed in order to confirm the uterine perforation. The sonohysterogram revealed that the high echogenic mass that was suspected to be retained placenta was adhered on the posterior uterine myometrium. Saline that had been injected into the uterine cavity escaped into the Douglas pouch via a small hole in the posterior uterine wall. An emergency laparotomy was performed. Pathological examination of the removed uterus revealed placenta increta in the posterior wall, as well as an adjacent perforated fistula. Sonohysterographic diagnosis of uterine perforation in the present case was not only validated with diagnosis, but also the residual placenta was clearly visible. The use of sonohysterography for detection of a suspected case of uterine perforation after dilatation and curettage was accurate and provided a safe procedure for fast evaluation.
Linking SNAP to Food Security: Exploring Reinstating a Purchase Requirement and Tying Benefits to the Low-Cost Food Plan
Authors: Daponte Beth Osborne 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
The United States has a food assistance structure that, by design, does not assure that households receiving food assistance will be food secure, is deeply inefficient, and is at financial and structural risk. The two most common forms of food assistance used today are Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly the Food Stamp Program) and charitable food assistance in the form of groceries (provided through a network of food banks, food pantries, and other related programs). Approximately 43 million persons participate in SNAP and nearly one-third of them also rely on a food pantry for groceries. The use of charitable food assistance by persons relying on SNAP demonstrates that SNAP’s benefit level and structure does not sufficiently result in food security. The article argues that reinstating a purchase requirement for SNAP and increasing the level of benefits provided to SNAP participants would increase the food security of participants, alleviate the chronic demand for food from food banks and food pantries, and ultimately allow the charitable food assistance network to better accomplish its goal of providing emergency food assistance to the needy.
Modeling and Evaluating Zeolite and Amorphous Based Catalysts in Vacuum Gas Oil Hydrocracking Process
Authors: Faraji Davood , Sadighi Sepehr , Mazaheri Hossein 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Hydrocracking is a significant process in a refinery which is commonly used for converting heavy fractions such as vacuum gas oil (VGO) to the valuable products such as naphtha and diesel. In this research, VGO hydrocracking process was studied in a pilot scale plant in the presence of a zeolite and two amorphous based commercial catalysts called RK-NiY, RK-MNi and KF-101, respectively. In order to study the effect of support on the yield of the process, a discrete 4-lump kinetic model, including feed (vacuum gas oil and unconverted materials), distillate (diesel and kerosene), naphtha and gas was proposed for each catalyst. At first, each network had six reaction paths and twelve kinetic coefficients, and then by using the model reduction methodology, only four main routes for RK-MNi and RK-NiY, and three ones for KF-101 were designated. Results showed that the absolute average deviation (AAD%) of reduced models decreased from 5.11 %, 10.1 % and 21.8 % to 4.54 %, 8.9 % and 19.67 % for RK-MNi, KF-101 and RK-NiY, respectively. Moreover, it was confirmed that amorphous and zeolite catalysts could be selected for producing middle distillate and naphtha products, respectively.
Erection-stimulating, anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties of Hunteria umbellata and Cylicodiscus gabunensis water extractable phytochemicals
Authors: Oboh Ganiyu , Adebayo Adeniyi A , Ademosun Ayokunle O 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

Background
Herbs have been used as an aphrodisiac since ages. This study was designed to investigate the effects of Hunteria umbellata (HU) seeds and Cylicodiscus gabunensis (CG) stem barks aqueous extracts on key enzymes relevant to erectile dysfunction (phosphodiesterase-5 and arginase) and type-2 diabetes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase).

Methods
In ascertaining the erectogenic and antidiabetic properties of the extracts, the effects of the extracts on activities of some enzymes relevant to erectile dysfunction (arginase and phosphodiesterase-5) and type-2 diabetes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) were determined. Antioxidant properties of the extracts were assessed through several antioxidant assays (DPPH˙, OH˙). Furthermore, their phenolic constituents were estimated and quantified using HPLC.

Results
The results revealed that both extracts inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase in a concentration-dependent manner. HU showed higher α-amylase (IC50=221.30 µg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC50=184.35 µg/mL) inhibition than CG. Also, both extracts inhibited phosphodiesterase-5 and arginase in a dose-dependent manner in vitro; nevertheless, HU showed higher inhibition [phosphodiesterase-5 (IC50=539.72 µg/mL); arginase (41.53 µg/mL)] than CG [phosphodiesterase-5 (IC50=611.35 µg/mL); arginase (47.95 µg/mL)]. In addition, the extracts possess antioxidant properties through radical (DPPH and OH) scavenging and metal (Fe2+) chelating abilities. HPLC analysis of phenolic constituents revealed the abundance of gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ellagic acid and quercetin.

Conclusions
The ability of samples’ extract to inhibit some of key enzymes relevant to erectile dysfunction and type-2 diabetes could render them cheap, natural and alternative therapy with erectogenic and antidiabetic potentials.
Mutation analysis of the NKX2.5 gene in Iranian pediatric patients with congenital hypothyroidism
Authors: Khatami Mehri , Heidari Mohammad Mehdi , Tabesh Fatemeh , Ordooei Mahtab , Salehifar Zohreh 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

Background:
The embryonic development of the thyroid gland is regulated by the expression of several candidate genes which are related to congenital hypothyroidism. These genes include the numerous critical thyroid transcription factors such as NKX2.1, NKX2.5, FOXE1, and PAX8. The molecular analysis of these loci will be essential to the explanation of the participation of these transcription activators in the etiology of hypothyroidism. Among them, the role of NKX2.5 is important during the early thyroid morphogenesis and in controlling thyroidal cell differentiation and migration. Importantly, NKX2.5 change nucleotides are recognized to be central to the genesis of congenital hypothyroidism.

Methods:
A case-control study was conducted in 65 unrelated patients, diagnosed with primary congenital hypothyroidism and all of them were diagnosed according to the clinical presentations of thyroid hypoplasia and without cardiovascular defects. Mutational screening of the entire NKX2–5 coding sequence was performed in a cohort of pediatric patients by PCR-SSCP and direct sequencing.

Results:
We identified two known variations 73C>T (R25C) and 63A>G (E21E) in patients with thyroid hypothyroidism. Both of them are located in conserved region of the gene and previously reported in cases with thyroid dysgenesis and congenital heart defects. There was a significance association between 63A>G variation with primary hypothyroidism (p=0.003).

Conclusions:
These SNPs are probably related to thyroid hypoplasia because the allele frequency of the 63A>G polymorphism was significantly different in patients and controls and also R25C variation not observed in healthy cases.
Creation of a Model for Social Defense in Case of Disasters for the Citizens of the Republic of Bulgaria
Authors: Baev Georgi , Dimitrov Miroslav , Dimitrov Ivan 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
In Bulgaria there is a great need for a scheme for social defense and protection in case of natural or anthropogenic disasters. Our country has a relatively good social politics, covering a great deal of society’s social illnesses. But our financial capabilities for natural and anthropogenic disaster prevention and handling present a great financial difficulty for our country’s budget. In great deal of cases aid-money are being spend for covering material damage caused by natural disasters, but the aspect of affected citizens gets neglected and remains in the background. Our country comes as far as securing them with a one-off humanitarian or/and financial help for damaged property. In a great deal of cases though our country’s help is inadequate in amount or gets postponed in time due to administrative procedures.
WICS Model’s Impact Upon Successful Military Leaders
Authors: Bădilă Mădălina-Ioana 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
What does actually define successful leadership? We all know that one of the fundamental principles of the inter-personal connections represents the similarity reasoning - which means that we are attracted to people like ourselves. Applying this principle to the military organizational background, it can be observed that former leaders who occupy a decision-making position in an organization seek for future appointed leaders with similar ideas and competencies. This can only be achieved through a profound process of individual evaluation, based on the standardization in the military. Nevertheless, it has been frequently demonstrated that standardized tests may not properly dignify the leader’s skills. Therefore, we can avoid being deprived of our personal aptnesses by expanding our knowledge in the matter of successful leading skills through accepting and implementing innovative leadership perspectives such as the one WICS model presents. The abbreviated model involves the harmonious transposition of specific components that define successful leaders through the synthesis of the intelligence, creativity and wisdom.
Perspectives and Options for the Development of Virtual Teams for Command of Units in Operations
Authors: Cerny Jiri , Pitas Jaromir 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Team cooperation has been one of the crucial elements of effective and successful organization since the late 1960s. Function, structure and behavior within work teams are common part of organizations, firms and security structures. Increasing cooperation across fields, along with tendency to develop horizontal organizational structures, requires the capability to cross geographic and organizational boundaries. Traditional teams are not suitable for this kind of cooperation. With continual invention and application of new information technology, the communication with units during the operations is becoming simpler and faster than ever before. With the development of technologies, command and control has to evolve too. Commanders and staff on the positions of command during operation are not always skilled and informed enough to solve particular problems. The search for new potential will enable the achievement of goals of armed forces during the operations. System of command and control requires new viewpoints and new ways. The solution might be the development of the virtual teams. However, virtual teams are not understood well enough from the practical and theoretical perspective.
Challenges of the Security Environment Before the Correlation “Resources-Cabilities - Effects”
Authors: Dimitrova Sevdalina 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
In the complex and controversial security environment characterized by dynamic changes and the trend of increasing resource limitation, there is the disbalance between the projected capabilities and the maintenance of the existing ones on the one hand, and on the other - the need for the defense capabilities to be adaptable to the parameters of the changing environment. This necessitates compliance to one of the fundamental principles for enhancing the effectiveness of the defense policy - the principle of improving management as a process and structure for the management of defense resources and related defense products. Moreover, maintaining a stable level of defense spending as a proportion of gross domestic product, is the basis for building the necessary defense capabilities in accordance to the imperatives of the modern armed forces. It is of utmost importance to achieve a balance in the correlation “resources-capabilities-effects”. This, in a security environment which is marked by terrorism provoked by the actions of the “Islamic State” and the permanent threat they impose, by the migration flows that create conditions for serious alteration of the morals and traditions of the “Old continent” and its economic stability, by the danger of spreading and instilling radical Islamism and “redrawing” of state borders, and by hybrid war, is the challange which provokes the scientific research of the author.
Using Geopolitics in the Comparative Analysis of Two International Systems Based on Factors Considered Relevant
Authors: Dinicu Anca 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
The international scene is still modeled on the states’ interests, despite the challenges of non-state actors, whose international policy intervention can not be described as new. The state still continues to play a central role in shaping the international system, even if it is forced to act in an environment where large corporations are designing many of the national economies of states whose nationality they do not have, and non-governmental organizations are at the outskirts of an emerging global civil society, which could jeopardize the state’s right and obligation to prevent injustice, and considering that at the global level there is no entity able to issue regulations in this regard, all of which amid testing international governance models. Looking retrospectively, during the Cold War, the state was much stronger and the threats which it had to face were characterized by a much higher degree of predictability. This paper aims to analyze the contemporary international system by reference to that specific to the Cold War, based on factors considered relevant, the objective being to identify the possibility of turning the present international system to a new Cold War.
Towed Anti-Tank Guns Renaissance of Almost Forgotten Weapons in Ukrainian Conflict
Authors: Dyčka Lukáš 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Russia’s operations in Ukraine stand in stark contrast to the old Soviet doctrine of methodical, timetable- and echelon-driven employment of ground forces that sought to outmass the opposing army. Apart from obvious tactical implications and use of some modern equipment, this approach has led to reoccurrence of rather forgotten types of military hardware on the battlefield, most notably the towed anti-tank guns that had profound effect on later stages of the conflict. This article assess the reasons of their reoccurrence, types of these weapons and ammunition used on both sides of the conflict and in the last part tactical use of towed anti-tank guns with possible prospect for the future warfare. Data collection and analysis relied chiefly on media and image analysis both from Russian and Ukrainian sources.
Revolution in Military Affairs and Outer Space
Authors: Fučík Jakub 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Concept of the Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA) analyses and describes processes of major changes in military-strategic dimension, which provide possibilities especially for states to enhance their military power and establish superiority over their opponents. Contemporary, development of new (weapon) technologies (e.g. precision-guided munitions, unmanned aerial vehicles) and doctrines (e.g. network centric warfare, system-of-systems) represents such opportunity. Outer space in this context represents relatively new dimension of warfare with increasing importance for strategical thinking of all main state actors (e.g. China, Russia, and the U.S.). This paper deals with relation between RMA and outer space. The aim of this paper is to analyses how outer space and space technologies influence contemporary/future RMA and vice versa.
Cultural Interoperability – Prerequisite for the Response to Hybrid Threats
Authors: Ispas Lucian , Tudorache Paul 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Nowadays, in addition to the already known challenges, the hybrid threats require new responses, which had a timely appearance (adapting the existing military capabilities, the establishment of new military structures, at division and brigade level, their training etc.) and which involve an unconditional cooperation between NATO Member States and between them and their partners. From the perspective of the military response, creating multinational military structures based on different national contingents raises a number of questions on how they succeed to act coherently, in a coordinated and integrated manner. In this respect, the role of interoperability in general, and of cultural interoperability at the level of NATO military structures, in particular, has significantly increased, becoming a necessity for the development of multinational military operations as a joint response to the hybrid threats.