bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Die Kristallstrukturen von (NEt4
+)2[Se5
2- · 1/2 Se6·Se7] und von (NPr4)2Se11 / The Crystal Structures of (NEt4
+)2[Se5
2- · 1/2 Se6 · Se7] and (NPr4)2Se11
Authors: Dietz Jochen , Müller Ulrich , Müller Volker , Dehnicke Kurt 
Published: March 2015

The title compounds have been prepared by the reactions of a potassium diselenide solution in DMF with excess selenium in the presence of tetraethyl and tetrapropyl ammonium chloride, respectively. They were characterized by X-ray crystal structure determinations.
(NEt4
+)2[Se5
2-·1 /2 Se6 · Se7]: Space group PĪ, Z = 2, 2514 observed unique reflections, R = 0.085. Lattice dimensions at —40 °C: a = 957.7(4), b = 1384.2(4), c = 1545.3(7) pm, α = 107.32(3)°, β = 97.27(4)°, γ = 105.94(3)°. The compound has an ionic structure of NEt4
+ ions and chains of pentaselenide ions, which are associated with Se6 and Se7, ring molecules, forming layers parallel to (110).
(NPr4)2Se11: Space group C2/c, Ζ = 4, 2198 observed unique reflections, R = 0.082. Lattice dimensions at —40 °C: a = 2364.7(5), b = 1206.8(2), c = 1609.6(3) pm, β = 118.74(3)°. The compound consists of cations (N(C3H7)4
+ and spirocyclic anions Se11
2-, in which two Se6 rings having chair conformation are linked by a common Se atom with planar coordination. There are no short contacts between the S11
2- ions.
Effect of Drying and Wetting on the Shear Strength of a Low-Plasticity Clay With Different Initial Dry Densities
Authors: Liu Wenhua , Yang Qing , Tang Xiaowei , Yang Gang 
Published: March 2015

AbstractSoils near the ground surface are naturally subjected to drying and wetting cycles because of climatic changes. The shear strength variations of soils induced by drying and wetting affect the stability of the geotechnical structures. The general objective of this study is to assess the effect of drying and wetting on the shear strength of a low-plasticity clay, classified as CL according to the Unified Soil Classification System, from Dalian, China. A series of consolidated undrained triaxial tests were conducted on the specimens with three different initial dry densities of 1.61, 1.71, and 1.76 Mg/m3. These tests were conducted under the saturated condition after the specimens were subjected to different numbers of drying and wetting cycles. The results indicate that drying and wetting have different impacts on the mechanical behaviors of soils with different initial dry densities. For the specimens with the initial dry density of 1.61 Mg/m3, the internal friction angle increased, whereas the residual strength and cohesion decreased after cyclic drying and wetting. The stress–strain relationships altered from strain hardening to strain softening. As for the specimens with the initial dry density of 1.71 and 1.76 Mg/m3, the internal friction angle, residual strength, and cohesion all decreased after cyclic drying and wetting. Based on the experimental results, it is concluded that the variations of the shear strengths can be attributed to the irreversible volume compression and the variation of dilatancy. The overall influence of drying and wetting on the mechanical behaviors depends on the initial state of soils.
Does selenium supplementation affect thyroid function? Results from a randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial in a Danish population
Authors: Winther Kristian Hillert , Bonnema Steen Joop , Cold Frederik , Debrabant Birgit , Nybo Mads , Cold Søren , Hegedüs Laszlo 
Published: March 2015

ObjectiveSelenium is present in the active site of proteins important for thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolism. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of selenium supplementation in different doses on thyroid function, under conditions of suboptimal dietary selenium intake.DesignThe Danish PREvention of Cancer by Intervention with SElenium pilot study (DK-PRECISE) is a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. A total of 491 males and females aged 60–74 years were randomized to 100 μg (n=124), 200 μg (n=122), or 300 μg (n=119) selenium-enriched yeast or matching yeast-based placebo tablets (n=126). A total of 361 participants, equally distributed across treatment groups, completed the 5-year intervention period.MethodsPlasma samples were analyzed for selenium and serum samples for TSH, free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4) at baseline, and after 6 months, and 5 years of supplementation.ResultsPlasma selenium concentrations increased significantly and dose-dependently in treatment groups receiving selenium (P<0.001). Serum TSH and FT4concentrations decreased significantly and dose-dependently by 0.066 mIU/l (P=0.010) and 0.11 pmol/l (P=0.015), respectively, per 100 μg/day increase, with insignificant differences between 6 months and 5 years. No significant effects were found for FT3and FT3:FT4ratio.ConclusionsIn euthyroid subjects, selenium supplementation minutely and dose-dependently affects thyroid function, when compared with placebo, by decreasing serum TSH and FT4concentrations. Based on these findings, selenium supplementation is not warranted under conditions of marginal selenium deficiency. However, a role for selenium supplementation in the treatment of autoimmune thyroid diseases is still unresolved.
A Systematic Review on Drugs Absorption Modifications after Eradication in Helicobacter pylori Positive Patients undergoing Replacement Therapy
Authors: Fiorini Giulia , Bland John Martin , Hughes Elizabeth , Castelli Valentina , Vaira Dino 
Published: March 2015

Background & Aims: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been suggested as a cause of impaired drug absorption. This infection leads to alteration of the gastric acid secretion that may change the conformational characteristics of drugs and their intestinal absorption leading to uncertainties about the dose to administer and the therapeutic results. A systematic review was undertaken to clarify the implications of drug absorption during the administration of replacement therapies.Methods: Electronic databases such as MEDLINE/Pubmed, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library [which includes Cochrane Database of Systematic Review (CDSR), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), the Database of Abstract of Reviews of Effect (DARE)] were searched. Grey literature databases (e.g. the International clinical trials registry platform, Trials Register, Clinical Trials.gov, Controlled Trials and TrialsCentral), Theses database, Government publication and LILACS database were also searched. No language restriction was applied.Results: Infection and altered drug absorption were evaluated in patients under replacement therapies with iron, thyroxin and L-dopa. In all, seven studies included an improvement in drug absorption after eradication and an existing inverse correlation between the grade of gastric inflammation and indices of drug absorption were noticed.Conclusion: This systematic review confirmed the presence of an interaction between infection and drug absorption of orally administered replacement therapies. Gastric acid reduction and subsequent alteration of drug composition seem to lead this mechanism. Clinicians should be aware of this possible interaction when starting a replacement therapy in patients and when evaluating poor clinical response.
Giant Self-Polarization in FeRAM Element Based on Sol-Gel PZT Films
Authors: Delimova L. A. , Guschina E. V. , Yuferev V. S. , Grekhov I. V. , Zaiceva N. V. , Sharenkova N. V. , Seregin D. S. , Vorotilov K. A. , Sigov A. S. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTIntegrated ferroelectric capacitors Pt/PZT/Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si with sol-gel deposited PZT films are studied. The (111) textured polycrystalline films are shown to have nonconductive PZT grain boundaries. The short-circuited photocurrents measured under illumination of the films by light with the quantum energy of 2.7 eV indicate the polarization inside the film directed from the top to the bottom electrode. Using the modified method of depolarization hysteresis loops, we found a non-switchable part of polarization which was measured to be -16 μC/cm2 and directed from the top to the bottom electrode. We consider this result to be a giant self-polarization and explain it in terms of flexoelectricity caused by lattice mismatch between the PZT and bottom Pt layers. The strain gradient across the PZT film thickness is estimated from the in-plane lattice constants measured in Pt and PZT films to be ∼103cm-1, which can produce the downward flexoelectric polarization of ∼14 μC/cm2, coinciding well with the measured one. Nonsymmetrical depolarization loops are found in the films when the polarization switching itself becomes more difficult under the negative or positive driving voltage. We show experimentally how depolarization with compensating bias or film illumination can affect the film polarization switching.
Mutual fund flows: an analysis of the main macroeconomic factors
Authors: Roquete Raphael Moses , Figueiredo Otavio Henrique dos Santos , Wanke Peter Fernandes 
Published: March 2015

This paper analyzes whether some macroeconomic factors (country risk, IBrX volatility and Interbank Certificate of Deposit) are related to mutual fund flows for the period between January 2005 and August 2014. In order to investigate whether the flow series behaved differently during this period, the Chow test was conducted for September 2008 (the month in which the Lehman Brothers investment bank collapsed). The regressions were performed and the parameters were estimated through the OLS method for both periods, the first running from January 2005 to August 2008 and the second from September 2008 to August 2014. For the period between January 2005 and August 2008, all the variables, except for the Interbank Certificate of Deposit, proved significant, at a significance level of 10%. For the subsequent period, none of the variables proved significant and the R² was very low, which may merely indicate that investors failed to analyze the main macroeconomic variables for mutual fund allocations or redemptions and simply considered other aspects, such as manager performance.Keywords: Investment Funds. Flow. Macroeconomic Factors.
Older Adults’ Perceptions of Using iPads for Improving Fruit and Vegetable Intake: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Watkins Ivan , Xie Bo 
Published: March 2015

Fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption can improve older adults’ health outcomes, but conventional interventions can be resource demanding and make it difficult to provide just-in-time intervention content. iPad-based interventions may help overcome these limitations, but little is known about how older adults might perceive and use iPads for FV consumption. To address this gap in the literature, we conducted a qualitative study to explore older adults’ perceptions and use of iPads for improving FV consumption between February and August of 2012. Five focus group sessions each lasting 120 min were conducted with 22 older adult participants. During each session, participants received guided exposure and instruction on iPad use and then explored three iPad applications targeting FV consumption (MyFood, FiveADay Lite, and Whole Foods Market Recipes). Detailed notes from focus group interviews were analyzed with a grounded theory approach that applied a constant comparative method to enable themes to emerge from the data. Three themes were identified from the data regarding participants’ baseline perceptions of iPads. These included (a) limited knowledge on iPad’s functions, (b) iPads were intended for younger users, and (c) iPads were too expensive. Themes identified regarding participants’ perceptions of iPads after guided exposure included (a) the touchscreen was easier to use than a computer mouse, (b) tapping the interface required practice, (c) portability was an asset in conjunction with functionality, (d) portability and functionality supported personal interests, (e) the difficulty of learning an iPad’s functions varied, and (f) practice and instruction helped overcome fear of the iPad. Finally, participants recommended iPad app features that could help them overcome barriers to their FV intake. These included (a) locating inexpensive FV from nearby sources, (b) providing tailored food and recipe suggestions, and (c) tracking and communicating FV intake with a doctor. These findings have important implications for future research on mobile app-based eHealth interventions to improve older adults’ FV intake.
Clinical and Biochemical Evaluation of Lozenges Containing Lactobacillus reuteri as an Adjunct to Non‐Surgical Periodontal Therapy in Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: İnce Gizem , Gürsoy Hare , İpçi Şebnem Dirikan , Cakar Gokser , Emekli‐Alturfan Ebru , Yılmaz Selçuk 
Published: March 2015

Background: This study evaluates the effects on clinical and biochemical parameters of Lactobacillus reuteri–containing probiotic supplementation adjunctive to initial periodontal therapy in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP).Methods: Thirty patients with CP were included and divided into two groups. Every patient had, in each quadrant, ≥2 teeth each with approximal sites with a probing depth (PD) of 5 to 7 mm and gingival index (GI) of ≥2. The test group received scaling and root planing (SRP) and probiotic‐containing lozenges. The control group received SRP and placebo lozenges. Plaque index (PI), GI, bleeding on probing (BOP), PD, and attachment gain were measured. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was sampled for the analysis of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐8 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1 by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. All evaluations were performed at baseline and on days 21, 90, 180, and 360.Results: Differences in intergroup comparisons of PI, GI, BOP, and PD were found to be significant (P <0.05) in favor of the test group at all time points. Decreased GCF MMP‐8 levels and increased TIMP‐1 levels were found to be significant up to day 180 (P <0.05). Mean values of attachment gain were significantly higher in the test group compared with the control group on days 90, 180, and 360.Conclusions: Lozenges containing L. reuteri may be a useful supplement in moderately deep pockets of patients with CP. Low MMP‐8 and high TIMP‐1 levels may indicate the role of the lozenges in reduction of inflammation‐associated markers up to day 180.
Meta‐Analysis of Association Between Interleukin‐1β C‐511T Polymorphism and Chronic Periodontitis Susceptibility
Authors: Zeng Xian‐Tao , Liu Dong‐Yan , Kwong Joey S. W. , Leng Wei‐Dong , Xia Ling‐Yun , Mao Min 
Published: March 2015

Background: Many studies have been conducted to explore the association between interleukin (IL)‐1β C‐511T polymorphism and risk of chronic periodontitis (CP) but with different or even contradictory results. A meta‐analysis was performed to further explore their association.Methods: PubMed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and EMBASE were searched up to September 30, 2014 for relevant case‐control studies. Two authors (D‐YL and L‐YX) independently selected studies and extracted data from included studies. The meta‐analysis was performed using comprehensive meta‐analysis software.Results: Nineteen case‐control studies involving 2,173 patients with CP and 3,900 healthy controls were included. Using a random‐effects meta‐analysis model, a non‐significant association between IL‐1β C‐511T polymorphism and CP was identified (T versus C: odds ratio [OR] = 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.85 to 1.25; TT versus CC: OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.72 to 1.46; CT versus CC: OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.71 to 1.30; CT + TT versus CC: OR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.74 to 1.34; TT versus CT + CC: OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.81 to 1.38), and sensitivity analysis indicated that the results were robust. Subgroup analyses also revealed a non‐significant association. No publication bias was detected.Conclusions: Based on currently available evidence, IL‐1β C‐511T polymorphism is not associated with the risk of developing CP. Additional research is warranted to further explore and confirm the association of genetic polymorphism and CP.
The Effects of Professional Role, Decision Context, and Gender on the Ethical Decision Making of Public Accounting Professionals
Authors: Bobek Donna D. , Hageman Amy M. , Radtke Robin R. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT
This study investigates the degree to which professional role (auditor or tax professional), decision context (an audit or tax environment), and gender influence the ethical decision making of public accounting professionals. The primary analysis, including all 134 accounting professionals who participated in our experiment, indicates that these participants are both less likely to indicate they would concede to a client in a contentious situation and less likely to recommend conceding when they are in an audit as opposed to tax context. Furthermore, work experience in auditing (as opposed to tax) is associated with a decreased likelihood of conceding to the client in both contexts. However, when data for males and females are analyzed separately, professional role, context, and moral intensity are significantly related to males' decision making, but are not significant with respect to females' decisions. This suggests that males and females may use different decision-making processes. Possible theoretical explanations for these findings are discussed.
Challenges in Sustainability and Integrated Reporting
Authors: Bouten Lies , Hoozée Sophie 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT
Students are introduced to the concepts of sustainability reporting and the latest trend, integrated reporting, by playing the role of an active jury member on the judging panel for the Best Belgian Sustainability Report Award. Through the reporting practices of Telenet, a Belgian telecommunication company, the case demonstrates the pivotal role of materiality and completeness in assessing the quality of sustainability reporting. Moreover, by revealing that an integrated strategy is crucial in the development of an integrated report and by demonstrating the importance of connecting financial and sustainability-related performance indicators, the case exposes students to the challenges that companies may face in developing their integrated reporting. The case also encourages students to critically reflect on the motivations behind sustainability reporting. In addition, through the active process of analyzing the disclosed information, students learn to formulate hands-on recommendations for improvement. This master's-level case is appropriate for either general financial reporting courses that incorporate contemporary reporting trends or more specific accounting courses on corporate social responsibility (CSR), sustainability, accountability, or ethics.
Irreparable Global Spread of Pathogens and International Trade – Infection Monitoring
Authors: Kouba Václav 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
There is no systematic monitoring of global spreading of pathogens through international trade carried out by any organisation regulating world-wide trade in animals and their products. A critical evaluation of the impact of international trade provisions on global pathogen spread is missing as well. Data related to this kind of analysis are no more internationally collected. However, information on animal infection occurrence is of paramount importance for decision-making on animal health import conditions based on pathogen introduction risk assessment considering first of all the epizootiological situation in exporting countries. Actual international animal health information system covers just a small part of known animal infections and provides much less information on their occurrence and epizootiological characteristics than before (except for a few selected emergency infections). It provides the importing countries zero or insufficient data for objective risk assessment to avoid pathogen introduction through international trade. Illegal export/import is not recorded in any information system. The globalisation era trade requires much more efficient information system, including monitoring of global spread of pathogenic microflora through trade, as the basis for more effective international preventive and control anti-epizootic measures. There is an urgent need to re-establish animal health information system within the United Nations Organization as its inseparable component for follow-up execution of animal health technical assistance and global anti-epizootic programmes.
Strategic Planning in the Framework of Metropolitan Areas in Romania: Going beyond the Requirements of the Law and Transforming it into an Effective Planning Tool
Authors: Hințea Călin E. , Neamțu Bogdana 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
This paper strives to discuss the role played by the newly created metropolitan areas around the seven growth poles from the perspective of the cooperation between the urban centers on the one hand and the neighboring rural communities on the other. It looks at the governance mechanisms in place at the level of the metropolitan areas and tries to assess if the cities and the neighboring communities are equal partners in these cooperation schemes. The paper also looks at one of the most important functions of these metropolitan areas - strategic planning in the form of drafting the integrated plans for urban development (IPUDs). We look at this function also from the perspective of the relations between the cities and their hinterlands. The paper has the following structure: section two briefly examines the concept of growth poles and their creation in Romania; section three looks at strategic planning as a tool for the implementation of the growth pole policy; section four presents the methodology of the study; section five details the main findings of the research, while section six briefly presents the recommendations and the conclusions. The empirical research for the study consisted in interviews with public servants working for the communities that are part of the metropolitan areas formed around the growth poles. As for the conclusions, the authors wish to emphasize that metropolitan areas should be understood in the broader context of the territorial reform.
Le discours sur les drogues licites et illicites dans les émissions médicales et les magazines consacrés à la santé publique à la télévision (de 1956 à aujourd'hui)
Authors: Tsikounas Myriam 
Published: March 2015

À partir des années 1950, les responsables de la santé publique qui souhaitent alerter les Français sur les dangers des substances psychoactives disposent d’un nouveau média de masse : la télévision. D’abord monopole d’État, l’ORTF éclate en sept structures au mitan des années 1970 puis se privatise graduellement, à partir de 1984, tout en démultipliant ses canaux de diffusion. Ces bouleversements du paysage audiovisuel français, qui se traduisent par une augmentation du nombre d’heures de programmes hebdomadaire, modifient inévitablement les pratiques d’écoute et la conception des émissions. Comment affectent-ils les magazines consacrés à l’alcool et aux drogues ?