bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing Technical Skills of Pupils in Primary and Secondary Schools
Authors: Oujezdský Aleš , Nagyová Ingrid 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
The paper is aimed at the development of technical skills of pupils in primary and secondary schools. Technical courses are usually not popular among pupils. Therefore, within the scope of the “Windows of Science Wide Open” project, we prepared a number of activities, which should encourage pupils’ interest in the technical courses and help develop their technical skills. During the academic year we held several workshops for primary and secondary school pupils. The workshops contained activities such as the programming of robotic kits, the use of electric microscope in education, the use of measuring systems and a computer for the measuring of quantities around us, or the use of modern technology when creating an audiovisual project. Approximately 150 primary and secondary school pupils participated in the workshops.
Learner Preferences and Rejections of Selected Test Formats
Authors: Šimonová Ivana 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
The article presents the results of the survey on student preferences and rejections of selected types of tests (test formats) reflecting their learning preferences. The survey was conducted at the Faculty of Informatics and Management, University of Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic in the sample of 203 students of Applied Informatics, Information Management, Financial Management and Tourism&Management study programmes. Data were collected by two questionnaires: (1) Learning Combination Inventory by Johnston, which was exploited to detect learner preferences, and (2) Preference/Rejection of selected types of tests, which enabled learners to express their opinions on seven selected types of tests on 10-level Likert scale. The results clearly showed strong preference of questions and tasks pre-defined before the credit test or exam, both in the oral and written forms. This finding might lead to a conclusion that student flexibility and creative thinking are not sufficiently developed for autonomous work and searching for new solutions, as required by numerous educational documents.
Testing in Adaptive LMS
Authors: Prextová Tatiana 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
For a number of years now, the research activity at the Department of Information and Communication Technologies at the Pedagogical Faculty of the University of Ostrava has been aimed at improving the quality of instruction. A team of experts has been assembled who can create new study materials that can be used in the electronic environment and are able to adapt to students’ individual characteristics and needs. As feedback is an integral part of instruction (be it the e-learning or the classic one), the proposition of electronic adaptive testing has been included in the process. In the proposition, the authors ponder a number of alternative possibilities of adapting test tasks - suitably formulated tasks, suitable reactions to the student’s correct and incorrect answers, suitable selection of individual test tasks. This paper aims to introduce the basic principles and rules of electronic adaptive testing and consider other adaptation options.
High-Speed Δβ-Reversal Directional Coupler Modulator with Low Insertion Loss for 1.3 μm in LiNbO3
Authors: Auracher F. , Schicketanz D. , Zeitler K.-H. 
Published: November 2016

Summary
We report on a very fast (≥ 6 Gbit/s) Δβ-reversal directional-coupler modulator with low insertion loss (2 dB) for 1.3 μm wavelength operation. The design of the modulator permits easy and reproducible fabrication.
Electrically Induced Ti:LiNbO3 Strip-Waveguides: Effect of Electrooptic Modulation
Authors: Savatinova I. , Tonchev S. , Pushkarov Kh. , Scharf F. 
Published: November 2016

Summary
Experimental and theoretical data are presented that relate to strip waveguides obtained by applying a voltage to electrodes deposited on a Ti:LiNbO3 planar waveguide. The dependence of the modal picture on inducing voltage is registrated. Optical Field distributions in depth are calculated approximating the Gaussian index profile by a parabola and an exponent. The overlap between the optical intensity and the electric field is measured for different depth modes and is compared with calculated ones. A possibility of effective amplitude modulation is observed on the base of formations of successive lateral modes. A simple modulator is demonstrated.
Light Propagation in Proton-Exchanged LiNbO3 Waveguides
Authors: Čtyroký J. 
Published: November 2016

Summary
Light propagation in X-cut LiNbO3 waveguides fabricated by proton exchange is analyzed theoretically. Simple formulae are given for both (real) effective refractive indices and leaky mode loss of guided and leaky modes. An example of dispersion and loss curves for a typical proton-exchanged waveguide is presented. The similarities and differences with respect to titanium-indiffused and out-diffused LiNbO3 waveguides are pointed out.
Wavelength Stabilization of a GaAlAs Semiconductor Laser by Use of an Integrated-Optic Fabry-Perot-Interferometer
Authors: Strobel O. 
Published: November 2016

Summary
The wavelength of a GaAlAs semiconductor laser has been locked for the first time to an integrated-optic LiNbO3 Fabry-Perot-Interferometer. By use of a feedback loop to the injection current, the laser wavelength was stabilized to within a value of the order of 10-9 by an integration time of 30 ms.
Intensity-Independent Frequency Stabilization of Semiconductor Lasers Using a Fiber Optic Fabry-Perot Resonator
Authors: Wölfeischneider H. , Kist R. 
Published: November 2016

Summary
A frequency stabilization system for semiconductor lasers is described which makes use of a Fiber-Fabry-Perot (FFP) as frequency reference element. The FFP is fabricated from a 3 cm length piece of monomode fiber thus allowing for a compact “all fiber” packaging of the optical part of the system. The electronics includes laser diode and FFP temperature stabilization (± 1 mK) as well as a laser current modulation technique with phase sensitive detection and current control in order to stabilize the laser wavelength to the peak of the FFP transmission curve. Stability of 500 kHz (peak to peak) with respect to the FFP reference is demonstrated as well as insensitivity of this stabilization against substantial variations of the optical intensity coupled into the system.
Measurements. Bandwidth Reproducibility of Spliced-Fiber Links Measured in Frequency Domain
Authors: Diaz de la Iglesia R. 
Published: November 2016

Summary
This article reports the dependence of baseband response amplitude of spliced-fiber links, as far as the baseband response of individual fibers included in each particular link is concerned. The measurements are made in frequency domain and the bandwidth reproducibilities are evaluated from the amplitude response measurements. As a main conclusion, it seems not to be necessary to measure the baseband response characteristics of spliced fiber links in the field, if measurements are previously carried out on individual fibers.
Systems. An Analog High-Performance Transfer-Stabilized Fiber-Optic Transmission System for Baseband Video Signals
Authors: Jong L. P. de , Nordholt E. H. 
Published: November 2016

Summary
A low-cost video baseband transmission system using analog light-intensity modulation with an 850 nm LED compensated for nonlinearity is presented. A very low- noise current amplifier at the input of the receiver and a high-dynamic range automatic gain control provide a transmission system that can accomodate more than a 20 dB difference in optical losses without any adjustment. At the receiver input, a 100 nW (- 40 dBm) optical signal is required for surveillance transmission quality. The transmitter delivers an optical signal power of - 18 dBm to a 50 pm graded-index fiber. The differential gain and phase of the system lie below 2% and 1°, respectively.
Integrated Optics. Modulation Behaviour of Integrated Optical Directional Couplers
Authors: Schlaak H. F. 
Published: November 2016

Summary
The modulation characteristics of integrated optical directional couplers have been analyzed theoretically and supported by experiments. Two new effects influencing the modulation behaviour arc presented: the intrinsic mismatch Δβ0 due to unequal waveguides and Δκ-effect, i.e. the electrooptic variation of the coupling coefficient κ. Couplers with special modulation characteristics can be designed by combining all modulation effects.
Integrated Optics. An Optical Arbiter Module
Authors: Shimizu Nobuo , Kawashima Nobuo 
Published: November 2016

Summary
ATTL driving optical arbiter module which consists of a hybrid combination of optical devices has been fabricated to demonstrate the performance of a parallel data processing arbiter. The optical arbiter module is assembled by a ten-port guided-wave optical arbiter circuit, fiber-connected laser diodes and fiber-connected avalanche photo diodes. Optical arbitration is shown through connecting ten processors to this module. It is confirmed that priority is decided by the connected input terminal position when many processors request common resource use simultaneously. Applying feasibility for parallel signal processing systems is verified by using this prototype optical arbiter module.
Modal Noise. Modal Noise in Multimode Fiber Links with Distributed Mode-Selective Losses
Authors: Koonen A. M. J. 
Published: November 2016

Summary
Distributed mode-selective losses in a multimode fiber transmission link cause an accumulation of modal noise. A theory has been developed which gives an approximation of the signal-to-noise ratio at the end of the link due to the accumulated modal noise; it shows how this ratio is improved by mode-coupling in the fiber.
Feedforward Equalizers for MDM–WDM in Multimode Fiber Interconnects
Authors: Masunda Tendai , Amphawan Angela 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIn this paper, we present new tap configurations of a feedforward equalizer to mitigate mode coupling in a 60-Gbps 18-channel mode-wavelength division multiplexing system in a 2.5-km-long multimode fiber. The performance of the equalization is measured through analyses on eye diagrams, power coupling coefficients and bit-error rates.
Sustained Benefits of Growth Hormone on Body Composition, Fat Utilization, Physical Strength and Agility, and Growth in Prader-Willi Syndrome are Dose-Dependent
Authors: Carrel Aaron L. , Myers Susan E. , Whitman Barbara Y. , Allen David B. 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Background: Obesity and hypotonia in children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) are accompanied by abnormal body composition resembling a growth hormone (GH) deficient state. Hypothalamic dysfunction in PWS includes decreased GH secretion, suggesting a possible therapeutic role for GH treatment. While recent studies have demonstrated short-term benefits of treatment with GH, a critical question is whether beneficial changes persist or wane with prolonged therapy, and whether these effects on body composition are dose-dependent as seen in adult GH deficiency.
Objectives and Methods: After 24 months of GH theapy at a dose of 1 mg/m2/day (“standard dose”), the effects of 12 additional months of GH treatment at varying doses (0.3-1.5 mg/m2/day) on growth, body composition, strength and agility, pulmonary function, resting energy expenditure (REE), and fat utilization were assessed in 46 children with PWS. Percent body fat, lean muscle mass, and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Indirect calorimetry was used to determine REE and to calculate respiratory quotient (RQ).
Results: During months 24-36 of GH therapy, further changes in body composition (decrease in fat mass, and increase in lean body mass), growth velocity, and REE occurred with standard and higher-dose GH therapy (1.5 mg/m2/day), but not with lower dose GH (0.3 mg/m2/day). Prior improvements in BMD, and strength and agility, which occurred during the initial 24 months, were sustained during the additional 12 months (to 36 months) regardless of dose.
Conclusions: Salutary and sustained . GH- induced changes in growth, body composition, and physical function in children with PWS require GH doses of >0.3 mg/m2/day. Conversely, BMD increased during the additional 12 months of therapy regardless of GH dose. Lower doses of GH, effective in improving body composition in adults with GHD, do not appear to be effective in children with PWS.
Insufficient Adrenarche in Patients with Combined Pituitary Hormone Deficiency Caused by a PROP A Gene Defect
Authors: Voutetakis A. , Livadas S. , Sertedaki A. , Maniati-Christidi M. , Dacou-Voutetakis C. 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Adrenarche was evaluated in five patients, aged 17.4 ± 3 years, with combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD), caused by a PROP-1 gene defect. Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) were determined prior to and following the administration of corticotropinreleasing hormone (CRH) in four of the five patients, while only basal values of ACTH, cortisol and DHEAS were determined in the fifth. In the four patients in whom a CRH test was carried out, the mean basal values of cortisol, ACTH and DHEAS were 289 ±140 nmol/1, 4.5 ±1.7 μmol/1 and 0.26 ± 0.36 μmol/1, respectively. The corresponding post-CRH peak values were 584 ± 204 μmol/1, 12.7 ± 3.9 μmol/1 and 0.43 ± 0.41 μmol/1. In the fifth patient, basal ACTH, cortisol and DHEAS values? were 4 μmol/1, 411 μmol/1, and 2.33 μmol/1, respectively. Thus the basal and post CRH values of DHEAS (a marker of adrenarche) were low for age, while basal and post-CRH cortisol and ACTH values were within normal limits. For the interpretation of these findings two hypotheses can be proposed: 1) The PROP-1 gene is only expressed in the pituitary, and the role of PROP-1 is related to the maturation of the cells which synthesize the presumed adrenal androgen stimulating hormone (AASH). 2) The PROP-1 gene is also expressed in the adrenal cortex and, when defective, the zona reticularis does not function appropriately. Regardless of the interpretation involved, patients with CPHD caused by a PROP-1 gene defect also have insufficient adrenarche. This finding has possible important pathophysiological implications.
Syndrome of Congenital Adrenocortical Unresponsiveness to ACTH. Report of Six Patients
Authors: Berberoglu Merih , Aycan Zehra , Öcal Gönül , Begeot Martine , Naville Danielle , Akar Nejat , Adiyaman Pelin , Evliyaoglu Olcay , Penhoat Armelle 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD) or unresponsiveness to ACTH at the receptor level is a rare autosomal recessive hereditary syndrome characterized by a low cortisol level despite high serum ACTH concentration. Aldosterone levels are normal. The clinical entity generally presents in the first year of life with skin hyperpigmentation and hypoglycemic convulsions. Cortisol response to exogenous ACTH is also absent. Unresponsiveness to ACTH may be due to a mutation in the ACTH receptor; sometimes no mutation is found. We discuss the clinical and laboratory findings and genetic studies in six patients with a diagnosis of FGD. A homozygous V142L mutation was detected in three of the patients and a homozygous D103N mutation was detected in two patients.
Maternal and Fetal Serum Insulin-like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I), IGF Binding Protein-3 (IGFBP-3), Leptin Levels and Early Postnatal Growth in Infants Born Asymmetrically Small for Gestational Age
Authors: Orbak Zerrin , Darcan Şükran , Çoker Mahmut , Gökşen Damla 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
This study was planned to investigate the relationship between birth weight and insulinlike growth factor-I (IGF-I),IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), and leptin levels in neonates with normal growth (appropriate for gestational age: AGA) and retarded growth (small for gestational age: SGA); and to evaluate these growth factors’ effects in early postnatal growth. All newborns were full-term: gestational age 38-41 weeks. Of 50 neonates, 25 were SGA. IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and leptin levels were measured in maternal serum and venous cord blood at birth and at 15 days of life of neonates using specific RIAs. Maternal serum leptin concentrations were significantly higher than cord blood leptin concentrations (p <0.001). Maternal serum IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and leptin levels did not show correlations with birth weight. In contrast, there were significantly positive correlations between birth weight and venous cord blood IGF- I, IGFBP-3 and leptin levels (p <0.001). In the SGA group, the newborns with a slow postnatal growth pattern had lower umbilical cord serum IGF-I levels compared with newborns with a normal growth pattern. A similar result was also found in the AGA group. Similar results were not found for serum leptin and IGFBP-3.
In conclusion, cord blood IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and leptin levels play an important role in the regulation of fetal and neonatal growth. It is likely that IGF-I has a more important role than the other factors in early postnatal growth.
Recombinant Growth Hormone Treatment in Short Patients with Thalassemia Major: Results after 24 and 36 Months
Authors: Cavallo L. , Acquafredda A. , Zecchino C. , De Sanctis V. , Cistemino M. , Nicoletti M. Caruso , Galati M. , Massolo F. 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Treatment with recombinant growth hormone (rhGH), 0.6 IU/kg/week s.c., previously successfully conducted for one year, was continued in 15 (Group A) and 8 (Group B) short thalassemia major patients with reduced GH reserve, for two and three years, respectively. In Group A, height for chronological: age (Ht SDSca) increased significantly (p = 0.021) from the start of treatment, but the positive effect was only apparent because of the concomitant slight worsening of height for bone age (Ht SDSba). Median AHt SDScA/AHt SDSba was <1.0 with respect to both the start (0.87) and the end of the first year of rhGH therapy (0.89). IGF-I levels increased significantly (p = 0.043) compared with values both at the start and at the end of the first year of rhGH therapy. In Group B neither Ht SDSca : nor Ht SDSba differed statistically from starting values, the former having a positive trend and the latter a negative one. Median AHt SDScA/AHt SDSba was 0.92 with respect to the start, and 0.94 with respect to the end of the second year. IGF-I levels increased significantly (p = 0.043) with respect to starting values. Our data show that the encouraging results described from the first year of rhGH treatment did not persist during the second and third years, and we conclude that this is because increase in bone age with continued treatment is equal to, or slightly greater than the height age increase. We propose that patients with thalassemia major with short stature should receive rhGH treatment for only one year, and that more prolonged treatment should be reserved for selected adolescents who have psychological problems due to shortness; for these patients growth acceleration could represent the main goal, even if this leads to a substantially unchanged or slightly decreased final height.
Profiles of Obese Children Presenting for Metabolic Evaluation
Authors: Anavian Jack , Brenner Dennis J. , Fort Pavel , Speiser Phyllis W. 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Background: Obesity, increasingly prevalent among children, causes major morbidities, among which is earlier onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).
Methods: We reviewed charts of children aged 3 to 18 years (n=106). The population was divided into four age groups. Anthropomorphic measurements, family history, diet and exercise patterns, and selected endocrine/metabolic measurements were recorded, and descriptive statistics were calculated.
Results: Obesity in one or both parents correlated with a higher percent of ideal body weight (IBW) (p=0.01). Fifty-eight percent of the children had first- or second-degree relatives with a history of type 2 DM; 9% had relatives with type 1 DM. Fifty-four percent had dieted and exercised regularly. Mean onset of obesity was at 4.2 ± 0.9 years. Mean cholesterol was elevated at 176 mg/dl. Average BMI was 26.6 in the youngest children (Group 1; normal mean for this age ~15.5), and increased to 37.8 in adolescents (Group 4; normal mean ~21). Elevated TSH was present in <1% of the population. The number of patients with an abnormal insulin: glucose ratio (>1:4) increased with age.
Conclusions: Childhood obesity in children is correlated with family histories of obesity and DM. Thyroid dysfunction is seldom found, although mild hypercholesterolemia and insulin insensitivity are prevalent, especially among adolescents.
Neonatal Goiter Caused by Expectorant Usage
Authors: Bostancı Ilknur , Sanoglu Akile , Ergin Hacer , Akşit Arif , Cinbiş Mine , Aklın Necdet 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
A female newborn was admitted with the symptoms of mild respiratory distress, protruding tongue, hypotonicity, cutis marmorata, sclerema, myxedema, abdominal distension, and feeding problems on the first day of life. She had a huge neck mass, a large anterior and posterior fontanel, and hoarse cry. She had no umbilical hernia or jaundice. A history of maternal potassium iodine (expectorant) usage without doctor’s advice was obtained; the mother had not attended a clinic throughout the pregnancy. On ultrasonographic examination, the thyroid right lobe was 53x31 mm and the left lobe was 34x31 mm. The results of thyroid hormone tests on the first day were as follows: T3 20 ng/dl (normal: 32-216 ng/dl), T4 0.9 μg/dl (11.8-22.6 μg/dl), TSH 120 mIU/1 (2.5-13.3 mIU/1). This patient is presented to emphasize the role of hypothyroidism in drug-induced neonatal goiter and to discuss the possibility of a life-threatening effect of congenital goiter, i.e. respiratory tract obstruction.
Idiopathic Short Stature
Authors: Pasquino A.M. , Albanese A. , Bozzola M. , Butler G.E. , Buzi F. , Cherubini V. , Chiarelli F. , Cavallo L. , Drop S.L.S. , Stanhope R. , Kelnar C.J.H. 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Idiopathic short stature (ISS) is a term used to describe the status of children with short stature that cannot be attributed to a specific cause. Many children diagnosed as having ISS have partial GH insensitivity, which can result from disturbances at various points of the GH-IGF-I axis. Several clinical studies on spontaneous growth in ISS showed that adult height was almost in the range of target height. GH treatment led to adult height not significantly higher than the pretreatment predicted adult height in most reports. No metabolic side effects have been observed, even when the dose was higher than in GH deficiency. Manipulation of puberty with gonadotrophin releasing hormone analogues reported by a few authors in a small number of children has shown conflicting results. Long-term psychological benefits of GH therapy for short normal children have not been demonstrated to date.