bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrated ST Segment Elevation Scores and In-hospital Mortality in STEMI Patients Undergoing Primary PCI
Authors: Opincariu Diana , Chițu Monica , Rat Nora , Benedek Imre 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
The objective of this study was to study the integrated score of ST-segment resolution (ISSTE) and in-hospital death in patients undergoing primary percutaneous intervention (pPCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Material and Methods: This prospective study included 586 consecutive patients admitted with STEMI to the Cardiology Clinic of the County Emergency Clinical Hospital of Tîrgu Mureș, between January 1st, 2013 and December 31, 2014, who underwent pPCI in less than twelve hours after the onset of symptoms. Clinical and demographic data were analyzed in 539 (91.9%) survivors (Group 1) and 47 (8.1%) nonsurvivors (Group 2). The Integrated Score of ST elevation (ISSTE) was calculated by summing the amplitude of the ST segment elevation in all the 12 leads, before and at 2 hours after revascularization.

Results: The ISSTE score calculated at baseline, immediately before the primary percutaneous coronary intervention, was significantly higher in Group 2 as compared to Group 1 (13.9 ± 1.2 vs. 11.0 ± 0.2, p = 0.026). At the same time, the ISSTE score calculated at 2 hours after the coronary intervention was significantly higher for patients in Group 2 (7.36 ± 1.12 vs. 2.9 ± 0.1, p <0.0001). Analysis of the dynamics of the ISSTE score indicated that patients who survived presented a more expressed reduction in the ISSTE score following pPCI, as compared to those who subsequently died (73.5% reduction in Group 1 compared to 47.2% reduction in Group 2, p <0.0001). In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in the group of patients with >50% reduction in the ISSTE score. The in-hospital death rate was 5.4% in patients with >50% reduction in the ISSTE score, compared to 19.4% for those who presented less than 50% reduction in the ISSTE score following pPCI (p <0.0001). The rate of successful reperfusion rate, expressed by the reduction in ISSTE score, was 83.8% in Group 1, compared to 55.3% in Group 2 (p <0.0001), indicating that the absence of an efficient reperfusion after pPCI is associated with a higher mortality in STEMI patients, and could be evaluated using regression of the ISSTE score, which proved to be directly associated with mortality.

Conclusion: The ISSTE score is shown to be an effective ECG-derived marker of myocardial damage in STEMI patients. A high ISSTE score is associated with higher mortality, while a reduction in the ISSTE score after pPCI may indicate an efficient reperfusion and a decrease in mortality in the first days after infarction.
Post-War Czechoslovakia: A Theoretical Critique
Authors: Nikodym Tomáš , Nikodym Lukáš , Pušová Tereza 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
The paper focuses on the proposals of post-war order in Czechoslovakia and its theoretical analysis. While there exists a wide range of studies, both Czech and foreign, dedicated to the history of Czechoslovakia in the post-war period, a majority of the studies deals with political development. Then the interpretations of the failure of President Beneš’ “distinct model of socialism” are purely political – weakness of President Beneš and democratic elites, the aggressive politics of Communist party, influence of Soviet diplomacy, etc. On the other hand, economic studies are only descriptive without theoretical analysis of proposed post-war order. Our paper offers different interpretation of the fall of Czechoslovak democratic regime (1945–1948). Using the framework of Austrian school, we are trying to show the institutional incompatibility of proposed post-war order. Special emphasis is put on the relation of freedom, democracy and socialist economic planning.
Sex Differences in Work Experiences and Work Outcomes among Egyptian Managers and Professionals: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Burke Ronald J. , El-Kot Ghada , Wolpin Jacob 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThis research examined potential sex differences in work experiences and work outcomes in a sample of Egyptian managers and professionals. Relatively little research has been undertaken on potential sex differences in human resource management in Egyptian organizations and even less during and following the Arab spring. Data were collected from 121 managerial and professional employees, 77 males and 44 females, using anonymously completed questionnaires. Respondents were relatively young, had university educations, had short job and organizational tenures, and held lower level -management jobs. All measures employed here had been used and validated previously by other researchers. Work experiences included supervisor empowerment behaviors and levels of personal empowerment. Work and well-being outcomes included job satisfaction, organizational commitment, work engagement, exhibiting voice behaviors, workplace learning opportunities, intent to quit and employee health symptoms. Significant sex differences were present on most personal demographic and work situation characteristics: men were at higher organizational levels, earned more money, were older and had longer organizational tenures, among others. There were fewer significant sex differences on work experiences and work outcomes. When differences were observed here, women indicated less positive responses.
The Cultural Inheritance of Abilities and Skills in Entrepreneurship Domain as a Determinant of Organizational Leadership
Authors: Haromszeki Łukasz 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIn this article the author attempts to present an idea that entrepreneurship understood as abilities and skills, which shape new organizational reality, flexibility and risk tolerance are the essential factors that create a leadership relationship. It is assumed that there is a relationship between entrepreneurship and organizational leadership. A leader is not an obedient performer of tasks but a creator of new activities and relationships. Entrepreneurship is treated in the accepted sense as learned skills and abilities in the process of cultural inheritance of attitudes and behavior patterns existing in family, neighborhood, places in society and environment. Hence, in the article the author attempts to outline the path from entrepreneurial attitudes and behavior observed in childhood to act in the same manner in adulthood, including influencing the actions of associates in the workplace which exist in the Polish society.
The Impact of National Culture on the Level of Innovation
Authors: Strychalska-Rudzewicz Anna 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to ascertain whether national culture has an impact on the level of innovation. The results of the analysis of data by means of statistical tools confirm that cultural factors play a big role in creating innovations. On the basis of the research, it can be assumed that the thesis formulated by Shane (1993) assuming the correlation of low power distance and strong individualism with innovation seems to be correct if we do not refer it to the Far East Asian countries. These countries seem to be very different culturally from the rest of the analyzed cultures. Low power distance and low uncertainty avoidance countries are in most cases more innovative in European countries. Impact of individualism versus collectivism is more debatable but generally in Europe more individualistic countries achieve better innovative results.
Czech Protest Movements in the 2014 European Parliament Elections
Authors: Just Petr 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
This article explores the performance of ANO 2011 and Dawn of Direct Democracy—two new subjects of the post-2013 Czech party system—in the 2014 elections to the European Parliament. Programs and statements of both movements are analyzed in order to determine whether a link exists between protest and populist characteristics on one side and Euroscepticism on the other side.
Converging Defence Burdens? Some Further Findings
Authors: Arvanitidis Paschalis , Kollias Christos 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Building on recently published findings that point to a process of convergence in terms of defence burdens internationally, this paper readdresses the issue for the period 1970–2015 using SIPRI’s new dataset. The new consistent data constructed by SIPRI offers the opportunity to extend the time period of the empirical investigation into the convergence issue, thus allowing for better insights over a longer time horizon that covers both the Cold and post-Cold War periods.
Ultrasonography and Low-field Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Common Calcanean Tendon in a Rabbit Model for Tendinopathy Research: a Descriptive Study of Normal Anatomy
Authors: Skalec A. , Przyborowska-Zhalniarovich P. , Janus I. , Kirstein K. , Mieszkowska M. , Adamiak Z. , Chrószcz A. , Janeczek M. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
In spite of recent advances in treatment protocols, tendinopathies continue to challenge orthopaedists and surgeons. Due to the complexity of both tendon injuries and the healing processes, animal models are essential for addressing fundamental questions in tendinopathy research. Diagnostic imaging could contribute to the evaluation of animal models, thus providing information, which could be translated to human tendinopathies. The objective of our study was to evaluate in situ appearance of the rabbit common calcanean tendon with ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. Additionally, we sought to assess and compare the feasibility and usefulness of these techniques in a rabbit model while focusing on the imaging of the particular structures involved in calcaneal tendon disorders. Eight California rabbits were used for post-mortem sonographic and low-field magnetic resonance examination. Morphometry was performed on longitudinal sonograms and sagittal MRI scans. The craniocaudal diameter of the tendon was measured at four points of interest. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance provided good visualisation of the tendon origin, the paratenon and the pre-Achilles fat pad. Magnetic resonance images presented in more detail the structure of the calcaneal insertion. Both modalities failed to visualise the individual components of the common calcanean tendon and the bursa of the calcaneal tendon. Statistical analysis of measurements obtained showed that the craniocaudal diameter of the common calcanean tendon in a rabbit increases significantly with a growing length from the calcaneal tuber. Both magnetic resonance and ultrasonography are feasible, and should be considered complementary, not alternative imaging techniques in a rabbit common calcanean tendon model.
Comparative Efficacy of Silymarin and Choline Chloride (Liver Tonics) in Preventing the Effects of Aflatoxin B1 in Bovine Calves
Authors: Naseer O. , Khan J.A. , Khan M.S. , Omer M.O. , Chishti G.A. , Sohail M.L. , Saleem M.U. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus spp. which are injurious to animals and humans The aim of this study was to determine the effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on Average Daily Feed Intake (ADFI), Average Daily Weight Gain (ADWG), haematological and serum biochemical responses of Bovine Calves and to determine the comparative efficacy of two different liver tonics against AFB1. Twenty seven calves were selected from herd and divided into 3 groups. All calves were fed with 1.0 mg/kg AFB1 for a period of 10 days. After that they were fed with liver tonics: Silymarin fed at a rate of 600 mg/kg and Choline chloride 500 mg/kg for 7 days. The results indicate that the ADFI and ADWG of AFB1 treated calves decreased significantly. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine significantly increased due to AFB1. In haematology the total erythrocyte count (TEC), total leukocyte count (TLC), haemoglobin concentration (HGB), haematocrit levels (HCT), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), lymphocyte %, neutrophil % and monocyte % significantly decreased in AFB1 treated calves after 10 days of feeding. Both liver tonics significantly (p<0.05) improved all the parameters, including ADFI, ADWG, hematologial and serum biochemical test. However, Silymarin comparatively more efficiently ameliorate the effects induced by AFB1 than choline chloride.
7S Fragment of Type IV Collagen as a Serum Marker of Canine Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Glińska-Suchocka K. , Orłowska A. , Kubiak K. , Spużak J. , Jankowski M. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess whether the serum levels of the 7S fragment of type IV collagen may aid in diagnosing liver fibrosis in dogs. The study was carried out on 20 dogs with liver disease. Serum levels of the 7S fragment of type IV collagen were measured in all dogs. The analysis showed that healthy dogs and dogs with type 1, 2 and 3 liver fibrosis had low serum concentrations of the 7S fragment of type IV collagen compared to dogs with type 4 liver fibrosis. The study revealed that the assessment of serum levels of the 7S fragment of type IV collagen is useful in the diagnosis of advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.
Assessing the Level of Popularity of European Stag Tourism Destinations
Authors: Iwanicki Grzegorz , Dłużewska Anna , Kay Melanie Smith 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe primary objective of this article is to determine the degree of popularity of stag tourism destinations in Europe. Research was based on the search engine method, involving an analysis of the highest positioned offers of travel agencies in the most commonly used search engines in Europe (Google, Bing, Yahoo). The analysis divided the studied cities into four categories in terms of popularity. Conducting the said analysis is strongly justified, because academic publications have so far not provided studies which have determined the degree of popularity of stag destinations on a continental scale.
Coldspot of Decelerated Sea-Level Rise on the Pacific Coast of North America
Authors: Parker Albert 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
We show here the presence of significant “coldspot” of sea level rise along the West Coast of the United States and Canada (including Alaska). The 30-years sea level for the area are mostly falling also at subsiding locations as San Francisco and Seattle where subsidence is responsible for a long term positive rate of rise. The 20 long term tide gauges of the area of length exceeding the 60-years length have a naïve average rate of rise −0.729 mm/year in the update 30-Apr-2015, down from −0.624 mm/year in the update 14-Feb-2014. Therefore, along the West Coast of the United States and Canada the sea levels are on average falling, and becoming more and more negative.
Investigation and analysis of glass fabric/PVC composite laminates processing parameters
Authors: Zal Vahid , Moslemi Naeini Hassan , Bahramian Ahmad Reza , Behravesh Amir Hossein , Abbaszadeh Behnam 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
In this work, the effects of processing parameters including temperature, time, and pressure on the properties of amorphous polyvinyl chloride (PVC)/fiberglass thermoplastic composite laminates were evaluated. The film stacking and hot pressing procedure was used to produce the composite laminates, and samples with [0/90]10 layup and thickness of 3 mm were produced. Flexural strength and modulus of the samples were measured using three-point bending test (according to ASTM D790 standard test method), and microscopic images were used to evaluate the failure mechanisms and impregnation quality. The effects of the parameters on the strength were studied using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and it was found that processing temperature has the maximum effect on the products strength and increase of the temperature up to 230°C increases the flexural strength while more increase of temperature results in the matrix degradation and strength reduction. Also, processing time improves the wetting and impregnation quality; however, more increase of the processing time results in the matrix degradation and excessive reduction of the strength.
Mechanisms of CO2/H+Sensitivity of Astrocytes
Authors: Turovsky Egor , Theparambil Shefeeq M. , Kasymov Vitaliy , Deitmer Joachim W. , del Arroyo Ana Gutierrez , Ackland Gareth L. , Corneveaux Jason J. , Allen April N. , Huentelman Matthew J. , Kasparov Sergey , Marina Nephtali , Gourine Alexander V. 
Published: October 2016

Ventral regions of the medulla oblongata of the brainstem are populated by astrocytes sensitive to physiological changes in PCO2/[H+]. These astrocytes respond to decreases in pH with elevations in intracellular Ca2+and facilitated exocytosis of ATP-containing vesicles. Released ATP propagates Ca2+excitation among neighboring astrocytes and activates neurons of the brainstem respiratory network triggering adaptive increases in breathing. The mechanisms linking increases in extracellular and/or intracellular PCO2/[H+] with Ca2+responses in chemosensitive astrocytes remain unknown. Fluorescent imaging of changes in [Na+]iand/or [Ca2+]iin individual astrocytes was performed in organotypic brainstem slice cultures and acute brainstem slices of adult rats. It was found that astroglial [Ca2+]iresponses triggered by decreases in pH are preceded by Na+entry, markedly reduced by inhibition of Na+/HCO3−cotransport (NBC) or Na+/Ca2+exchange (NCX), and abolished in Na+-free medium or by combined NBC/NCX blockade. Acidification-induced [Ca2+]iresponses were also dramatically reduced in brainstem astrocytes of mice deficient in the electrogenic Na+/HCO3−cotransporter NBCe1. Sensitivity of astrocytes to changes in pH was not affected by inhibition of Na+/H+exchange or blockade of phospholipase C. These results suggest that in pH-sensitive astrocytes, acidification activates NBCe1, which brings Na+inside the cell. Raising [Na+]iactivates NCX to operate in a reverse mode, leading to Ca2+entry followed by activation of downstream signaling pathways. Coupled NBC and NCX activities are, therefore, suggested to be responsible for functional CO2/H+sensitivity of astrocytes that contribute to homeostatic regulation of brain parenchymal pH and control of breathing.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTBrainstem astrocytes detect physiological changes in pH, activate neurons of the neighboring respiratory network, and contribute to the development of adaptive respiratory responses to the increases in the level of blood and brain PCO2/[H+]. The mechanisms underlying astroglial pH sensitivity remained unknown and here we show that in brainstem astrocytes acidification activates Na+/HCO3−cotransport, which brings Na+inside the cell. Raising [Na+]iactivates the Na+/Ca2+exchanger to operate in a reverse mode leading to Ca2+entry. This identifies a plausible mechanism of functional CO2/H+sensitivity of brainstem astrocytes, which play an important role in homeostatic regulation of brain pH and control of breathing.
Spike Timing-Dependent Plasticity in the Long-Latency Stretch Reflex Following Paired Stimulation from a Wearable Electronic Device
Authors: Foysal K. M. Riashad , de Carvalho Felipe , Baker Stuart N. 
Published: October 2016

The long-latency stretch reflex (LLSR) in human elbow muscles probably depends on multiple pathways; one possible contributor is the reticulospinal tract. Here we attempted to induce plastic changes in the LLSR by pairing noninvasive stimuli that are known to activate reticulospinal pathways, at timings predicted to cause spike timing-dependent plasticity in the brainstem. In healthy human subjects, reflex responses in flexor muscles were recorded following extension perturbations at the elbow. Subjects were then fitted with a portable device that delivered auditory click stimuli through an earpiece, and electrical stimuli around motor threshold to the biceps muscle via surface electrodes. We tested the following four paradigms: biceps stimulus 10 ms before click (Bi-10ms-C); click 25 ms before biceps (C-25ms-Bi); click alone (C only); and biceps alone (Bi only). The average stimulus rate was 0.67 Hz. Subjects left the laboratory wearing the device and performed normal daily activities. Approximately 7 h later, they returned, and stretch reflexes were remeasured. The LLSR was significantly enhanced in the biceps muscle (on average by 49%) after the Bi-10ms-C paradigm, but was suppressed for C-25ms-Bi (by 31%); it was unchanged for Bi only and C only. No paradigm induced LLSR changes in the unstimulated brachioradialis muscle. Although we cannot exclude contributions from spinal or cortical pathways, our results are consistent with spike timing-dependent plasticity in reticulospinal circuits, specific to the stimulated muscle. This is the first demonstration that the LLSR can be modified via paired-pulse methods, and may open up new possibilities in motor systems neuroscience and rehabilitation.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThis report is the first demonstration that the long-latency stretch reflex can be modified by repeated, precisely timed pairing of stimuli known to activate brainstem pathways. Furthermore, pairing was achieved with a portable electronic device capable of delivering many more stimulus repetitions than conventional laboratory studies. Our findings open up new possibilities for basic research into these underinvestigated pathways, which are important for motor control in healthy individuals. They may also lead to paradigms capable of enhancing rehabilitation in patients recovering from damage, such as after stroke or spinal cord injury.
Magnetic Fields Modulate Blue-Light-Dependent Regulation of Neuronal Firing by Cryptochrome
Authors: Giachello Carlo N.G. , Scrutton Nigel S. , Jones Alex R. , Baines Richard A. 
Published: October 2016

Many animals are able to sense the Earth's geomagnetic field to enable behaviors such as migration. It is proposed that the magnitude and direction of the geomagnetic field modulates the activity of cryptochrome (CRY) by influencing photochemical radical pair intermediates within the protein. However, this proposal will remain theoretical until a CRY-dependent effect on a receptor neuron is shown to be modified by an external magnetic field (MF). It is established that blue-light (BL) photoactivation of CRY is sufficient to depolarize and activateDrosophilaneurons. Here, we show that this CRY-dependent effect is significantly potentiated in the presence of an applied MF (100 mT). We use electrophysiological recordings from larval identified motoneurons, in which CRY is ectopically expressed, to show that BL-dependent depolarization of membrane potential and increased input resistance are markedly potentiated by an MF. Analysis of membrane excitability shows that these effects of MF exposure evoke increased action potential firing. Almost nothing is known about the mechanism by which a magnetically induced change in CRY activity might produce a behavioral response. We further report that specific structural changes to the protein alter the impact of the MF in ways that are strikingly similar to those from recent behavioral studies into the magnetic sense ofDrosophila. These observations provide the first direct experimental evidence to support the hypothesis that MF modulation of CRY activity is capable of influencing neuron activity to allow animal magnetoreception.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe biophysical mechanism of animal magnetoreception is still unclear. The photoreceptor protein cryptochrome has risen to prominence as a candidate magnetoreceptor molecule based on multiple reports derived from behavioral studies. However, the role of cryptochrome as a magnetoreceptor remains controversial primarily because of a lack of direct experimental evidence linking magnetic field (MF) exposure to a change in neuronal activity. Here, we show that exposure to an MF (100 mT) is sufficient to potentiate the ability of light-activated cryptochrome to increase neuronal action potential firing. Our results provide critical missing evidence to show that the activity of cryptochrome is sensitive to an external MF that is capable of modifying animal behavior.