bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Accuracy of Controlled Attenuation Parameter Measured by Transient Elastography for the Non-invasive Assessment of Liver Steatosis: a Prospective Study
Authors: Lupșor-Platon Monica , Feier Diana , Stefănescu Horia , Tamas Attila , Botan Emil , Sparchez Zeno , Maniu Anca , Badea Radu 
Published: March 2015

Background & Aims: A novel non-invasive tool based on the evaluation of ultrasound attenuation using transient elastography (TE) has been developed, called controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). We aim to establish the histopathological parameters that significantly influence CAP, the cutoff values and their performance in predicting each steatosis grade on a group of biopsied patients with chronic liver diseases (CLD) from Romania.Methods. We prospectively analyzed 201 consecutive CLD patients who underwent CAP measurements using TE. Steatosis, liver fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity were staged and graded during the pathological analysis of bioptic specimens. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were applied to identify the variables correlated with CAP values. The diagnostic performance of CAP for steatosis prediction was assessed using an AUC analysis.Results. Among the histopathological factors correlating with CAP, the multivariate analysis found steatosis as the only factor independently influencing CAP values (p<0.001). Maximal diagnostic accuracy (DA) was obtained for the prediction of ≥34-66% (S2) fatty load and of 67-100% (S3) fatty load (82.06%, respectively 81.59%) while, for the prediction of ≥11-33% (S1) fatty load, DA reached only 76.11%. The negative predictive value for the exclusion of ≥S2 and S3 was 93.5% and 98.7%, respectively. AUCs calculated between each two steatosis grades were: 0.772 (S0 vs S1), 0.874 (S0 vs S2), 0.904 (S0 vs S3), 0.659 (S1vs S2), 0.777 (S1 vs S3), and 0.665 (S2 vs S3).Conclusion. Steatosis is the only histopathological factor independently influencing CAP. Maximal DA could be obtained for the prediction of ≥S2 and S3 (82.06% and 81.59%), while for the prediction of S1, the accuracy reached only 76.11%.
The Orchids of Tonga, Niue, and the Cook Islands
Authors: Cribb Phillip , Whistler Arthur 
Published: March 2015

Orchids are one of the largest families of flowering plants in the Pacific region, especially in the tropics. Despite the remoteness of Tonga, Niue, and the Cook Islands, orchids have reached them in some numbers. Both terrestrial and epiphytic genera are well represented in the floras of these distant but neighboring archipelagos. Most of the species are found elsewhere in the Pacific, particularly in Fiji, Samoa, and the Society Islands. The affinities of these orchids can be traced to New Guinea and the adjacent archipelagos. New Guinea, with an estimated 3000 species that make it one of the richest orchid floras in the world, is a fertile source of seed for the scattered islands that lie to its east and southeast. The orchids appear to have reached Tonga, Niue, and the Cook Islands in recent times. Only two species, Habenaria amplifolia from Rarotonga and Robiquetia tongaensis from Tonga, are endemic to the islands covered in the present book, and both are closely related to more widespread Pacific species. This guide constitutes the fourth of a series of orchid floristic treatments that have so far covered Vanuatu (Lewis & Cribb 1989), the Solomon Islands and Bougainville (Lewis & Cribb 1991), and Samoa (Cribb & Whistler 1996). A recent, excellent and detailed account of the Fijian orchid flora (Kores 1991) has also been a valuable source for those interested in Pacific islands orchids. These accounts have generated renewed interest in the orchid floras of those archipelagos, leading to new discoveries and re-interpretations of several species. We hope that this small guide will likewise bring a renewal of interest in not only the orchids, but also the floras of these islands as a whole.
Mating systems in the Pleurothallidinae (Orchidaceae): evolutionary and systematic implications
Authors: Leite Borba Eduardo , Barbosa Ariane Raquel , Cabral de Melo Marcos , Loureiro Gontijo Samuel , Ornellas de Oliveira Henrique 
Published: March 2015

Desarrollamos un proyecto dirigido a determinar, a través de polinización experimental, la auto- incompatibilidad de los géneros representativos de los linajes más importantes de Pleurothallidinae, buscando el grupo donde posiblemente apareció por primera vez y cuántas veces ha ocurrido desde entonces. Adicionalmente estudiamos la biología floral de algunas especies de Octomeria, un género con características típicas de plantas con flores polinizadas por abejas, que previamente han sido conocidas como melitófilas. Hasta el momento, todas excepto una, de las especies estudiadas de los géneros seleccionados (Acianthera, Anathallis, Masdevallia, Octomeria, Specklinia, and Stelis) son auto-incompatibles, pudiendo ser fuerte o parcialmente auto-incompatibles. Se encontró dos sitos donde las reacciones de auto-incompatibilidad podrían ocurrir, siendo éstas el estigma y el canal del estilo. Los dos sitios de auto-incompatibilidad no fueron encontrados dentro de las especies del mismo género, a excepción de Anathallis. En este género, los dos grupos que difieren morfológicamente (anteriormente Pleurothallis subgen. Specklinia sect. Muscosae and sect. Acuminatae) presentan diferentes sitios de auto- incompatibilidad. Las flores de las especies de Octomeria, producen néctar y son polinizadas tanto por machos y hembras de moscas Sciaridae y sus poblaciones tienen alta variabilidad genética, similar a la encontradas en las especies de Acianthera. Nuestros resultados indican que la auto-incompatibilidad es una característica generalizada y ampliamente distribuida del clado miófilo de Pleurothallidinae y que posiblemente evolucionó tempranamente en la subtribu, permitiendo el mantenimiento de un alto nivel de variabilidad genética en las poblaciones de cada especie a pesar del comportamiento de su polinizador. Más aún, a pesar que la sapromiofilia es mucho más común en el grupo, la miofilia s.s. (polinización por moscas antófilas que buscan néctar) aparentemente se desarrolló a partir de una condición melitófila plesimórfica. Adicionalmente a la morfología sinapomórfica que une a los miembros de la subtribu (una articulación entre el ovario y el pedicelo) nuestros resultados apuntan a la presencia de dos sinapomórfias biológicas dentro del grupo, la auto-incompatibilidad y la miofilia. Basados en estas diferencias, sugerimos la división de Pleurothallidinae, como está actualmente reconocida, en dos subtribus: una compuesta por el gran clado de especies auto-incompatibles y miófilas; la segunda, compuesta por el clado de especies auto-compatibles y ornitófilas.
Effects of Electroacupuncture on Experimental Periodontitis in Rats
Authors: Lisboa Mario R. P. , Gondim Delane V. , Ervolino Edilson , Vale Mariana L. , Frota Nicolly P. R. , Nunes Nara L. T. , Mariguela Viviane C. , Taba Mario , Messora Michel R. , Furlaneto Flávia A. C. 
Published: March 2015

Background: Acupuncture has shown the capability of modulating the immuno‐inflammatory response of the host. This study aims to evaluate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on ligature‐induced periodontitis in rats.Methods: Thirty‐two animals were divided into four groups: 1) control; 2) experimental periodontitis (EP); 3) sham‐treated (EP/EA‐sham); and 4) treated with EA (EP/EA). For the EP groups, a ligature was placed around the right mandibular first molars at day 1. Sessions of EA or EA‐sham were assigned every other day. For EA treatment, large intestine meridian points LI4 and LI11 and stomach meridian points ST36 and ST44 were used. EA‐sham was performed in off‐meridian points. Animals were euthanized at day 11. Histomorphometric and microtomographic analyses were performed. Immunolabeling patterns for the receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) were assessed. Expressions of interleukin (IL)‐1β, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐8, IL‐6, and cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Data were analyzed statistically (P <0.05, analysis of variance).Results: Histomorphometric and microtomographic analyses demonstrated that group EP/EA presented reduced alveolar bone loss when compared to group EP (P <0.05). Reduced RANKL immunolabeling and fewer TRAP‐positive multinucleated cells were observed in the EA‐treated group in relation to group EP. No differences were observed in OPG expression among groups. EA treatment decreased the genic expression of IL‐1β and MMP‐8 (P <0.05), increased the mRNA expression of IL‐6 (P <0.05), and did not modify the genic expression of COX‐2 in animals with EP (P >0.05).Conclusion: It can be concluded that EA reduced periodontal tissue breakdown and the expression of some proinflammatory mediators and a proresorptive factor in EP in rats.
Unraveling the Black Box of Cost Behavior: An Empirical Investigation of Risk Drivers, Managerial Resource Procurement, and Cost Elasticity
Authors: Holzhacker Martin , Krishnan Ranjani , Mahlendorf Matthias D. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT
This paper extends prior literature on cost behavior by providing insights into how firms achieve changes to cost structure in response to two important risk drivers, i.e., demand uncertainty and financial risk. Using theory from labor economics, supply-chain management, and finance, we posit that demand uncertainty and financial risk influence cost management activities. Specifically, we argue that firms are likely to alter resource procurement choices to increase cost elasticity in response to these two risk drivers. We use data from California hospitals that allow for the calibration of three distinct resource procurement choices that increase cost elasticity: outsourcing, leasing of equipment, and hiring contract labor. Mediation analysis using 2,202 hospital year observations indicates that both demand uncertainty and financial risk influence cost elasticity. Importantly, these effects are mediated by the three aforementioned resource procurement choices. Overall, our findings support the view that firms make procurement choices to manage the risk associated with cost structures.
Data Availability: Data used in this study are publicly available from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (see: http://www.oshpd.ca.gov/).
JEL Classifications: I18; M41.
Cuspal Flexure and Extent of Cure of a Bulk-fill Flowable Base Composite
Authors: Francis AV , Braxton AD , Ahmad W , Tantbirojn D , Simon JF , Versluis A 
Published: March 2015

SUMMARY

Objectives
To investigate a bulk-fill flowable base composite (Surefil SDR Flow) in terms of cuspal flexure and cure when used in incremental or bulk techniques.

Methods
Mesio-occluso-distal cavities (4 mm deep, 4 mm wide) were prepared in 24 extracted molars. The slot-shaped cavities were etched, bonded, and restored in 1) two 2-mm increments Esthet-X HD (control), 2) two 2-mm increments Surefil SDR Flow, or 3) 4-mm bulk Surefil SDR Flow (N=8). The teeth were digitized after preparation (baseline) and restoration and were precisely aligned to calculate cuspal flexure. Restored teeth were placed in fuchsin dye for 16 hours to determine occlusal bond integrity from dye penetration. Extent of cure was assessed by hardness at 0.5-mm increments through the restoration depth. Results were analyzed with analysis of variance and Student-Newman-Keuls post hoc tests (α=0.05).

Results
Surefil SDR Flow, either incrementally or bulk filled, demonstrated significantly less cuspal flexure than Esthet-X HD. Dye penetration was less than 3% of cavity wall height and was not statistically different among groups. The hardness of Surefil SDR Flow did not change throughout the depth for both incrementally and bulk filled restorations; the hardness of Esthet-X HD was statistically significantly lower at the bottom of each increment than at the top.

Conclusions
Filling in bulk or increments made no significant difference in marginal bond quality or cuspal flexure for the bulk-fill composite. However, the bulk-fill composite caused less cuspal flexure than the incrementally placed conventional composite. The bulk-fill composite cured all the way through (4 mm), whereas the conventional composite had lower cure at the bottom of each increment.
Calcareous pine forests on Gotland, their typology and main soil properties/ Gotlandi kaltsifi ilsed männikud; nende tüpoloogia ja muldade peamised omadused
Authors: Paal Jaanus , Rajandu Elle 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The calcareous pine forests have one of the highest species diversity among the forest communities in northern Europe. We analysed their classification structure and the relationship with principal environmental variables on Gotland Island, South East Sweden. There were 14 species recorded in the tree layer, 60 species in the shrub layer, including 18 species of tree saplings, 273 species in the field layer and 80 species in the moss layer. The former classifications of the Gotland’s calcareous pine forests are conducted too coarsely or without statistical justification of established community types. In the current study the stands were classified into four community types, 1) Arctostaphylos uva-ursi-Tortella tortuosa type, 2) Brachypodium sylvaticum-Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus type, 3) Carex montana-Scleropodium purum type and, 4) Geranium sanguineum-Scleropodium purum type. All these community types have significantly different species content and they are mutually distinct also by numerous considered environmental variables. The species variation in the shrub, field and moss layers was related primarily with three rather strongly correlated variables: tree layer height, abundance of Picea abies (L.) H.Karst. and soil humus horizon depth. Soils were mainly the Sceletic Regosols or Calcaric Gleyic Regosols, but also Rendzic Leptosols.
Changes of monoterpenes in stem of Chinese white pine (Pinus armandi) saplings following treatment with Methyl Jasmonate
Authors: Pham Thanh , Chen Hui , Zhang Ranran , Dai Lulu , Vu Thiquynhtrang 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The Chinese white pine beetle (Dendroctonus armandi Tsai and Li) is the causal organism for the colossal death of the Chinese white pine (Pinus armandi Fr). We investigated the change of monoterpenes in the stem pholem and xylem in P. armandi saplings at 4 days, 8 days, and 30 days after treatment using treatment (MeJa + Tween-20 and Tween-20 as control) and untreated. GC-MS analysis found that the total monoterpene concentrations in the pholem and xylem in MeJa-treated saplings increased significantly compared with control or untreated saplings. Additionally, the proportions of β-pinene in the stem pholem, β-myrcene in the stem xylem, and limonene + β-phellandrene in both pholem and xylem of MeJa-treated saplings were increased significantly compared with control or untreated saplings. Based on our results, we suggest that by increasing the total concentration of monoterpene and the concentrations of β-myrcene, β-pinene and limonene + β-phellandrene maybe play an important defensive role against insect pests in P. armandi defense.
Arbutin and decrease of potentially toxic substances generated in human blood neutrophils
Authors: Pečivová Jana , Nosáľ Radomír , Sviteková Klára , Mačičková Tatiana 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT
Neutrophils, highly motile phagocytic cells, constitute the first line of host defense and simultaneously they are considered to be central cells of chronic inflammation. In combination with standard therapeutic procedures, natural substances are gaining interest as an option for enhancing the effectiveness of treatment of inflammatory diseases. We investigated the effect of arbutin and carvedilol and of their combination on 4β-phorbol-12β-myristate-13α-acetate- stimulated functions of human isolated neutrophils. Cells were preincubated with the drugs tested and subsequently stimulated. Superoxide (with or without blood platelets, in the rate close to physiological conditions [1:50]) and HOCl generation, elastase and myeloperoxidase release were determined spectrophotometrically and phospholipase D activation spectrofluorometrically. The combined effect of arbutin and carvedilol was found to be more effective than the effect of each compound alone. Our study provided evidence supporting the potential beneficial effect of arbutin alone or in combination with carvedilol in diminishing tissue damage by decreasing phospholipase D, myeloperoxidase and elastase activity and by attenuating the generation of superoxide and the subsequently derived reactive oxygen species. The presented data indicate the ability of arbutin to suppress the onset and progression of inflammation
Hemostatic effect and distribution of new rhThrombin formulations in rats
Authors: Kochan Jan , Schmidtová Ľudmila , Sadloňová Irina , Murányi Andrej 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT
Recombinant human thrombin (rhThrombin) is a potential hemostatic alternative to bovine and human plasma-derived thrombin. Hemostatic, liver regeneration effect and plasma concentrations of rhThrombin (SCILL) tested in the form of solution and hydrogels (thermo-sensitive poloxamer gel and carbomer gel; hameln rds) were evaluated. In the bleeding model, rhThrombin was applied locally on the bleeding site. The time to hemostasis was measured. The rhThrombin in liquid form as well as the thermo-sensitive gel forming formulation significantly reduced the bleeding time in comparison to saline. In the regeneration model, a cut in the form “V” was made on the liver and rhThrombin in both formulations was applied at defined concentrations to the wound for 5 min. The rats survived 1, 3 and 5 days after the injury and treatment. Histological examination showed better results in the group treated with rh Thrombin gel in comparison to the liquid form - solution; differences were insignificant. Low [125I]-rhThrombin radioactivity was evaluated in plasma after topical application (solution and both hydrogels) at hemostatic effective doses to partial hepatectomy in rats. Locally applied rh Thrombin on the rat damaged liver tissue never reached pharmacologically active systemic levels. The plasmatic levels and the content of this active protein in injured liver tissue were lower after application of its hydrogels versus solution
Appropriate CFD Turbulence Model for Improving Indoor Air Quality of Ventilated Spaces
Authors: Teodosiu Cătălin , Ilie Viorel , Teodosiu Raluca 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Accurate assessment of air-flow in ventilated spaces is of major importance for achieving healthy and comfortable indoor environment conditions. The CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) technique is nowadays one of the most used approaches in order to improve the indoor air quality in ventilated environments. Nevertheless, CFD has still two main challenges: turbulence modeling and experimental validation. As a result, the objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of different turbulence models potentially appropriate for the prediction of indoor airflow. Accordingly, results obtained with 6 turbulence models (standard k-ε model, RNG k-ε model, realizable k-ε model, LRN SST k-ω model, transition SST k-ω model and low Reynolds Stress-ω model) are thoroughly validated based on detailed experimental data. The configuration taken into account in this work corresponds to isothermal and anisothermal airflows produced by mixing ventilation systems in small enclosures at low room air changes per hour. In general, the transition SST k-ω model shows the better overall behavior in comparison with measurement values. Consequently, the application of this turbulence model is appropriate for air flows in ventilated spaces, being an interesting option to more sophisticated LES (Large Eddy Simulation) models as it requires less computational resources.
Dysphagia in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (Gerd)
Authors: Grivcheva-Stardelova Kalina , Popova-Jovanova Rozalinda , Deriban Gjorgji , Joksimovic Nenad , Zdravkovska Milka 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Introduction. Dysphagia is considered an alarm symptom, raising the question of stricture or malignancy. We sought to determine the prevalence and severity of dysphagia and correlation with severity of gastroesophageal reflux disease and its response to therapy.
Methods. A total of 642 patients with endoscopically confirmed erosive esophagitis (Los Angeles grades AD). Esophagitis was classified as mild (grade A or B) or severe (grade C or D).
Results. At baseline, of 642 patients 37% had dysphagia, 43% had severe esophagitis, and 35% mild esophagitis (odds ratio, 1.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.27-1.51, p<0.001). Dysphagia resolved in 73% of patients after 4 weeks of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment. Resolution of dysphagia was associated with a mean healing rate of 87% acrossall treatments. Seventeen percent of patients reported persistent dysphagia, and in these patients the healing rates were decreased significantly (mean 72%; p<0.0001).
Conclusions. Dysphagia is common in patients with erosive esophagitis but is not a reliable clinical predictor of severe erosive esophagitis. Dysphagia resolved with PPI therapy in most cases, but persistent dysphagia may indicate failed healing.
Clinical Outcomes of Three Different Modes of Femoral Hamstring Graft Fixation in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Kostov Hristijan , Kaftandziev Igor , Arsovski Oliver , Kostova Elena , Gavrilovski Andrej 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Introduction. There are various methods of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction of which the two main choices in autograft reconstruction involve the use of the bone-patella tendon-bone or hamstring graft. Femoral fixation can be divided into three main types: cortical suspensory devices such as Endobutton (Smith & Nephew, Arthrex), interference screws, and femoral transfixation devices such as Transfix (Arthrex) and Rigidfix (Depuy-Mitek). The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcome between Rigidfix, Transfix and Endobutton devices for soft tissue femoral fixation in primary ACL reconstruction using the autogenous hamstring graft.
Methods. We conducted our study in 48 patients admitted to our clinic, University Traumatology Clinic, Clinical Center "Mother Teresa", Skopje for ACL reconstruction from September 2009 to May 2013. The patients with ACL reconstruction were assigned as Rigidfix group (n=28), the second patients to Transfix group (n=13) and the third to Endobutton group (n=7). MRI of the knee joint was done prior to surgery. A data sheet, containing demographic data, examination findings and Tegner & Lysholm score, was completed for each patient.
Results. Tegner & Lysholm the average scores before surgery were 2.52 and 34.75 (p>0.05). Six month after arthroscopy, the average value of Tegner and Lysholm scores in patients with ACL reconstruction was 8.37 and 89.08. Comparison among them showed that the operative mode of Endobutton femoral fixation had the highest level of the Lysholm score.
Conclusions. Endobutton (Tight rope-RT) yielded a better outcome compared to the other two modes of femoral fixation in terms of instant stability of the graft and the general results.