bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variability of seasonal and annual precipitation in Slovenia and its correlation with large-scale atmospheric circulation
Authors: Milošević Dragan D. , Savić Stevan M. , Pantelić Milana , Stankov Uglješa , Žiberna Igor , Dolinaj Dragan , Leščešen Igor 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThis paper examines temporal and spatial variability and trends of annual and seasonal precipitation in Slovenia and their relationship with three atmospheric circulation patterns represented by their indices: North Atlantic Oscillation index (NAOi), Mediterranean Oscillation index (MOi) andWestern Mediterranean Oscillation index (WeMOi). Data from 45 precipitation stations were used for the period 1963–2012.Mean annual precipitation varies from 736 mm in eastern Slovenia to 2,518 mm in northwestern Slovenia. A significant annual precipitation decrease (from −3% to −6% per decade) is observed in western Slovenia. Significant negative trends are observed in southwestern Slovenia in summer (from −4% to −10% per decade) and near the Adriatic coast in spring (from −6% to −10% per decade). Non-significant negative and positive trends are observed in winter and autumn, respectively. Results indicate significant correlations between winter precipitation and MOi (from −0.3 to −0.7), NAOi (from −0.3 to −0.6) andWeMOi (from 0.3 to 0.6). Significant We-MOi influence is observed in spring and autumn, while NAOi and MOi influence has not been detected. Annual precipitation and WeMOi are significantly correlated in central and eastern Slovenia, while significant NAOi and MOi influence is observed in western Slovenia (with the larger area covered by MOi influence).
Mineralogical and chemical characteristics of a powder and purified quartz from Yunnan Province
Authors: Zuo Ran-Fang , Du Gao-Xiang , Yang Wei-Gang , Liao Li-Bing , Li Zhaohui 
Published: December 2016

AbstractFor comprehensive utilization of powder quartz, a detailed mineralogical analysis is needed. In this paper, the minerals collected from a powder quartz deposit in Yunnan Province and its purification products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), chemical composition, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. The raw powder quartz deposit had a simple mineral composition made of 85% quartz and 15% clay minerals kaolinite and illite with a trace amount of feldspar. It had narrow particle size distribution with whiteness of 81.4. The impurity minerals kaolinite and illite existed in the forms of aggregates with quartz or inclusions in quartz particles and could be easily removed. The mineralogical characterization suggested that the powder quartz deposit was formed by long-term weathering of feldspathic or felsic rocks, possible of pegmatitic origin.
Solventless synthesis of solketal with commercially available sulfonic acid based ion exchange resins and their catalytic performance
Authors: Esteban Jesús , García-Ochoa Félix , Ladero Miguel 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
As a means to valorize glycerol, the synthesis of solketal through a ketalization reaction with acetone was performed. Mild solventless conditions were applied to test the activity of different commercially available sulfonic ion exchange resins that had already been used for other applications, namely: Amberlyst 35dry, Amberlyst 36dry, Purolite CT275DR, Purolite CT276 and Lewatit GF101. Thorough characterization of the resins is herein provided and discussed, including acidity, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric, 13C-NMR, surface area and pore size distribution measurements. Lewatit GF101 showed the best performance reaching a yield to solketal of 47% after 6 h of operation at 313 K using a molar excess of acetone to glycerol of 4.5 to 1, owing to a greater availability of active centers as well as the ease of access to them than in the rest of the resins. Additionally, reutilization with and without regeneration was performed in up to five cycles, showing that Purolite CT276 had the lowest relative drop of its maximum activity, despite being the least active in each of the cycles.
Collection of Wild Helianthus anomalus and deserticola Sunflower from the Desert Southwest USA
Authors: Seiler Gerald J. , Marek Laura Fredrick 
Published: December 2016

AbstractGenetic resources are the biological basis of global food security. Collection and preservation of wild relatives of important crop species such as sunflower provide the basic foundation to improve and sustain the crop. Acquisition through exploration is the initial step in the germplasm conservation process. There are 53 species of wild
Inheritance of Tribenuron-Methyl Tolerance in Sunflower
Authors: Demurin Ya. N. , Tronin A. S. , Pikhtyareva A. A. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe genetic stocks of SURES-1 and SURES-2 showed complete tolerance to tribenuron-methyl. No resistance were obtained after observation on 200,000 plants of four VNIIMK breeding lines grown on an experimental field with total area of 5 ha treated with Express at 1x rate. Potential frequency of a dominant gene for tolerance to tribenuron-methyl was estimated less than 5×10−6. Moreover screening both of 700 plants of 39 inbred lines of the genetic collection and 800 plants of M2 four breeding lines did not reveal any resistance. Tolerance to tribenuron-methyl in F1 and F2 in the crosses of SURES-1 and SURES-2 with VNIIMK breeding lines was controlled by one dominant gene. All recessive homozygous hybrid plants of sur sur genotype in the cross were dead with phytotoxicity index of 9 after Express treatment at any rate of tribenuron-methyl from 0.5x to 4x. Heterozygous hybrid plants of Sur sur genotype showed no injury symptoms at 0.5x rate and increasing level of phytotoxicity index of 4, 6 and 7 for 1x, 2x and 4x rates correspondingly. Dominant homozygous hybrid plants of Sur Sur genotype possessed no injury symptoms from 0.5x to 2x rates whereas the phytotoxicity index of 4 was observed at the 4x rate. Consequently there was no difference between dominant homozygote Sur Sur and heterozygote Sur sur with phytotoxicity index of 0 at 0.5x rate. Allelic interaction in a heterozygote Sur sur can vary from complete to partial dominance in accordance with increasing rate of tribenuron-methyl treatment estimating with the phenotypic scale of phytotoxicity index.
Effect of nitrogen fertilizer application timing on nitrogen use efficiency and grain yield of winter wheat in Ireland
Authors: Efretuei A. , Gooding M. , White E. , Spink J. , Hackett R. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe objectives of this work were to determine the effects of initiating application of fertilizer nitrogen (N) to winter wheat at different growth stages (GSs) on grain yield and N use efficiency (NUE). A factorial experiment was carried out in two growing seasons (2011 and 2012) with five timings of first N application (GS 24/26 [tillering], GS 30, GS 31, GS 32 or GS 37) and an unfertilized control, two sowing densities (100 and 400 seeds/m2) and a cattle slurry treatment (with or without slurry). The latter was included to simulate variation in soil N supply (SNS). Delaying the first application of N from the tillering stage until GS 30 had no significant effect on grain yield in either year. Further delaying the initial N application until GS 31 caused a significant yield reduction in 2011, in comparison to GS 30 application, but not in 2012. Differences in efficiency of recovery and use of fertilizer N by the crop among the first three application timings were small. There was no evidence to support alteration in the timing of the first application of N in response to low plant density. Slurry application did not influence SNS, so the interaction between SNS and fertilizer N application timing could not be determined. It is concluded that in order to maximise yield and NUE, the first N application should be applied to winter wheat between late tillering and GS 30 and that delaying the first N until GS 31 can lead to yield reductions compared to the yield obtained with earlier application.
Parental support for human papilloma virus vaccination by adolescents in Ibadan North Local Government Area, Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Dairo Magbagbeola David , Adeleke Moradeke Omoyemi , Salawu Adetokunbo Taophic , Adewole Ayobami David 
Published: December 2016

Abstract

Background:
Despite changing sexual norms and mores generally perceived to be permissive of sexual expression, parents continue to serve as gateways to uptake of reproductive health services and commodities in our cultural settings. However, their support for adolescent uptake of human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine are not well explored and documented. This study aims to assess parental knowledge and awareness of HPV infection and cervical cancer and their support for HPV vaccination for their adolescent children.

Methods:
In a descriptive cross sectional study 612 parents from in Ibadan North Local Government Area were interviewed using a pre-tested semi structured interviewer administered questionnaire to assess the awareness of HPV infection and cervical cancer as well as parental support for the vaccine.

Results:
Only a few of the respondents were aware of HPV infection (10.5%) and the HPV vaccine (6.5%), respectively. About 64.3% of those that were aware of HPV knew it can be transmitted through sexual intercourse. However, 78.4% supported the administration of the vaccine to their adolescent daughters. Reported reasons for not supporting HPV vaccination were high cost of the vaccine (32.2%) and lack of awareness of the vaccine (49.2%). Earning a monthly income above the minimum wage of 18,000 Naira increases the likelihood of parental support for HPV vaccination uptake for adolescents (p<0.001).

Conclusion:
Ignorance and poverty remain as barriers to widespread coverage of the vaccine among adolescents. Health education and promotion on HPV infection and the HPV vaccine to the general public and subsidization of the vaccine to promote its uptake is advocated.
Perceived effectiveness and satisfaction of a community-based positive youth development program: findings based on high school students
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Leung Janet T.Y. , Law Moon Y.M. , Chan Kies S.Y. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThis study examined participants’ perceptions of a community-based positive youth development (PYD) program (the Project P.A.T.H.S.) based on the responses of 16,420 junior secondary students who joined the program in 2015. Subjective outcome evaluation approach was adopted to examine the students’ views of program content, program instructors, and program effectiveness. Consistent with previous studies, results showed that students generally perceived the program positively, and positive relationships were found amongst the three domains of evaluation. Multiple regression analyses showed that perceived program content and instructor qualities were significant predictors and could explain 35% of the variance in program effectiveness perceived by the participants. The present findings are basically consistent with previous subjective outcome evaluation findings derived from the school-based and community-based programs of the Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong.
Individual differences in intentional and unintentional exposure to online pornography among Hong Kong Chinese adolescents
Authors: Ma Cecilia M.S. , Shek Daniel T.L. , Lai Catie C.W. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe current study aimed to test how gender and religion affect unintentional and intentional exposure to online pornography in Chinese adolescents. A total of 1401 secondary school students (age range from 11 to 16 years) participated in the study. Findings from multivariate analyses show that males reported higher levels of unintentional and intentional exposure to online pornography than females. Significant differences were found in adolescents’ religiosity, with students who had religious beliefs reporting a lower level of unintentional exposure to online pornography than their counterparts without religious beliefs. In terms of intentional exposure to online pornography, adolescents were more likely to be exposed if they were male and had religious beliefs. Such differences were not found in females. This study demonstrated the influence of demographic characteristics on exposure to online pornography among Chinese adolescents.
A Novel Load Shedding Scheme for Voltage Stability
Authors: Damodhar Sunil S. , Krishna S. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Undervoltage load shedding serves to maintain voltage stability when a majority of loads are fast acting. An undervoltage load shedding scheme should address two tasks: the detection of voltage instability following a large disturbance and the determination of the amount of load to be shed. Additionally, in case of short-term voltage instability, the scheme should be fast. This paper proposes a method to predict voltage instability arising due to a large disturbance. The amount of load to be shed to maintain voltage stability is then determined from the Thevenin equivalent of the network as seen from the local bus. The proposed method uses local measurements of bus voltage and power, and does not require knowledge of the network. The method is validated by simulation of three test systems subjected to a large disturbance. The proposed scheme is fairly accurate in estimating the minimum amount of load to be shed to maintain stability. The method is also successful in maintaining stability in cases where voltage collapse is detected at multiple buses.
Entre verbe et adverbe : Grammaticalisation et dégrammaticalisation du marqueur épistémique umeengo/umeenga en kirundi (bantou, JD62)
Authors: Mberamihigo Ferdinand , de Schryver Gilles-Maurice , Bostoen Koen 
Published: December 2016

RésuméLa présente étude concerne l’évolution sémantique et formelle d’un adverbe épistémique du kirundi,
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Arterial-Lymphatic Vascular Complex (Vessel Within the Vessel) in Breast Tissue
Authors: Ivanov Ivan N. , Popovska Savelina L. , Ivanov Emilian A. , Iliev Sergey D. , Tonchev Pencho T. 
Published: December 2016

Summary
The phenomenon “vessels within vessels” was initially described by Merchant S et al. as arteries found free-floating inside the lumen of veins. We have described another version of the “vessels within vessels”complex, composed of arteries found inside the lumen of lymphatic vessels. The purpose of the present study was to describe the structure of the lympho-arterial vascular complex in a breast tissue specimen from a male subject using three- dimensional tissue reconstruction. A histological specimen from a 64 year-old male subject diagnosed with gynecomastia was used. The tissue sample was sectioned in a multi-step manner. An overall of approximately 150pm thick tissue material was sampled. Immunostaining with anti-CD34 antibody and anti-podoplanin antibody was performed. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the vessel within the vessel structure was performed with “Reconstruct” software When the reconstruction of the breast parenchyma was revealed as a 3D image, it became apparent that the arterial vessel was situated inside the lymphatic vessel and could be followed along the entire length of the vascular segment studied. We have proved that these vascular complexes are not artificial phenomenon and do exist. The function of the vascular complexes is still uncertain, and is probably related to lymph propulsions in the initial collector vessels.
Multidrug Resistance Among Enterococci at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Northern Bulgaria
Authors: Popova Valentina P. , Sredkova Mariya P. , Hitkova Hristina H. , Ivanov Kaloyan T. , Popov Vladimir G. 
Published: December 2016

Summary
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) enterococci are a growing threat. The aim of this study was to determine the species distribution and prevalence of multidrug resistance among 100 enterococcal strains, isolated from patients treated in the University Hospital in Pleven, Bulgaria. Susceptibility to 11 antimicrobial agents was determined, using the disc diffusion method according to the performance standards of Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLS1), 2012. All isolates were screened for high-level aminoglycoside resistance and resistance to vancomycin according to the recommendations of CLS1, 2012. For strains with reduced susceptibility to vancomycin, minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of glycopeptides were determined by Etest (Liofilchem, Italy) and by Vitek 2 automated system. Our results demonstrated decreased susceptibility of enterococci to almost all intensively used anti-enterococcal drugs. Resistance to both penicillins (ampicillin and penicillin) among E.faecium strains was significantly higher (83-87%) than among E.faecalis isolates (4-27%). HLGR was detected in 70% of E.faecium and 38% of E.faecalis isolates. All HLGR strains were foundtobemultiple-drug resistant. Of particular note was the emergence of concomitant resistance to 6 antimicrobials in almost 50% of E.faecium isolates. Despite the wide dissemination of MDR E.faecium strains penicillins in our hospital, acquired resistance to vancomycin was not found.
Effect of Aronia Melanocarpa Fruit Juice on Fearning and Memory in the Two-Way Active Avoidance Task in Rats
Authors: Valcheva-Kuzmanova Stefka , Eftimov Miroslav , Beleheva Iren , Tashev Roman , Beleheva Stiliana 
Published: December 2016

SummaryAmnia melanocarpa fruits are one of the richest natural sources of phenolic substances, among them flavonoids, mainly from the subclass of anthocyanins. Flavonoids, which are constituents of Amnia melanocarpa fruit juice, have been found to localize in various brain regions that are important for memory. The aim of the present study was to investigate the learning and memory effects of Amnia melanocarpa fruit juice (AMFJ) in young/healthy male Wistarrats. AMFJ was applied orally for 21 and 30 days at a dose of 10 ml/kg b.w., and comparisons were made with saline-treated (10 ml/kg b.w.) controls. Learning and memory functions were evaluated, using the two-way active avoidance task (shuttle box). Administered for the two treatment periods, the juice significantly increased the number of avoidances on training days 1 and 2, as well as at the retention test (24 h after the 2ndtraining session). These effects were more pronounced in rats treated with AMFJ for 30 days. The learning and memory effects of AMFJ are probably due to its polyphenolic constituents. The findings from the present study suggest that AMFJ applied subchronically improved learning and memory in young/healthy rats.
The Place of Penetrating Keratoplasty in Corneal Diseases
Authors: Murgova Snejana V. , Balabanov Chavdar B. , Yordanov Georgi Y. 
Published: December 2016

Summary
The aim of the study was to analyze the results from penetrating keratoplasties (PK) in patients with different comeal diseases. The retrospective study included 124 patients (130 eyes) who underwent penetrating keratoplasty at the Eye Clinic, Pleven, between 1990 and 2011. The patients were divided into four groups, according to the main indication for keratoplasty: 1 - bullous keratopathy - pseudophakic and aphakic bullous keratopathy (PBK and ABK); 2 - degeneration and dystrophy (including keratoconus); 3 - keratitis, scar, trauma; 4 - repeat keratoplasty. The main indications for penetrating keratoplasty included regraft - 27%, PBK - 22.62%, ABK - 11.9% and keratoconus - 10.71%, though the leading cause had been different at different periods of time. By the time of suture removal (8-9 months on the average) in the group of patients with bullous keratopathy, the percentages of clear grafts were as follows: 55.88% in the group of patients with bullous keratopathy, 97.44% in the group with comeal degeneration and dystrophies, and 60% in the group with keratitis, corneal scar and trauma. In patients with regrafts, For the whole period of the study, grafts failed in 61.54% of patients with one regraft, and in 50% of the cases with second and third regrafts. Penetrating keratoplasty proved a valuable method of treatment for a number of comeal diseases. The prognosis and outcome, however, depended on the pathology responsible for comeal blindness.
Comparison of Four Methods for Corneal Thickness Measurement
Authors: Marinova Teodora L. , Ivancheva Vesela , Peeva Svilena S. , Grupcheva Christina N. 
Published: December 2016

Summary
The aim of the study was to evaluate the thickness of the normal cornea in order to establish correlation between four methods of measuring including: ultrasound pachymetry (USP), anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT), non-contact tono/pachymetry (TONOPACHY) and laser-scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). The study was based on evaluating repeatability and comparability of four different methods formeasuring the corneal thickness. Non contact specular microscopy was first performed on all 27 patients (aged between 20 and 24 years) to evaluate corneal characteristics and confirm the absence of pathological changes. Each participant was examined by USP, ASOCT and TONOPACHY, and 13 eyes of 10 persons were also examined by LSCM. The values of average central corneal thickness measured by USP, ASOCT, TONOPACHY and LSCM were 532.20±4.5 pm, 553.33±12.1 pm, were 548.20±5.62 pm and 573.33±7.22 pm, respectively. There was a high correlation between the instruments. The mean differences for central corneal thickness measurements were 41.43±1.67 pm between USP and LSCM, 20.43±2.4 pm between USP and ASOCT, and 22.1 ±3.88 pm between USB and TONOPACHY. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography overestimated corneal thickness as compared with that measured by USP, which is believed to be a gold standard. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography had better agreement with USP, as compared with LSCM. However, the results of measured cornea thickness by TONOPACHY were very close to cornea thickness measured by ASOCT.