bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The First Haemolymph Analysis of Nhandu Chromatus Tarantulas — Biochemical Parameters
Authors: Muir R.E. , Halán M. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Tarantulas are a relatively unstudied category of invertebrate which are popular with hobbyists and increasingly used in laboratory research. As their presence in the veterinary setting is limited, very little is known about the biochemistry of their haemolymph as obtained by in house sampling and analysis. A handful of studies have been performed to attempt to establish a normal range for certain parameters in healthy members of a few particular species, but that is the extent of the current research. In this study, 12 tarantulas of the Nhandu chromatus species purchased as immature siblings and kept under standardised conditions for 2.5 years were anaesthetised with isoflurane and had 0.2 ml of haemolymph sampled and analysed for: total protein, glucose, calcium, phosphorous and uric acid. As well as having kept a diary of their daily feed intake and recorded dates of ecdysis, the exposure time to anaesthetic and perceived effectiveness were recorded. The variables originally proposed for this investigation are based on 2 separate feeding regimes, differing in terms of feed quantity and the effect on the aforementioned biochemical parameters. Upon receipt of the biochemical results from the first sampling, it became apparent that unexpected correlations could be made between the stage of ecdysis, susceptibility to anaesthesia and the total protein levels in the haemolymph. Those that were due to shed imminently, indicated by cessation in feeding, had recognisably and significantly higher total protein levels and reached a better level of anaesthesia in less time. Additional samplings are planned in the future to specify more definitive parameters. The observations made inadvertently so far could constitute novel information and be practically useful to tarantula enthusiasts and anaesthetists, and therefore, potentially of high clinical significance.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of 4-(2′,4′-difluorobiphenyl-4-yl)-6-arylpyrimidin- 2-amine derivatives
Authors: Fathimunnisa M. , Manikandan Haridoss , Neelakandan K. , Rajendra Prasad N. , Ganesan M. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
4-(2′,4′-Difluorobiphenyl-4-yl)-6-arylpyrimidin-2-amines 5a–g were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to inhibit various bacterial and fungal strains. The cytotoxicity of the compounds was investigated by a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay against the Hep-2 cell line. Molecular docking studies were also conducted to locate the binding interaction with the target protein 4LRH.
The Use of Biomarkers for the Early Detection of Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Plaques and Vulnerable Patients. A Review
Authors: Benedek Theodora , Maurovich-Horváth Pál , Ferdinandy Péter , Merkely Béla 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Acute coronary syndromes represent the most severe consequences of atherosclerosis, most often triggered by the rupture of a coronary plaque, which, for various reasons, has become unstable. In many cases, these rupture-prone vulnerable plaques are difficult to diagnose, because they do not always cause significant obstruction noticeable by coronary angiography. Therefore, new methods and tools for the identification of vulnerable plaques have been proposed, many of which are currently under study. Various biomarkers have been suggested as predictors of a vulnerable plaque, as well as indicators of an increased inflammatory status associated with higher patient susceptibility for plaque rupture. Integration of such biomarkers into multiple biomarker platforms has been suggested to identify superior diagnostic algorithms for the early detection of the high-risk condition associated with an unstable plaque. The aim of this review is to summarize recent research related to biomarkers used for the early detection of vulnerable plaques and vulnerable patients.
Distance-related Differences in Critical Times, Protocol Activation and Mortality in a Regional STEMI Network
Authors: Bajka Balázs , Orzan Marius , Jakó Beáta , Kovács István 
Published: October 2016

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the study was to assess the differences in critical network times and mortality in STEMI patients presenting to hospitals in the same STEMI network, but located at different distances from the pPCI center.

Methods: Four-hundreed sixteen patients with STEMI were studied. Group 1: 101 patients presenting to any of the six regional hospitals in the network located at less than 70 km from the pPCI center, with a maximum transport time of 30 minutes. Group 2: 81 patients presenting to any of the three territorial hospitals in the network located at 70–150 km from the pPCI center, with a transport time between 30 and 70 minutes. Group 3: 93 patients presenting to any of the four territorial hospitals in the network located at 150–250 km from the pPCI center, with a transport time between 70 and 150 minutes. Group 4: 141 patients presenting directly to the emergency room of the pPCI center. The following time intervals were recorded: presentation time (PT), from the onset of symptoms to arrival at the pPCI center; protocol initiation time (PIT), from arrival at the pPCI center to STEMI protocol initiation; ischemic time (IT), from the onset of symptoms to repermeabilisation; door to balloon time (DTB), from arrival in the pPCI center to balloon.

Results: PT showed no significant difference between the groups – 183.08 ± 25.2 minutes vs. 199.1 ± 32.4 minutes vs. 166.7 ± 42.5 minutes vs. 161.91 ± 36.8 minutes, respectively (p=0.4). PIT was significantly lower in Group 3 (61.66 ± 15.4 minutes in Group 3 vs. 92 ± 11.5 minutes in Group 2 vs. 107.4 ± 12.5 minutes in Group 1, p = 0.002). DTB time was significantly longer for patients presenting directly to the pPCI center compared to those arriving from Zone 1, 2 or 3 hospitals, 86.96 ± 11.6 minutes vs. 52.27 ± 11.2 minutes vs. 39.94 ± 10.3 minutes vs. 43.9 ± 5.3 minutes, p <0.001). Despite the differences in distance to the pPCI center, there was no significant difference in total IT between the groups (Group 1, 344.6 ± 53.4 minutes; Group 2, 369.3 ± 42.6 minutes; Group 3, 366.65 ± 36.4 minutes; and 340.2 ± 26.9 minutes in the pPCIcenter, p = 0.2), and this was reflected in similar rates of mortality (Group 1, 3.9%; Group 2, 3.7%; Group 3, 3.2%; and 3.5% in the pPCI center).

Conclusion: A well organized STEMI network can shorten protocol initiation and DTB times, achieving similar ischemic times and resulting in similar mortality rates with the centers located closer to the pPCI center. Early activation of the STEMI protocol could lead to superior results even in areas situated at longer distances from the pPCI center.
A Critical Review of the Main Approaches on Financial Market Dynamics Modelling
Authors: Pasca Lucian 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWhile the interpretation of the EMH has changed over the last 50 years, its meaningfulness continues to define our view on how financial markets work. Competing approaches such as BFT and ACT have been proven to be in particular cases of an infinite spectrum of market states; all come under the framework of the AMH. The flexible framework of the AMH enables a trans-disciplinary approach for the study of financial system dynamics. An evolutionary and contextual view on financial systems allows researchers to use techniques and instruments from quantum mechanics and statistical physics to quantify volatility and provide an interpretation to the cognitive processes underlying investor decision making. Such a context also enables to tackle the interpretation of information processing at a cognitive level through consideration of quantum effects in the price formation mechanism.
Integration of Travel Agencies with other Supply Chain Members: Impact on Efficiency
Authors: Topolšek Darja , Dragan Dejan 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
The performance of tourism supply chains depends on the efficiency of all members involved, including the travel agencies. The paper addresses the analysis of relationships between the agencies’ external integration with other supply chain members on one side, and the efficiency of the agencies on the other. The data envelopment analysis is applied for the estimation of efficiencies, while the structural equation modelling (SEM) is conducted for identification of possible integration impacts on the efficiency. Results show that integration with other supply chain members indeed has some positive impacts on the agencies’ efficiency. Also, the developed SEM model implies that in-depth forms of collaboration would enable more effective exploitation of the identified relations between the integration and efficiency of the agencies. This finding could be an important guideline for the agencies’ management in the sense of achieving more satisfied customers and bigger profits, as well as reduced operational costs.
The impact of transport infrastructure projects on sustainable development within a major logistics gateway in North West England
Authors: Paraskevadakis Dimitrios , Bury Alan , Wang Jin , Ren Jun , Bonsall Stephen , Jenkinson Ian 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
In the North West of England the issue of a perceived infrastructure gap is of increasing concern. Investment needs to be made to improve the transport infrastructure of the region if it is to be expected to promote the development of its own regional logistics gateway. Funding tools have been set up to address the challenges arising from the imbalance in infrastructure development that exists between regions in the north of the United Kingdom and those in the south. For regions with well developed economies the outlook is promising as the availability of modern transport infrastructure looks set to improve. However, some sources believe that the development of new transport infrastructure will have a negative impact upon sustainable development. It is expected that this will occur in a range of both direct and indirect ways. As a result, it is critical that planning for the creation of new intermodal transport infrastructure, or the upgrading of that which already exists, takes into account the impact that these developments will have on the sustainable development of the host region. A scenario based development methodology is proposed in this paper. It was developed to provide a way to identify potential scenarios that may arise within a given region as a result of transport infrastructure projects. To create significant scenarios the methodology is dependent on the availability of a sufficient quantity of quality data. For this paper that data was collected through a focus group composed of stakeholders from the region in question. This was further supported by the performance of an impact survey using the same group of stakeholders.
Accessibility concepts and indicators in transportation strategic planning issues: theoretical framework and literature review
Authors: Vulevic Ana 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Accessibility is a well-known and studied concept within the scientific literature. Good transportation accessibility is certainly an important factor in exploiting spatial potentials. The quality of transportation infrastructure in terms of capacity, travel speed, connectivity etc., determines the quality and advantage of a location relative to other locations, which is usually measured as accessibility. Increasingly overloaded transport corridors, in the context of changing transportation flows are becoming an important issue for accessibility. This Paper gives a very brief overview of which kind of transportation networks and services indicators should be used in relevant documents and in transportation planning practice. This Paper provides a comprehensive overview of the different definitions, dimensions and indicators of accessibility in the literature of those already discovered.
An Analytical Model to Explain the Governance of Family Owned Businesses
Authors: Kuruppuge Ravindra Hewa , Ekanayake Athula 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe governance of businesses tends to vary depending on the ownership, i.e., the private sector vs. the public sector, or the industry, for example, banking vs. non-banking, and many more. This paper aims to develop an analytical model in explaining the governance of family owned businesses more specifically. It argues that because of the family ownership and the family management, family businesses require a particular attention. Also, because family businesses appear to set non-financial goals in addition to financial goals the governance of family businesses cannot be equally treated as those of other firms in the private sector. Given the less developed nature of the capital markets in the developing countries such as Sri Lanka, family businesses play a significant role in the economic development of such countries. Nevertheless, family businesses face significant survival challenges, as they are likely to promote those who have family ties into management positions than the professional managers. By reviewing the existing literature critically, this paper identifies the variables, namely family power (i.e., ownership and management), experience and cultural factors, which influence the accomplishment of financial and non-financial goals of family owned businesses, and develops an analytical model to explain their governance.
Vitamin D status in Israeli pediatric type 1 diabetes patients: the AWeSoMe Study Group experience and literature review
Authors: Brody Judith , Pinhas-Hamiel Orit , Landau Zohar , Adar Adi , Bistritzer Tzvy , Rachmiel Marianna 
Published: October 2016

Abstract

Background
The prevalence of both vitamin D (VitD) deficiency and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has increased worldwide over the last few decades. The objectives of this study were: (1) to evaluate the prevalence of VitD deficiency and insufficiency among Israeli youth with T1DM and (2) to assess the association between VitD status, seasonality and T1D glycemic control characteristics.

Methods
This was a multi-centered, cross-sectional study. VitD levels were routinely tested during the years 2008–2011 in T1DM patients aged up to 21 years. Medical records were reviewed for demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics.

Results
The study population consisted of 199 participants (53% males), mean age 12.24±4.11 years, mean T1DM duration 3.77±3.43 years. VitD levels were within the normal range in 19.6%, insufficient (15–29 ng/mL, 37–72 nmol/L) in 62.3% and deficient (<15 ng/mL, <37 nmol/L) in 18.1%. Mean VitD level was higher during the summer than during spring, autumn and winter (28.65 ng/mL, 23.16 ng/mL, 21.65 ng/mL, 17.55 ng/mL, respectively, p<0.001). Mean VitD level was higher among secular patients compared to the religious (whole-year heavily dressed) population (23.57 ng/mL, 15.54 ng/mL, respectively, p<0.001). VitD level was negatively associated with body mass index calculation of standard deviation scores (BMI-SDS), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and age at diagnosis (r=−0.171, p=0.016; r=−0.149, p=0.043; r=−0.150, p=0.037, respectively). No association was demonstrated with disease duration and glycemic control indices and metabolic parameters.

Conclusions
VitD insufficiency is largely prevalent among Israeli youth with T1DM, as is in Israeli youth in general. The VitD level is associated with seasonality, clothing habits and BMI.
Glossary of terms used in developmental and reproductive toxicology (IUPAC Recommendations 2016)
Authors: Duffus John H. , Schwenk Michael , Templeton Douglas M. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
The primary objective of this glossary is to give clear definitions for those who contribute to studies relevant to these disciplines, or who must interpret them, but are not themselves reproductive physiologists or physicians. This applies especially to chemists who need to understand the literature of reproductive and teratogenic effects of substances without recourse to a multiplicity of other glossaries or dictionaries. The glossary includes terms related to basic and clinical reproductive biology and teratogenesis, insofar as they are necessary for a self-contained document, particularly terms related to diagnosing, measuring, and understanding the effects of substances on the embryo, the fetus, and on the male and female reproductive systems. The glossary consists of about 1200 primary alphabetical entries and includes Annexes of common abbreviations and examples of chemicals with known effects on human reproduction and development. The authors hope that toxicologists, pharmacologists, medical practitioners, risk assessors, and regulatory authorities are among the groups who will find this glossary helpful, in addition to chemists. In particular, the glossary should facilitate the worldwide use of chemical terminology in relation to occupational and environmental risk assessment.
Much More Than Economy: Assessing Electoral Accountability in the CEE Member States
Authors: Fumarola Andrea 
Published: October 2016

AbstractElectoral accountability is considered the mechanism through which voters hold governments responsible for their performance. Questioning the traditional approach of economic voting theory, the article focuses on the influence exerted by the political context—comprehensively considered as government clarity of responsibility, availability of governing alternatives, electoral formula, and freedom of the media—on the accountability mechanism in eleven countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Using individual and aggregate data collected after the 2014 European Elections by the European Election Study (EES), the present article analyses this process in its double dimension of answerability and enforcement (Schedler 1999). Our findings suggest that voters’ ability to express discontent with economic performance in new European democracies is strongly influenced by specific characteristics of the political context. A stable and cohesive government as well as a free media system, in particular, seem to facilitate performance voting in the region.
Bacterial Contamination of Boar Semen and its Relationship to Sperm Quality Preserved in Commercial Extender Containing Gentamicin Sulfate
Authors: Gączarzewicz D. , Udała J. , Piasecka M. , Błaszczyk B. , Stankiewicz T. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
This study was designed to determine the degree and type of bacterial contamination in boar semen (79 ejaculates from Large White and Landrace boars) and its consequences for sperm quality during storage (27 extended semen samples, 16°C for five days) under practical conditions of artificial insemination (AI). The results revealed the presence of aerobic bacteria in 99% of the ejaculates (from 80 to 370 ×106 colony-forming units/mL). Most of the ejaculates contained two or three bacterial contaminants, while the Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Pseudomonas bacterial genera were most frequently isolated. Also detected were Enterobacter spp., Bacillus spp., Proteus spp., Escherichia coli, P. fluorescens, and P. aeruginosa. In general, the growth of certain bacterial types isolated prior to semen processing (Enterobacter spp., E. coli, P. fluorescens, and P. aeruginosa) was not discovered on different days of storage, but fluctuations (with a tendency towards increases) were found in the frequencies of Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Staphylococcus spp. isolates up to the end of storage. Semen preserved for five days exhibited decreases in sperm motility and increases in the average number of total aerobic bacteria; this was associated with sperm agglutination, plasma membrane disruption, and acrosome damage. We inferred that, due to the different degrees and types of bacterial contaminants in the boar ejaculates, the inhibitory activity of some antimicrobial agents used in swine extenders (such as gentamicin sulfate) may be limited. Because such agents can contribute to the overgrowth of certain aerobic bacteria and a reduction in the quality of stored semen, procedures with high standards of hygiene and microbiological control should be used when processing boar semen.
Vertical Transmission of PCV2b to Fetuses in Sows Intramuscularly Infected with PCV2b
Authors: Dong Wang Nai , Jun Li Jing , Bing Wang Ai , Zhe Zhu , Yan Chang , Yu Mao , Yang Zan , Feng Wang Zan , Bang Deng Zhi 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
In order to investigate whether PCV2b can be transmitted across the placenta in sows thereby causing vertical infection of fetuses, six sows in 75 day of pregnancy were either intramuscularly inoculated with a PCV2b culture supernatant (n = 4) or mock infected with cell culture supernatant (n = 2). At parturition, 3 newborn piglets from each litter were randomly selected and euthanatized prior to suckling. Samples of the mesenteric lymph nodes, spleens, kidneys, hearts and lungs were collected for PCR, histopathological and immunohistochemical assays. The results showed that the newborn piglets from PCV2b-infected sows had histopathological lesions in the tested tissues. Moreover, PCV2b antigen and DNA were detected as well. These findings therefore suggested that porcine circovirus type 2b can be transmitted across the placenta of sows, thereby leading to PCV2b vertical infection of the fetuses.
The Effectiveness of Modified Seton and Modified Combat Gauze in Controlling Severe Hemorrhaging during Operations of Uniformed Services
Authors: Adamiak Z. , Bukowiecka D. , Jastrzębski P. , Jałyński M. , Holak P. , Głodek J. , Gudzbeler G. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractHemorrhaging from large vessels poses a serious problem in emergency situations when blood loss needs to be immediately controlled. The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of two hemostatic dressings in controlling bleeding from a surgically punctured femoral artery. The study was performed on thirteen pigs divided into two groups, of six and seven pigs, respectively. Combat gauze covered with ChitoClear hqg 95 chitosan and Protanal LF10/60 FT sodium alginate was used in the first group, seton covered with identical substances was uses in the second group. Selected hemostatic dressing was applied to the wound 20 seconds after incision and then removed at regular time intervals to evaluate hemostasis. Modified seton was characterized by a shorter time to hemostasis than combat gauze. The result of this experiment indicate that modified seton proved to be a more effective dressing than modified combat gauze.
Efficacy of Topical Therapy with Newly Developed Terbinafine and Econazole Formulations in the Treatment of Dermatophytosis in Cats
Authors: Ivaskiene M. , Matusevicius A.P. , Grigonis A. , Zamokas G. , Babickaite L. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIn the field of veterinary dermatology dermatophytosis is one of the most frequently occurring infectious diseases, therefore its treatment should be effective, convenient, safe and inexpensive. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of newly developed topical formulations in the treatment of cats with dermatophytosis. Evaluation of clinical efficacy and safety of terbinafine and econazole formulations administered topically twice a day was performed in 40 cats. Cats, suffering from the most widely spreadMicrosporum canis-induced dermatophytosis and treated with terbinafine hydrochloride 1% cream, recovered within 20.3±0.88 days; whereas when treated with econazole nitrate 1% cream, they recovered within 28.4±1.14 days. A positive therapeutic effect was yielded by combined treatment with local application of creams and whole coat spray with enilconazole 0.2% emulsion „Imaverol”. Most cats treated with econazole cream revealed redness and irritation of the skin at the site of application. This study demonstrates that terbinafine tended to have superior clinical efficacy (p<0.001) in the treatment of dermatophytosis in cats compared to the azole tested.