bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enzymatic grafting of kraft lignin as a wood bio-protection strategy. Part 1: factors affecting the process
Authors: Fernández-Costas Carmen , Palanti Sabrina , Sanromán María Ángeles , Moldes Diego 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Kraft lignin (KL) isolated from the black liquor of pulping has some antifungal potential. For investigation of this effect, KL was treated with laccase to form covalent bonds to green wood and the critical parameters for enzymatic grafting have been evaluated. The biocidal properties of KL could be confirmed. Growth inhibition of over 50% was found with lignin concentrations equal to or higher than 10 g l−1. The change of wood color was evaluated based on the CIEL*a*b* color system and the data served for evaluation of the effectiveness of the KL binding to wood. The grafting reaction time was the most important variable in the impregnation process. Significant degrees of grafting were achieved in 10 min when samples were left to air dry after impregnation. The color loss was 30% after wood extraction with acetone. Higher temperatures and enzymatic pre-activation did not have a significant effect. As a conclusion, the most suitable procedure for enzymatic grafting of KL onto wood is by air-drying of the impregnated materials.
Convergence Between a New EU Economic Diplomacy and International Business Strategies
Authors: Vasilcovschi Nicoleta 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Economic diplomacy is known as a symbol of the European Union and represents its primary function.
With the development of science and new ways of communication, the European Union can organize a new approach for its economic diplomacy. The main advantage of the European Union as a soft power is that its economic and diplomatic interests are represented in a manner that is based not on confrontation but economic collaboration with other states. The disadvantage is that this domain is presently not used enough to represent EU interests. This paper describes economic diplomacy in general and the economic diplomacy of the EU in particular. Divided into three parts, the goal of this study is to outline the importance of economic diplomacy, its evolution, the influence of this domain on the creation of previous economic treaties, and its possible future impact on the development of new agreements between the European Union and its neighbor countries.
The main methodology used is descriptive, presenting the evolution of this field and the new business strategies that can be used to improve cooperation at the eastern border of the European Union. Therefore we present here the historical background of EU economic diplomacy, its present issues and future challenges. The quantitative data used in this research paper are based on information from EU websites and on the actual events concerning debates about economic diplomacy and its future. The research questions presented herein follow the general evolution of this domain and its mutual influence with EU’s businesses strategies.
Influencing factors on high-risk sexual behaviors in young people: an ecological perspective
Authors: Arabi-Mianrood Hoda , Hamzehgardeshi Zeinab , Khoori Elham , Moosazadeh Mahmood , Shahhosseini Zohreh 
Published: April 2017

Abstract

Background
In recent years, high-risk sexual behaviors due to their negative consequences both for the individual and society have received more attention than other high-risk behaviors.

Objective
The aim of this study was to review the influencing factors of high-risk sexual behaviors among young people from an ecological point of view.

Methods
This review was conducted through searching databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Library with keywords such as sexual risk-taking behavior, high-risk sex, unprotected sex and unsafe sex. The relevant papers published between 1995 and 2016 were extracted. After reviewing the abstract and full text of the articles, 45 papers were used to write this article.

Results
From an ecological theory approach, factors which influence high-risk sexual behaviors are divided into three categories – the microsystem, the mesosystem and the macrosystem. The microsystem includes factors such as age, gender, race, marital status, place of residence, religion, level of education, personality traits, psychological problems, childhood experiences, body image and coincidence of high-risk behaviors; the mesosystem includes factors such as family structure, peers and sex education; in the macrosystem, the impact of culture and traditions of the society, economic status and the media are presented.

Conclusion
Given that high-risk sexual behaviors often have multiple causes, it seems that health policymakers must consider multi-dimensional interventions to influence high-risk sexual behaviors based on the ecological approach.
Organisational-Level Attributes of Micro-Multinationals. The Evidence From European SMEs
Authors: Wąsowska Aleksandra 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
This paper investigates organisational-level attributes that allow European SMEs to choose equity-based modes of entry to foreign markets, thus becoming micro-multinationals. We hypothesize that international R&D cooperation (hypothesis 1) and using digital marketing (hypothesis 2) by SMEs increase their likelihood of becoming a mMNE. These hypotheses are tested through a logistic regression analysis based on a large sample of European companies drawn from the Flash Eurobarometer study. Separate regression models are estimated for companies originating from EU-13 and EU-15. Hypothesis 1 is supported by both samples. Hypothesis 2 is supported in the EU-15 sample. Our identification of organisational-level attributes that increase the likelihood of SMEs choosing equity-based internationalisation contributes to International Entrepreneurship entry mode literature.
Garcinia kola seeds may prevent cognitive and motor dysfunctions in a type 1 diabetes mellitus rat model partly by mitigating neuroinflammation
Authors: Seke Etet Paul F. , Farahna Mohammed , Satti Gwiria M.H. , Bushara Yahia M. , El-Tahir Ahmed , Hamza Muaawia A. , Osman Sayed Y. , Dibia Ambrose C. , Vecchio Lorella 
Published: April 2017

Abstract

Background
We reported recently that extracts of seeds of Garcinia kola, a plant with established hypoglycemic properties, prevented the loss of inflammation-sensible neuronal populations like Purkinje cells in a rat model of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Here, we assessed G. kola extract ability to prevent the early cognitive and motor dysfunctions observed in this model.

Methods
Rats made diabetic by single injection of streptozotocin were treated daily with either vehicle solution (diabetic control group), insulin, or G. kola extract from the first to the 6th week post-injection. Then, cognitive and motor functions were assessed using holeboard and vertical pole behavioral tests, and animals were sacrificed. Brains were dissected out, cut, and processed for Nissl staining and immunohistochemistry.

Results
Hyperglycemia (209.26 %), body weight loss (–12.37 %), and T1DM-like cognitive and motor dysfunctions revealed behavioral tests in diabetic control animals were not observed in insulin and extract-treated animals. Similar, expressions of inflammation markers tumor necrosis factor (TNF), iba1 (CD68), and Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), as well as decreases of neuronal density in regions involved in cognitive and motor functions (–49.56 % motor cortex, –33.24 % medial septal nucleus, –41.8 % /–37.34 % cerebellar Purkinje /granular cell layers) were observed in diabetic controls but not in animals treated with insulin or G. kola.

Conclusions
Our results indicate that T1DM-like functional alterations are mediated, at least partly, by neuroinflammation and neuronal loss in this model. The prevention of the development of such alterations by early treatment with G. kola confirms the neuroprotective properties of the plant and warrant further mechanistic studies, considering the potential for human disease.
Activation cross section and isomeric cross-section ratio for the (n,2n) reaction on 132,134Ba
Authors: Luo Junhua , Wu Chunlei , Jiang Li , Li Suyuan 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Cross sections of the 132Ba(n,2n)131m,gBa and 134Ba(n,2n)133m,gBa reactions and their isomeric cross section ratios σm/σg have been measured by means of the activation technique at three neutron energies in the range 13−15 MeV. BaCO3 samples and Nb monitor foils were activated together to determine the reaction cross section and the incident neutron flux. The quasimonoenergetic neutrons beam were produced via the 3H(d,n)4He reaction at the Pd-300 Neutron Generator of the Chinese Academy of Engineering Physics (CAEP). The activities induced in the reaction products were measured using high−resolution γ ray spectroscopy. The pure cross section of the ground-state was derived from the absolute cross section of the metastable state and the residual nuclear decay analysis. Cross sections were also evaluated theoretically using the numerical nuclear model code, TALYS-1.8 with different level density options at neutron energies varying from the reaction threshold to 20 MeV. Results are discussed and compared with the corresponding literature.
Assessment of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex mobility with the Trunk-Pelvis-Hip Angle test: intraobserver reliability and differences in ranges of motion between girls with idiopathic scoliosis and their healthy counterparts
Authors: Stępień Agnieszka , Guzek Katarzyna , Rekowski Witold , Radomska Iwona , Stępowska Jolanta 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Introduction: The Trunk-Pelvis-Hip Angle (TPHA) test is used for assessing the mobility of lumbo-pelvic-hip complex. The aim of the research was to assess the intraobserver reliability of the TPHA test in girls with and without idiopathic scoliosis and to compare the test values obtained by the girls in both groups.
Material and methods: The research included girls without scoliosis and girls with double idiopathic scoliosis aged 8-16. The trunk-pelvis-hip angle was measured three times on each body side within one session. Statistical analysis was performed with the use of ANOVA intraclass correlation coefficient for dependent groups, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test as well as non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test for dependent groups and Mann-Whitney U test for independent groups.
Results: The research included 49 healthy girls (aged 11.8 ± SD 2.5 years) and 49 girls with double idiopathic scoliosis (aged 12.7 ± SD 2.6 years; Cobb angle Th 27.7° ± SD 13.4° and L Cobb 25.8° ± SD 10.5°). The intraobserver reliability for the TPHA measurements was very high (ICC>0.85). In both groups the left-side TPHA value was significantly higher than the right-side value (p=0.001). The TPHA range of motion on the right side of the body was more limited in the scoliotic girls than in the healthy ones (p=0.001).
Conclusions: The TPHA test is a reliable means of assessing mobility in the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex in girls by one observer. The asymmetry of movements in the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex in healthy girls needs to be observed since it may constitute one of the factors predisposing to scoliosis which limits spine rotation range of motion. The TPHA test needs further research.
Hip muscle strength and static balance in patients with snapping hip syndrome – a pilot study
Authors: Witke-Woźniak Agnieszka , Wychowański Michał , Dąmbski Tomasz , Szymfel Karina , Kochański Tomasz 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Introduction: Snapping hip syndrome (SHS) occurs in 5-10% of the global population. A back and forth skip of the tendon of the dysfunctional muscle across the osseous prominence is the most common symptom of this condition. Mainly young generation suffers from SHS. Depending on the structures that cause an audible snap, snapping hip syndrome may be classified into intra-articular and extra-articular types. The main aim of the research was to assess the strength of the major hip muscles and static balance in patients with snapping hip syndrome.
Material and methods: The research was carried out on 10 untrained females and 10 untrained males with extra-articular snapping hip syndrome. An average age was approximately 25 years. The research was conducted with the use of interview questionnaire, clinical examination, balance assessment on the JBA Staniak 4P dynamometric platform and measurements of the hip muscle strength on the JBA Staniak SPB2 set.
Results: Patients with SHS manifested an increased tension in iliotibial band, while significant weakening of internal and external rotator muscle strength was noted in women and significant weakening of external rotator muscle strength was observed in men. No correlations between hip muscles strength and stabilographic test results in patients with snapping hip syndrome were found.
Conclusions: Individuals with SHS and healthy persons demonstrate similar balance levels. The treatment of snapping hip syndrome should include: 1) restoring internal rotator muscle strength in women, 2) restoring external rotator muscle strength both in women and in men, as well as 3) restoring iliotibial band flexibility.
Numerical Prediction of 45° Angled Ribs Effects on U-shaped Channels Heat Transfer and Flow under Multi Conditions
Authors: Wang Longfei , Wang Songtao , Zhou Xun , Wen Fengbo , Wang Zhongqi 
Published: April 2017

AbstractRibs effects on the heat transfer performance and cooling air flow characteristics in various aspect ratios (AR) U-shaped channels under different working conditions are numerically investigated. The ribs angle and channel orientation are 45° and 90°, respectively, and the aspect ratios are 1:2, 1:1, 2:1. The inlet Reynolds number changes from 1e4 to 4e4 and rotational speeds include 0, 550 rpm, 1,100 rpm. Local heat transfer coefficient, endwall surface heat transfer coefficient ratio and augmentation factor are the three primary criteria to measure channel heat transfer. Ribs increase the heat transfer area and improve heat transfer coefficient of ribbed surfaces significantly, especially in the 1st pass, while the endwall surface contributes more to channel heat transfer because of the larger area and relatively smaller heat transfer coefficient. The wide channel (AR =2:1) owns the better augmentation factor than the narrow channel (AR =1:2) and ribs heat transfer weight increases with an increase of the inlet Reynolds number. Rotating slightly reduces the ribs heat transfer weight in channel and the trailing surface in 1st pass is the main influence object of rotating.
The transcription factor bZIP14 regulates the TCA cycle in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Matthijs Michiel , Fabris Michele , Obata Toshihiro , Foubert Imogen , Franco‐Zorrilla José Manuel , Solano Roberto , Fernie Alisdair R , Vyverman Wim , Goossens Alain 
Published: April 2017

AbstractDiatoms are amongst the most important marine microalgae in terms of biomass, but little is known concerning the molecular mechanisms that regulate their versatile metabolism. Here, the pennate diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum was studied at the metabolite and transcriptome level during nitrogen starvation and following imposition of three other stresses that impede growth. The coordinated upregulation of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle during the nitrogen stress response was the most striking observation. Through co‐expression analysis and DNA binding assays, the transcription factor bZIP14 was identified as a regulator of the TCA cycle, also beyond the nitrogen starvation response, namely in diurnal regulation. Accordingly, metabolic and transcriptional shifts were observed upon overexpression of bZIP14 in transformed P. tricornutum cells. Our data indicate that the TCA cycle is a tightly regulated and important hub for carbon reallocation in the diatom cell during nutrient starvation and that bZIP14 is a conserved regulator of this cycle.
Posttranslational modification impact on the mechanism by which amyloid‐β induces synaptic dysfunction
Authors: Grochowska Katarzyna M , Yuanxiang PingAn , Bär Julia , Raman Rajeev , Brugal Gemma , Sahu Giriraj , Schweizer Michaela , Bikbaev Arthur , Schilling Stephan , Demuth Hans‐Ulrich , Kreutz Michael R 
Published: April 2017

AbstractOligomeric amyloid‐β (Aβ) 1‐42 disrupts synaptic function at an early stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Multiple posttranslational modifications of Aβ have been identified, among which N‐terminally truncated forms are the most abundant. It is not clear, however, whether modified species can induce synaptic dysfunction on their own and how altered biochemical properties can contribute to the synaptotoxic mechanisms. Here, we show that a prominent isoform, pyroglutamated Aβ3(pE)‐42, induces synaptic dysfunction to a similar extent like Aβ1‐42 but by clearly different mechanisms. In contrast to Aβ1‐42, Aβ3(pE)‐42 does not directly associate with synaptic membranes or the prion protein but is instead taken up by astrocytes and potently induces glial release of the proinflammatory cytokine TNFα. Moreover, Aβ3(pE)‐42‐induced synaptic dysfunction is not related to NMDAR signalling and Aβ3(pE)‐42‐induced impairment of synaptic plasticity cannot be rescued by D1‐agonists. Collectively, the data point to a scenario where neuroinflammatory processes together with direct synaptotoxic effects are caused by posttranslational modification of soluble oligomeric Aβ and contribute synergistically to the onset of synaptic dysfunction in AD.
Effective localization in tumor-induced osteomalacia using 68Ga-DOTATOC-PET/CT, venous sampling and 3T-MRI
Authors: Kawai Shintaro , Ariyasu Hiroyuki , Furukawa Yasushi , Yamamoto Reika , Uraki Shinsuke , Takeshima Ken , Warigaya Kenji , Nakamoto Yuji , Akamizu Takashi 
Published: April 2017

Summary
Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by renal phosphate wasting leading to hypophosphatemia due to excessive actions of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) produced by the tumors. Although the best way of curing TIO is complete resection, it is usually difficult to detect the culprit tumors by general radiological modalities owing to the size and location of the tumors. We report a case of TIO in which the identification of the tumor by conventional imaging studies was difficult. Nonetheless, a diagnosis was made possible by effective use of multiple modalities. We initially suspected that the tumor existed in the right dorsal aspect of the scapula by 68Ga-DOTATOC positron emission tomography/computed tomography (68Ga-DOTATOC-PET/CT) and supported the result by systemic venous sampling (SVS). The tumor could also be visualized by 3T-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), although it was not detected by 1.5T-MRI, and eventually be resected completely. In cases of TIO, a stepwise approach of 68Ga-DOTATOC-PET/CT, SVS and 3T-MRI can be effective for confirmation of diagnosis.

Learning points:

TIO shows impaired bone metabolism due to excessive actions of FGF23 produced by the tumor. The causative tumors are seldom detected by physical examinations and conventional radiological modalities.

In TIO cases, in which the localization of the culprit tumors is difficult, 68Ga-DOTATOC-PET/CT should be performed as a screening of localization and thereafter SVS should be conducted to support the result of the somatostatin receptor (SSTR) imaging leading to increased diagnosability.

When the culprit tumors cannot be visualized by conventional imaging studies, using high-field MRI at 3T and comparing it to the opposite side are useful after the tumor site was determined.
Fluid supplementation in term neonates with severe hyperbilirubinemia: a randomized controlled trial study
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Arindam , Maiti Rajsekhar 
Published: April 2017

Background: Severe neonatal jaundice can cause fatality and serious permanent effect, called kernicterus, in which the brain stem nuclei and basal ganglia are damaged. We are encouraged to work on efficacy of fluid supplementation in addition to photo therapy as a measure to reduce bilirubin level more efficiently.Methods: A randomized control trial study was conducted in Department of Paediatric Medicine, Neonatal Unit, R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata, from April 2011 to March 2012. A total 100 term neonates presenting with severe non-hemolytic hyperbilirubinemia (>18 mg/dl to <25 mg/dl) were enrolled as study population. The study subjects were divided into two equal groups, study group and control group by randomization. The study group was given IV fluid supplementation in addition to photo therapy. Total serum bilirubin (TSB) level assessed periodically and results compared with control group.Results: The study results reveal a statistically significant association between the percent fall in TSB at 12 (Chi2= 7.18, p=0.000) and 24 hours (Chi2=10.69, p=0.000) in the intervention arm compared to the control group.Conclusions: Fluid supplementation along with double surface phototherapy in term neonates presenting with severe hyperbilirubinemia decreases the rate of exchange transfusion and duration of phototherapy.
Complications and Functional Outcomes After Pantalar Dislocation
Authors: Boden Kaeleen A. , Weinberg Douglas S. , Vallier Heather A. 
Published: April 2017

Background:
Pantalar dislocations without associated talar fracture are rare and have high risks of complications, including infection, osteonecrosis, and posttraumatic osteoarthrosis. Limited information on later function exists. This study evaluated complications and outcomes following pantalar dislocation without talar fracture.

Methods:
Nineteen patients were identified with open (n = 14) or closed (n = 5) pantalar dislocations without talar fracture. Ten male and 9 female patients with a mean age of 39.6 years (range, 19 to 68 years) were included. Open injuries underwent surgical debridement. Sixteen patients had open reduction, and 2 had closed reduction. Fixation was achieved with Kirschner wires (n = 4), external fixation (n = 9), or both (n = 3). Two patients did not have fixation. Another patient had primary transtibial amputation due to nonreconstructible foot trauma. Charts and radiographs were reviewed to identify infection, osteonecrosis, and posttraumatic arthrosis. Data on pain, medications, range of motion, and secondary procedures were collected. After a minimum of 1 year, Foot Function Index (FFI) and Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (MFA) surveys were administered.

Results:
The mean clinical follow-up was 45.1 months. Two patients had superficial wound-healing problems with prolonged drainage, which healed with dressing changes and oral antibiotics, and 1 patient developed cellulitis 4 months after injury, which resolved with intravenous antibiotics. No deep wound infections occurred. Fourteen (88%) of the 16 patients with a minimum of 11 months of radiographic follow-up developed osteonecrosis, 2 with collapse of the talar dome, and 7 (44%) developed arthrosis of ≥1 peritalar articulation. Outcome surveys were obtained for 11 (58%) of the 19 patients, at a mean of 5.2 years after injury. The mean MFA score was 30.3, and the mean FFI score was 25.3. Six of 10 survey respondents had returned to employment, but 88% (14 of 16) of the patients with radiographic and clinical follow-up reported at least mild pain and 75% (12 of 16) were taking analgesics.

Conclusions:
Urgent surgical debridement of open injuries and reimplantation of the talus after pantalar dislocation was not associated with deep infection. Osteonecrosis occurred in the majority of patients, but collapse was uncommon. Persistent pain and functional limitations are frequent after pantalar dislocation, as reflected in extremity-specific and generalized functional outcome scores.

Level of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.