bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Significance of Echocardiography in the Assessment of Left Ventricular Function in Patients Receiving Combined Adjuvant Treatment with Anthracyclines and Trastuzumab / Značaj ehokardiografije u proceni funkcije leve komore kod bolesnica na adjuvantnoj terapji (kombinovana terapija antraciklinima i trastuzumabom)
Authors: Krstić Ivana , Ilić Marina Deljanin , Vrbić Svetislav , Pejčić Ivica 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The application of anthracycline and trastuzumab in adjuvant breast cancer treatment approach has significantly improved the survival of patients, but also carries the risk of cardiotoxicity that is manifested by reducing the ejection fraction of the heart.
The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of cumulative anthracycline dose in combination therapy with trastuzumab on the left ventricular ejection fraction, and the influence of the time interval for starting the treatment with trastuzumab.
The study included a group of 80 breast cancer patients (aged 28 to 75 years) who underwent the therapy with anthracyclines (IV-VI cycles) with the continuation of trastuzumab therapy for a period of one year. Ejection fraction at the end of completing the treatment period (VI anthracycline cycles and trastuzumab) was significantly lower in 68 (93%) patients compared to the value at the beginning of the study (68.2% ± 6.06 to 62.1 ± 6.1%; p <0.0001; difference 6.1%). In five patients (anthracyclines and trastuzumab IV cycles) a decrease of 7.1% EF; p = 0.0043 was registered compared to the baseline values. The reduction in the ejection fraction was highest in patients in whom the trastuzumab therapy was initiated one month after the last anthracycline therapy (7.33%), and lowest in the subgroup who started receiving the therapy after three months (5.31%).
In patients on cytostatic therapy, echocardiography proves the reduction in the left ventricular ejection fraction, which is cumulative and dose-dependent, and it also proves that the shorter time interval between the last cycle of anthracycline and the initial trastuzumab treatment the more it is associated with a marked decrease in the left ventricular ejection fraction.
Modeling And Parameter Identification Of Vibrations Of A Double Torsion Pendulum With Friction
Authors: Czerwiński Ernest , Olejnik Paweł , Awrejcewicz Jan 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to investigate a double torsion pendulum with planar frictional contact. The single torsion pendulum with one-degree-of-freedom is an angular equivalent of the linear harmonic oscillator. The second degree of freedom has been obtained by adding a free body to the inverted single torsion pendulum. The free body’s angular displacement is caused by frictional forces appearing in the interface (contact zone) between the free body and the pendulum column’s head kinematically excited at its base by a mechanism with torsion spiral spring. An experimental station has been set up and run to find most unknown parameters of the pendulum from the time series of state variables taken as inputs to the Nelder-Mead method of identification. The obtained results proved significant usability of the identification method in the case of numerical simulation of the pendulum’s dynamical model. It has not been satisfactorily proved in the case of time characteristics coming from a real system that exhibits also some unrecognized physical effects.
Comparative Analysis For Kinematics Of 5-DOF Industrial Robotic Manipulator
Authors: Manjaree Shiv , Nakra Bahadur Chand , Agarwal Vijyant 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
This paper gives the kinematic analysis of a 5-DOF industrial robotic manipulator while considering wrist in motion. Analytical solutions have been obtained for forward kinematics and inverse kinematics to accurately position the end-effector of robotic manipulator in three dimensional spaces. For the first time, a hybrid neuro-fuzzy intelligent technique with two different membership functions has been studied and their performances are comparatively evaluated with analytical solutions. An experiment has been performed for a desired trajectory. It is seen that the results for the intelligent technique are reasonably in agreement with experiment. Also, the results obtained highlight the importance of selection of a particular membership function for robotic manipulators of industrial use.
Stress-Strain State Of Elastic Plate With An Arbitrary Smooth Notch
Authors: Kuz Ihor , Kuz Olga , Sulym Heorgij 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The paper contains comparing calculations of the stress fields in an elastic plate with notch along the arc of a circle, ellipse or parabola obtained by analytic method based on complex Kolosov-Muskhelishvili potentials and by numerical variation-difference method. These fields differ by no more than 2%, which, in particular, indicates the reliability of such numerical implementation. This discrepancy can be explained by the fact that in the analytical solution domain is unbounded, while the numerical calculation was carried out, obviously, for a finite field. The given stresses at the top of the notch along the arc of an ellipse or a parabola significantly increase with increasing of the relative depth of the notch (while increasing its depth or decreasing width).
Koiter Asymptotic Analysis Of Thin-Walled Cold-Formed Steel Members
Authors: Ungureanu Viorel , Dubina Dan , Crisan Andrei , Madeo Antonio , Zagari Giuseppe , Zucco Giovanni , Zinno Raffaele 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
An imperfection sensitivity analysis of cold-formed steel members in compression is presented. The analysis is based on Koiter’s approach and Monte Carlo simulation. If the modes interaction is correctly accounted, than the limit load and the erosion of critical buckling load can be easily evaluated. Thousands of imperfection can be analysed with very low computational cost and an effective statistical evaluation of limit performance can be carried out. The analysis is done on pallet rack uprights in compression, based on an intensive experimental study carried out at the Politehnica University of Timisoara.
Local Damages During Rolling And Mechano-Rolling Fatigue For The Mechanical System Shaft – Roller (0.45 Carbon Steel – 25XGT Steel, 20XH3A Steel – 20XH3A Steel)
Authors: Bogdanovich Alexander , Yelovoy Oleg , Sosnovskiy Leonid , Komissarov Victor , Tyurin Sergey 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The report provides a description of local damages which are formed in the process of wear-fatigue tests. The analysis of local surface wave-like damages during rolling and mechano-rolling fatigue for the shaft-roller mechanical system under steady-state and multi-stage loading conditions is given. It is shown that the study of local wear-fatigue damage was made possible by new methods of testing and measuring wear-fatigue tests and damages, which are described in the report. New characteristics to estimate the parameters of the local wear-fatigue damage are proposed. The concept of local fatigue curves is introduced. The laws of local wear-fatigue damage for the shaft - roller system are analysed.
Love of Variety and Immigration
Authors: Qirjo Dhimitri 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
This paper develops a political-economic analysis of immigration in a host country that operates in a direct democracy regime. It shows that, in a monopolistic competitive environment with differentiated capital intensive goods, labor liberalization is more likely to come about in the societies that have more taste for variety. Moreover, in a host country with a strong preference for variety, workers and capital owners may share the same positive stance toward labor liberalization. It follows that the latter is impossible in a perfect competitive environment. Finally, in a dynamic inter-temporal setting with strategic voters, it demonstrates that the median voter is willing to accept fewer immigrants in the first period, in order to preserve her domestic political influence in the next period because of the naturalization of immigrants. In this way, the median voter maximizes her gains from immigration by accepting more immigrants in total.
Head-to-head comparison of 10 natriuretic peptide assays
Authors: Collin-Chavagnac Delphine , Dehoux Monique , Schellenberg François , Cauliez Bruno , Maupas-Schwalm Françoise , Lefevre Guillaume , on behalf of the Société Française  
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe aim of the study was to compare NT-proBNP and BNP levels in fresh samples from heart failure (HF) patients measured using 10 immunoassays and to assess their agreement.NT-proBNP (CobasH232The Pearson correlation coefficient ranged between 0.929 (TriageThis study stresses the lack of transferability of the results obtained using different techniques to measure BNP and NT-proBNP levels in fresh samples. Individual reference ranges and HF diagnostic cut-offs should be assessed for each commercial NP immunoassay. We recommend to systematically monitoring HF patients using the same assay (BNP or NT-proBNP) over the time.
Cognitive Grammar and gesture: Points of convergence, advances and challenges
Authors: Kok Kasper I. , Cienki Alan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractGiven its usage-oriented character, Cognitive Grammar (CG) can be expected to be consonant with a multimodal, rather than text-only, perspective on language. Whereas several scholars have acknowledged this potential, the question as to how speakers’ gestures can be incorporated in CG-based grammatical analysis has not been conclusively addressed. In this paper, we aim to advance the CG-gesture relationship. We first elaborate on three important points of convergence between CG and gesture research: (1) CG’s conception of grammar as a prototype category, with central and more peripheral structures, aligns with the variable degrees to which speakers’ gestures are conventionalized in human communication. (2) Conceptualization, which lies at the basis of grammatical organization according to CG, is known to be of central importance for gestural expression. In fact, all of the main dimensions of construal postulated in CG (specificity, perspective, profile-base relationship, conceptual archetypes) receive potential gestural expression. (3) CG’s intensive use of diagrammatic notation allows for the incorporation of spatial features of gestures. Subsequently, we demonstrate how CG can be applied to analyze the structure of multimodal, spoken-gestured utterances. These analyses suggest that the constructs and tools developed by CG can be employed to analyze the compositionality that exists within a single gesture (between conventional and more idiosyncratic components) as well as in the grammatical relations that may exist between gesture and speech. Finally, we raise a number of theoretical and empirical challenges.
Agricultural Holdings in Hilly-Mountain Areas in Slovenia before and after the Accession to the European Union
Authors: Knific Kristina , Bojnec Štefan 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
This paper presents the questionnaire results of the research on implications of the effects of Slovenia’s accession to the European Union (EU) on structural changes in agricultural holdings (AHs) in the case of Škofjeloška hilly-mountain rural areas. The effects are studied based on the analysis of income diversification of AHs three years before the Slovenian accession to the EU in 2000 and six years after the Slovenian accession to the EU in 2010. Strategies of AHs on the basis of the questionnaire were analysed in early 2011. Income diversification of AHs with non-agricultural employment and off-farm incomes is necessary for survival for the majority of AHs. There are observed differences in structural changes in the AHs between areas with different natural conditions for agricultural production, and particularly in the extent and in the direction of structural changes by socioeconomic types of AHs. Structural changes inhibit non-economic objectives of AHs, while non-agricultural employment has a two-way influence.
Rural Families and Households in Post-Socialist Transition: Serbian Experience1
Authors: Čikić Jovana , Petrović Marica 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Rural families and households make a basic framework for understanding the rural way of life. This relation is especially interesting under the recent and difficult post-socialist transition in places such as Serbia. Previous research has shown that the transition and its benefits are not distributed equally. This has induced social and economic disparities, at the expense of the social attractiveness of rural areas. These disparities have influenced characteristics of Serbian rural families and households, their survival strategies and their roles in the reproduction of the rural way of life. We started research with three assumptions: a) depopulation of Serbian rural areas continues under the post-socialist transition, b) transitional risks produce partial retraditionalization of Serbian rural family relationships, and c) characteristics of Serbian regions affect characteristics of rural families and households.
The analysis confirmed rural depopulation. In the decade 2002–2011, there was the most significant decline ever in the number of Serbian rural families. This signified the negative impact of transition on rural areas. Besides this, the research confirmed that contemporary Serbian rural families and households still have some traditional features (multiple generations, relics of the role of head of the traditional rural family) which enable them to cope with transitional risks. A third finding proved that characteristics of Serbian rural families and households depend on regional characteristics. Within the regions that are more socially attractive and where the risks of social exclusion are lower, retraditionalization of rural families is less noticeable. It can be concluded that contemporary Serbian rural families and households survive throughout transition periods depending on their characteristics, but also characteristics of their social environment. Stronger social magnetism of a region is manifested in stronger rural social vitality. That is reflected in stronger modernization of rural families and households.
Territorial Aspects of Regional Identity and Respondents’ Identification with the Region and Place: Case Study of Slovakia1
Authors: Bucher Slavomír , Nováková Štefánia 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The purpose of the study is to focus on the understanding of sense of place through the conceptualisation of regional identity. The theory of institutionalisation of regions, by geographers Chojnicki and Paasi, gives us a useful framework for understanding how regions and regional identity emerge, continually reproduce and, thus, transform in and through the practice of individuals and institutions at a variety of spatial levels. The submitted paper creates a compact mosaic of the selected theoretical approaches and chosen concepts of new regional, cultural and behavioural geography, which can be used in regional identity researches. The central purpose of the paper is to enrich and explain the possibilities of utilisation of behavioural techniques in the formation of regional identity and the identity of the area. The aim of the study is to identify the level of respondents’ patriotism towards the selected hierarchical and residential regions of Slovakia.
Some Social and Regional Lessons of a Complex Roma Integration Programme (Case Study from a Hungarian Rural Area)
Authors: Tésits Róbert , Levente Alpek B. , Szabó Rebeka 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The overall purpose of this study is to find out how to facilitate the integration of Roma people into society with the help of settlement and regional development. This is examined in the context of a specific project during which the site has been liquidated. The question arises as to what extent the implementation of the programme reached its target. The essay examines the implications of the programme for further development on the settlement concerned. The programme illustrates the importance of a complex approach, and the importance of interacting factors during the convergence of disadvantaged groups. This synergetic interaction is evaluated because it is extremely important with regard to the long-term sustainability and success of the programme. However, with the change of housing conditions, the immediate environment is also changing and one has to adapt to the new environment, which in many cases can lead to conflicts as well.
Investigation of Oxygen Diffusion in Irradiated UO2 with MD Simulation
Authors: Günay Seçkin D. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIn this study, irradiated UO2 is analyzed by atomistic simulation method to obtain diffusion coefficient of oxygen ions. For this purpose, a couple of molecular dynamics (MD) supercells containing Frenkel, Schottky, vacancy and interstitial types for both anion and cation defects is constructed individually. Each of their contribution is used to calculate the total oxygen diffusion for both intrinsic and extrinsic ranges. The results display that irradiation-induced defects contribute the most to the overall oxygen diffusion at temperatures below 800–1,200 K. This result is quite sensible because experimental data shows that, from room temperature to about 1,500 K, irradiation-induced swelling decreases and irradiated UO2 lattice parameter is gradually recovered because defects annihilate each other. Another point is that, concentration of defects enhances the irradiation-induced oxygen diffusion. Irradiation type also has the similar effect, namely oxygen diffusion in crystals irradiated with α-particles is more than the crystals irradiated with neutrons. Dynamic Frenkel defects dominate the oxygen diffusion data above 1,500—1,800 K. In all these temperature ranges, thermally induced Frenkel defects make no significant contribution to overall oxygen diffusion.
The Effects of 17 Weeks of Ballet Training on the Autonomic Modulation, Hormonal and General Biochemical Profile of Female Adolescents
Authors: da Silva Carla Cristiane , Goldberg Tamara Beres Lederer , Soares-Caldeira Lúcio Flávio , Oliveira Ricardo dos Santos , de Paula Ramos Solange , Nakamura Fábio Yuzo 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
This study aimed to examine the alterations in physiological and biochemical markers, after 17 weeks of ballet training in high level ballet dancers. Twenty four female ballet dancers from 12 to 15 years old took part in the study. The study followed 17 weeks of ballet training and analyzed changes in body composition, the autonomic nervous system and biochemical variables before and after (post) training. The internal training load was obtained using the session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE) method, calculated as the mean weekly session-RPE, monotony and strain. After 17 weeks of training there were significant increases in body mass, height, lean body mass, total protein, urea, hemoglobin concentration, testosterone and thyroxine. During this period, decreases in relative body fat, uric acid, red blood cells, C-reactive protein, and ferritin were also found. After the training period, the autonomic modulation demonstrated significant positive alterations, such as increases in parasympathetic related indices. Based on the results obtained we concluded that ballet training led to improvements in body composition and autonomic modulation. In general hematological and biochemical variables demonstrated that the training did not have adverse effects on the health state of the adolescents.
Comparisons of a Multi-Frequency Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis to the Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry Scan in Healthy Young Adults Depending on their Physical Activity Level
Authors: Verney Julien , Schwartz Chloé , Amiche Saliha , Pereira Bruno , Thivel David 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
This study aimed at comparing BIA and DXA results in assessing body composition in young adults depending on their physical activity level. Eighty healthy 19-30 years old subjects were enrolled and their body composition (Fat Mass and Fat-Free Mass) was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and by a newly developed Bioelectrical Impedance Analyzer (BIA - Tanita MC780). A seven-day physical activity level was assessed using a 3-axial accelerometer. DXA-FM% and BIA-FM% were correlated (p<0.001; r= 0.852; ICC [IC95%]: 0.84 [0.75 – 0.90]; concordance coefficient: 0.844). DXA-FFM and BIA FFM were correlated (p<0.001; r=0.976; ICC [IC95%]: 0.95 [0.93 – 0.97], concordance coefficient: 0.955). DXA and BIA measurements of FM% and FFM were highly correlated in both boys and girls regardless of the physical activity level. Compared with DXA scans, newly developed bioelectrical impedance analyzers provide satisfactory fat mass and lean mass measures in healthy young women and men, despite their physical activity level.
Iron Metabolism in Field Hockey Players During an Annual Training Cycle
Authors: Podgórski Tomasz , Kryściak Jakub , Konarski Jan , Domaszewska Katarzyna , Durkalec-Michalski Krzysztof , Strzelczyk Ryszard , Pawlak Maciej 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Post-physical training changes in iron metabolism in the human body often occur. To fully describe these processes, fifteen male Polish National Team field hockey players (age 27.7 ± 5.2 years, body mass 72.8 ± 7.6 kg and body height 177.1 ± 5.7 cm) were examined in three phases of an annual training cycle: preparatory (T1), competitive (T2) and transition (T3). To assess aerobic fitness, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) was evaluated. Based on the iron concentration, the changes in total iron binding capacity (TIBC), unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC) and other selected haematological indicators (haemoglobin, erythrocytes, mean corpuscular haemoglobin - MCH) in iron metabolism were estimated. The average values of maximum oxygen uptake increased from 54.97 ± 3.62 ml·kg−1·min−1 in T1 to 59.93 ± 3.55 ml·kg−1·min−1 in T2 (p<0.05) and then decreased to 56.21 ± 4.56 ml·kg−1·min−1 in T3 (p<0.05). No statistically significant changes in the erythrocyte count were noted. The MCH and haemoglobin concentration decreased between T1 and T2. The maximal exercise test caused a significant (p<0.05) increase in the plasma iron concentration during the competition and transition phases. Progressive but non-significant increases in resting iron concentration, TIBC and UIBC in the analysed annual training cycle were noted. To show global changes in iron metabolism in the human body, it is necessary to determine additional variables, i.e. UIBC, TIBC, haemoglobin, MCH or the erythrocyte count. The direction of changes in iron metabolism depends on both the duration and intensity of the physical activity and the fitness level of the subjects. Dietary intake of iron increases the level of this trace element and prevents anaemia associated with training overloads.