bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physiological responses of two halophytic grass species under drought stress environment
Authors: Siddiqui Zamin Shaheed , Shahid Huda , Cho Jung-Il , Park Sung-Han , Ryu Tae-Hun , Park Soo-Chul 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe physiological responses of two halophytic grass species, Halopyrum mucronatum (L.) Staph. and Cenchrus ciliaris (L.), under drought stress were evaluated. Biomass accumulation, relative water content, free proline, H2O2content, stomatal conductance, photosynthetic performance and quantum yield (Fv/Fmratio) were studied. Under drought conditions, these halophytic plants expressed differential responses to water deficit. Stomatal conductance and free proline content were higher in H. mucronatum than in C. ciliaris, while H2O2content in H. mucronatum was substantially lower than in C. ciliaris. Performance index showed considerable sensitivity to a water deficit condition, more so in C. ciliaris than in H. mucronatum. Results were discussed in relation to comparative physiological performance and antioxidant enzymes activity of both halophytic grasses under drought stress.
Characteristics of Chinese patients with antiphospholipid syndrome and the ability of lupus anticoagulant assays to identify them
Authors: Tang Ning , Sun Ziyong , Yin Shiyu 
Published: April 2016

Abstract

Background:
The objective of the work was to study the manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) in the Chinese population, and evaluate the ability of lupus anticoagulant (LAC) assays to identify APS.

Methods:
Consecutive patients with APS from 2012 to 2015 in our hospital were recruited, strictly following the Sydney revised Sapporo criteria for APS classification. Meanwhile, in the LAC-positive population, LAC normalized ratios obtained from diluted Russell viper venom time (DRVVT) and silica clotting time (SCT) assays were compared between patients with and without APS.

Results:
One hundred and seventeen patients with defined APS comprised 86 women and 31 men with a mean age of 38 years (range 9–78 years), 38 (32.5%) of them had systemic lupus erythematosus. The prevalence of arterial thrombosis, venous thrombosis and obstetric complications were 46.2%, 25.6% and 30.8%, respectively. LAC was detected in 105 patients (89.7%), anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibodies (aβ2GPI) in 88 (75.2%) and anticardiolipin antibodies in 41 (35.0%). In 353 patients with persistent LAC, the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve for APS prediction defined the best cut-off value for DRVVT normalized ratio as 1.61 with 73.7% specificity and 72.6% sensitivity. For SCT, the normalized ratio was 1.91 with 70.8% specificity and 56.5% sensitivity.

Conclusions:
A high prevalence of arterial thrombosis and LAC-positive result was noted in Chinese patients with APS, and an appropriate threshold for LAC normalized ratios could help to discriminate APS from non-APS patients in the LAC-positive population.
Theoretical Old-Age Pension Benefits and Replacement Rates in the Baltic States: A Retrospective Simulation
Authors: Rajevska Olga 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
The author presents a comparative analysis of old-age pension systems in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania using a method of retrospective simulation run on a self-developed model. The model baseline case is a person retiring in December 2014 after 40 years of service with nationwide average salary. Other cases include low and high-earners, funded schemes participants and simulations for modified notional capital valorisation formulae. Three study countries return very dissimilar results, which is caused by differences in their pension systems’ designs. Lack of non-contributory element (basic pension) in Latvia leads to a low degree of progressivity, with inexcusably low pensions to low-earners and excessively generous pensions to high-earners. Participation in funded pillar II schemes has not brought any significant gains to pension plan sharers. Notional capital valorisation rules adopted in different countries that use the NDC-system significantly influence pension amount.
Opportunities for the Use of Business Data Analysis Technologies
Authors: Bāliņa Signe , Žuka Rita , Krasts Juris 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
The paper analyses the business data analysis technologies, provides their classification and considers relevant terminology. The feasibility of business data analysis technologies handling big data sources is overviewed. The paper shows the results of examination of the online big data source analytics technologies, data mining and predictive modelling technologies and their trends.
Differential Noise Figure and Gain De-Embedding: the Wave Approach
Authors: Dobrowolski Janusz A. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
The paper presents complete analysis of differential amplifier noise figure single-ended measurement setup. The analysis is based on scattering matrix representation for the network and wave representation for noise. As a result, there are presented equations allowing the differential amplifier gain and noise figure to be de-embedded with single-ended measurements. De-embedding equations are given for the balanced amplifier and for the fully differential amplifier.
Basic Roles of Sex Steroid Hormones in Wound Repair with Focus on Estrogens (A Review)
Authors: Čriepoková Z. , Lenhardt L’. , Gál P. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Previously, it has been shown that sex hormones, in particular estrogens, play an important role in the regulation of biological processes involved in tissue repair and regeneration. Accordingly, several studies have supported the beneficial properties of hormone replacement therapies (HRT) in postmenopausal models. The present review paper explores the potential for targeted sex steroid HRT as a new therapeutic option for the surgical management of wounds in postmenopausal women and animals.
Electroretinography (A Review)
Authors: Balicka A. , Trbolová A. , Vrbovská T. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Electroretinography (ERG) is a functional test of the outer retina. During an examination, the retina is selectively stimulated. The stimulation of the retina produces a response of the individual retinal cells and reveals information about its function. The ERG examination requires very specific conditions in order to avoid undesirable factors which may adversely affect the recordings. The electroretinography examination may be performed for a short period (“rapid protocol”), commonly used to access retinal activity. The “long protocol” is used for the differential diagnosis of retinal disorders. It is mainly used in diagnosing and evaluating retinal dysfunction when there are no ophthalmic lesions present. The main indications for electroretinography are the pre-operative examination of cataract patient and the early diagnosis of inherited retinal diseases. In veterinary ophthalmology, ERG is performed under general anesthesia. The ERG results have wave forms with characteristic components depending upon several factors. Its interpretation requires knowledge of retinal pathology and electrophysiology
Estimation of the cardinal temperatures for germination of four Satureja species growing in Iran
Authors: Ketabi Hamed Zarif , Khazaei Hamid Reza , Nezami Ahmad , Aghdaei Seyed Reza Tabaei 
Published: April 2016

Summary
Introduction Seed germination is a complex physiological process regulated by genetic and environmental factors including temperature, water, oxygen, light and pH. Among them, temperature is one of the most important factors controlling the maximum rate and percentage of diaspore germination. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the cardinal temperatures (Tb, To, Tc) of four Satureja species growing in Iran. Methods: Seeds of Satureja mutica Fish. et C. A. Mey., S. macrantha C. A. Mey., S. sahandica Bornm and S. bachtiarica Bunge were germinated at nine constant temperatures (from 0 to 40°C) with 5°C intervals. A factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with four replications was applied to determine the cardinal temperatures estimated by three regression models including intersected-lines (ISL), quadratic polynomial (QPN) and five-parameters beta (FPB). Results: The highest germination percentage (GP) occurred at 20°C for S. mutica (86%), S. macrantha (55%), S. sahandica (81%) and S. bachtiarica (89%), but there was no significant difference between 20 and 25°C, except S. sahandica. Germination stopped at 0°C and 40°C. The highest germination rate (GR), the lowest mean germination time (MGT) and time to 50% germination (D50) were obtained at 20-25°C for all species. The GRm for S. bachtiarica was significantly (p≤0.05) higher than for three other species in all temperatures. None of the species did reach to 50% germination at temperatures higher than 30°C. Conclusion: Obtained results revealed the superiority of S. bachtiarica over the other species, v.s. S. macrantha was inferior. FPB and ISL models were most reliable for predicting cardinal temperatures, because of higher R2 value and the lower root mean square error (RMSE). S. macrantha and S. mutica showed the lowest and the highest cardinal temperatures, respectively, in all three models.
Seed oil composition of Acacia nilotica (L.) Delile from Iran
Authors: Abbasian Karim , Ziarati Parisa , Asgarpanah Jinous 
Published: April 2016

Summary
Introduction: Acacia nilotica (L.) Delile belongs to the Fabaceae family and the subfamily Mimosoideae; and commonly called Gum arabic tree. As the young pods and seeds are eaten roasted by the people in South Iran. Objective: The oil composition of the mature seeds of A. nilotica collected from natural habitats of the south of Iran were analyzed in order to determine their potential for human or animal consumption. Methods: The extracted oil was analyzed by gas-chromatography/mass spectroscopy method (GC/MS). Results: The oil content in these edible seeds was found to be 3.4% (v/w) fresh weight. A rare phytosterol, six fatty acids, nine hydrocarbons and one diterpenoid were identified which constituted about 83.5% of the oil. The phytosterol, 26-ethylcholesta-5,25(Z)-dien-3.β-ol (20.8%) as well as essential saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were the main components. Other components were present in amounts lower than 5%. Conclusion: It is concluded that the seed oil could be a new natural source for human nutrition.
The White Creole in Jean Rhys’s Wide Sargasso Sea : A Woman in Passage
Authors: Mzoughi Imen 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Studies on Jean Rhys have been fragmentary concentrating on one or two aspects of Rhys’s thematic concern with the alienation of the white creole without laying emphasis on Rhys’s exploration of the Creole’s identity. There has been no attempt to examine if the creole has to struggle harder and more than whites and blacks to come to terms with her personal identity until now. The answer is affirmative because the creole is a composite human being. Indeed, the white creole is the ‘fruit’ of a mixed union. Born into miscegenation, hybridity and creolization, the creole is physically, linguistically, socially and religiously a diverse human being. Within the scope of this paper, the term identity is used in a broad sense. The creole’s personal identity refers to the different identities the Creole can have at different times and in different circumstances. Correspondingly, she must negotiate the white and black elements of her identity. The Creole must deal with the complexity of her identity through a web of tangled relationships with both whites and blacks. Read from this light, the personal identity of the creole is not “either/ or,” but reluctantly “both/ and.” In various ways, the creole is an ‘Everyman.’ The Creole undergoes an awareness, and is eventually, redefined through the image of the ‘other.’ Indeed, her jump toward her black friend Tia reflects Rhys’s basic concern for a Caribbean society in which assimilation and personal identity must blend in a single humane goal, that is, to co-exist beyond the lines of race, gender, class and sex in order to avoid annihilation.
Challenges, Counselling Needs, and Coping Strategies of Students with Visual Impairment in Regular Secondary Schools in Nigeria
Authors: Okonkwo Hyginius C. , Fajonyomi Mary G. , Omotosho Joshua A. , Esere Mary O. , Olawuyi Bolanle O. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
This study investigated challenges, counselling needs and coping strategies of students with visual impairment in regular secondary schools in Nigeria. The descriptive survey of cross-sectional design was employed for the study. Five hundred and twenty-seven students with visual impairment in regular secondary schools were included in the survey by using purposive and captive sampling techniques. The findings of the study revealed that the challenges of students with visual impairment in regular secondary schools include inability to access modern technologies, (

$\overline {\rm{X}} $

= 3.73), inappropriate teaching methods (

$\overline {\rm{X}} $

= 3.64), non availability of special curriculum (

$\overline {\rm{X}} $

= 3.57). It is therefore recommended that teachers and school authorities should ensure that students with visual impairment are taught to develop effective study habits and techniques of self-activity.
Alcohol misuse and gateway theory: a longitudinal study among adolescents in Switzerland
Authors: Barrense-Dias Yara , Berchtold André , Akre Christina , Surís Joan-Carles 
Published: April 2016

Abstract

Objective:
Adolescence is a transitory and exploratory stage during which risky behaviors such as substance use take place. This study aims to assess the characteristics and predictive risk factors of alcohol misuse among adolescents.

Methods:
A sample of 621 youths was followed from ages 14 to 16 years in Switzerland between spring 2012 (T0) and spring 2014 (T1). Participants were divided into two groups according to their alcohol misuse evolution: those who increased it (Misusers) and those who decreased or never experimented it (Non-misusers). The final sample consisted of 574 adolescents. At T0, participants reported demographic data, substance use data and emotional well-being. A multivariate regression was performed to assess the explanatory variables of alcohol misuse at T1 using Non-misusers as the reference category.

Results:
Alcohol misuse in the previous month increased dramatically from 2.4% (T0) to 29.2% (T1). At the bivariate level, alcohol misuse was associated with residence, use of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis. Compared to Non-misusers, Misusers were significantly more likely to live in a rural area (aOR: 1.75 [1.1:2.8]), use cannabis (aOR: 3.2 [1.0:9.8]) and have consumed alcohol (aOR: 2.65 [1.6:4.3]) at T0.

Conclusion:
Alcohol misuse increases dramatically with age. However, the only demographic difference between groups was that young adolescents living in rural areas were more likely to misuse alcohol. Moreover, having consumed alcohol without drunkenness and using cannabis at age 14 years predicted alcohol misuse at age 16 years. This finding is in line with the reverse gateway theory, where cannabis use precedes the use of legal substances.
Effects of Network Capabilities on Firm Performance across Cultures
Authors: Papastamatelou Julie , Busch Rainer , Ötken Begüm , Okan Elif Y. , Gassemi Karim 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
The purpose of this study is to identify key factors related to network capabilities that enhance the performance of Chinese, Turkish and German firms. Chinese (n = 107), Turkish (n = 129) and German (n = 109) MBA-students completed a questionnaire, based on an earlier version developed by Kenny [2009], which included questions on the respective firm, its performance and network capabilities. The predictors of firm performance varied by country: in China “information sharing” and “trust” were important, in Turkey “network coordination” and in Germany “human capital resources.” In addition, each country had its own specific drivers of firm performance. The findings of this paper should enhance understanding of the cross-cultural differences and assist managers when planning to join foreign corporations.
Cardiac Troponin I Is Increased in Patients with Polytrauma and Chest or Head Trauma. Results of A Retrospective Case-Control Study
Authors: Lippi Giuseppe , Buonocore Ruggero , Mitaritonno Michele , Cervellin Gianfranco 
Published: April 2016

Summary
Background: We performed a retrospective case-control study to assess the values of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in a large number of patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) with different types of trauma.
Methods: The study population consisted of all patients aged 18 years or older admitted to the local ED with all types of traumas over a 1-year period. Results of cTnI were compared with those of 125 consecutive blood donors and 25 non-cardiac chest pain ED patients.
Results: The final study population consisted of 380 trauma patients, 10 with isolated abdominal trauma, 99 with isolated trauma of the limbs, 49 with isolated chest trauma, 145 with isolated head trauma and 77 with polytrauma. The concentration of cTnI did not differ among the three study populations, but the frequency of measurable values was substantially higher in patients with trauma (63%) than in blood donors and non-cardiac chest pain ED patients (both 20%). The frequency of cTnI values above the 99th percentile of the reference range was significantly higher in trauma patients (20%) than in blood donors (0%) and noncardiac chest pain ED patients (8%). Increased cTnI values were more frequent after head trauma (21%), chest trauma (27%) and polytrauma (29%) compared to patients with abdominal (0%) or limbs trauma (8%).
Conclusions: These results suggest that the measurement of cardiac troponin may be advisable to identify potential cardiac involvement in trauma patients, especially in those with polytrauma and head or chest trauma.
Protective Role of Maternal P.VAL158MET Catechol-O-methyltransferase Polymorphism against Early-Onset Preeclampsia and its Complications
Authors: Krnjeta Tijana , Mirković Ljiljana , Ignjatović Svetlana , Tomašević Dragana , Lukić Jelena , Topalov Drina , Soldatović Ivan , Majkić-Singh Nada 
Published: April 2016

SummaryBackground: Up until now there have been contradictory data about the association between p.Val158Met catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) polymorphism and risk of preeclampsia (PE). The goal of this study was to assess the potential correlation between p.Val158Met COMT polymorphism and risk of early-onset PE, risk of a severe form of early-onset PE, as well as risk of small-for-gestationalage (SGA) complicating PE.Methods: The study included 47 early-onset PE patients and 47 control cases. Forty-seven early-onset PE patients were grouped by disease severity (33 patients with a severe form and 14 patients without severe features) and secondly by size for gestational age (12 patients with appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) and 35 patients with SGA size). p.Val158Met polymorphism was genotyped by PCR-RFLP analysis.Results: Allele analysis showed significant difference in COMT allele distribution between early-onset PE and control group as well as early-onset PE SGA and controls (p=0.04057 and p=0.0411 respectively). A statistically significant distribution difference between the severe form and form without severe features of early-onset PE patients was not observed (p>0.05). The highest difference observed was in the allele recessive model where COMT MetMet genotype was associated with decreased risk of early-onset PE (OR=0.281; 95%CI=0.092-0.7836) and PE complications including severe early-onset PE (OR= 0.304; 95%CI=0.086-0.944) and SGA early-onset PE (OR=0.284; 95%CI=0.081-0.874).Conclusions: COMT may be used as a candidate gene for early-onset PE and its severe form and SGA complications.
On the Clausewitzian Challenge in Eastern Europe
Authors: Bivainis Andrius 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
This article evaluates contemporary growing tensions to geopolitical changes in Eastern Europe. The current Eastern European geopolitical situation is labelled as a crisis that has been generated by the Ukrainian conflict for more than one year already. In light of the described crisis, the military option has been discussed as a meaningful political tool. This notion has provoked the necessity to evaluate growing tensions in the region through the lens of a traditional Clausewitzian challenge that should define a solution for effective force tasking aimed at the achievement of firm political goals. More than that, the analysis of this article is based on theoretical notions of neoclassical realism suggesting that foreign policy is dependent on international incentives and on domestic evaluations of political entities.
Turkey’s Security Dilemma on the Border with Syria: Situation Assessment and Perspectives of the Intervention
Authors: Dapkus Simonas 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Employing the concept of the security dilemma, the article aims to assess the situation on the Turkey-Syria border and discusses perspectives of Turkey’s humanitarian intervention in northern Syria. In the first section of the article an analysis of Turkey’s foreign policy and its implications on Syria’s crisis is provided. The second section deals with arguments for and against the intervention. Later on, international law and military provisions are discussed as well as the possible implications of an intervention. The main thesis of this article is that if Turkey chose to solve its security dilemma by means of a humanitarian intervention, the UN Security Council’s approval would greatly enhance the chances of its success. Otherwise, unilateral intervention could even further diminish the possibility of finding a faster solution to the Syrian crisis and regional peace and stability in general.
Us and European Integration Prior to 1968
Authors: Hang Nguyen Thi Thuy 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
This paper surveys the history of the United States policy towards European integration from 1945 up to 1968 before President Nixon came into office. Drawing on a detailed analysis of the documents mostly obtainable from the official websites of the US Department of State, the US National Archives, and the EU Historical Archives, the paper argues that it was the European geopolitical and economic context after the Second World War and the United States national interests which moulded this country’s pro-European integration policy. Thus, the paper will begin with an analysis of the search for global influence between the United States and the Soviet Union before examining how the United States redefined its core interests in recognition of the Soviet threat. Then, it will explore the role that the United States played in reconstructing Western European economy and defending it physically. Also, it is argued that the United States and Western Europe took concerted action together to create the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), European Economic Community (EEC), and the European Atomic Energy Community (EAEC or Euratom), the very first supranational institutions which have made the European integration process irreversible. It will be concluded that the vitality of the European integration project depended on US economic and political capital for its success.