bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Body-Surface Compounds in Buckfast and Caucasian Honey Bee Workers (Apis Mellifera)
Authors: Strachecka Aneta , Borsuk Grzegorz , Paleolog Jerzy , Olszewski Krzysztof , Bajda Milena , Chobotow Jacek 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Body-surface chemical compounds were studied in 1-day-old nest workers and foragers both in Buckfast and Caucasian bees. The workers of these two age-castes were sampled twice in each of two consecutive years. Body-surface lipids were determined by means of gas chromatography, with a GCQ mass spectrometer. Protein concentrations and activities on the body surface were examined in bee cuticle rinsings obtained from worker bees according to the methods of Lowry, of Anson, and of Lee and Lin. Protease and protease inhibitor activities were determined. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was performed. Caucasian bees, particularly foragers, had more lipids, but Buckfast bees (two age-castes) had more proteins on their body surfaces. A total of 17 alkane types (C17 - C33), 13 alkene types (C21 - C33), 21 esters (C12 - C32), and a phenol (C14) were detected in both races. Alkene C33 was detected only in Caucasian bees. More alkanes, esters, and phenols were found in Caucasian 1-day-old nest workers and foragers than in these age-castes of Buckfast bees. The protein concentration and protease inhibitor activities were lower in Caucasian bees that had higher protease activities. These values corresponded with specific numbers and widths of the electrophoretic bands.
Antagonistic Effect of Gut Bacteria in the Hybrid Carniolan Honey Bee, Apis Mellifera Carnica, Against Ascosphaera Apis, the Causal Organism of Chalkbrood Disease
Authors: Omar Mohamed O. M. , Moustafa Adhm M. , Ansari Mohammad J. , Anwar Abdelsalam M. , Fahmy Bassam F. , Al-Ghamdi Ahmad , Nuru Adgaba 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The objective of this study was to isolate and characterize bacterial strains associated with the gut of the hybrid Carniolan honey bee, Apis mellifera carnica, and to determine their in vitro and in vivo potential against Ascosphaera apis, the causal organism of chalkbrood disease, with the purpose of exploring feasible biological control. Six bacterial strains were isolated from healthy worker honey bees by culture-dependent methods. Six fungal strains (A3, A4, A7, A8, A9, and A15) of A. apis were isolated from larvae suffering from chalkbrood disease on Yeast-Glucose-Starch agar (YGPSA) medium. All bacteria were identified by a combination of morphology, Gram stain, and 16S rRNA sequence analysis, and fungal strains were identified by morphology and 5.8S rRNA. In vitro and in vivo inhibition assays were carried out to determine the ability of bacterial isolates to inhibit A. apis, the causal agent of chalkbrood disease. The analysis of 16S rRNA sequences revealed that four bacterial strains (B2, B4, B10, and B100) belong to Bacillus subtilis species, and two strains (P1 and P5) belong to Pseudomonas fluorescence. Significant differences in antagonistic activity of all bacterial strains were observed. B. subtilis isolate B2 showed the highest antagonistic activity, as measured by the inhibition zone against A. apis, followed by the P1 strain of P. fluorescence. SEM analysis also supports the antagonistic activity of these bacteria against A. apis. This study provides a theoretical basis for biological control of honey bee chalkbrood disease.
The Proteolytic Activity of Diapausing and Newly Hatched Red Mason Bees (Osmia Rufa: Megachilidae)
Authors: Zaobidna Ewa A. , Dmochowska Kamila , Frączek Regina , Dymczyk Ewa , Żółtowska Krystyna 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Osmia rufa is a solitary bee that is used commercially for pollinating crops. The bee enters obligatory diapause as an imago. The activity of proteolytic enzymes during diapause has not been investigated. We studied the proteinase activity on four substrates - casein, haemoglobin, bovine serum albumin (BSA ), and gelatine - during diapause (from October to March) and in newly hatched males and females in April. During diapause, greater fluctuations in enzyme activity levels were noted in males than in females, and a significant decrease in male enzyme activity was observed in January and March. Male enzymes were most effective in decomposing gelatine; whereas, female enzymes were equally effective in hydrolysing gelatine and BSA . The differences in substrate preferences between male and female enzymes were particularly pronounced in October and in the newly hatched individuals. The levels of gelatinolytic activity likely indicate that a high proportion of proteinases in O. rufa are elastase-like enzymes. They are involved in the digestion and remodelling of proteins with numerous peptide bonds formed by amino acids with short side-chains.
Financial Independence of Central Bank through the Balance Sheet Prism
Authors: Ivanović Valentina 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The main reason for central bank independence lies in the fact that it is necessary to clearly distinguish spending money from the ability of making money. Independence of central banks is now a characteristic of almost all developed and highly industrialized countries. In this respect, it represents an essential part of the overall economic reality of these countries. Over the past decade or somewhat earlier, the issue of importance of central bank independence has been raised in developing countries, making the institutional, functional, personal and financial independence of central banks current topics for consideration. The key reason for the growing attention to financial independence of central banks is due to the effects of the global financial crisis on their balance sheets and therefore the challenges related to achieving the basic goals of the functioning of central banks - financial stability and price stability.
Financial strength and independence of central banks must be developed relative to the policy and tasks that are carried out and risks they face in carrying out of these tasks. Financial independence represents a key base for credibility of a central bank. On one hand, the degree of credibility is associated with the ability of central banks to carry out their tasks without external financial assistance. In order to enhance the credibility of central bank in this regard, it must have sufficient financial strength to absorb potential losses and that power must be continuously strengthened by increasing capital and rearranging profit allocation arrangements. This is particularly important in times of crisis.
Low pressure mediated enhancement of nanoparticle and macromolecule loading into porous silicon structures
Authors: Leonard Fransisca , Margulis Katherine , Liu Xuewu , Srinivasan Srimeenakshi , Magdassi Shlomo , Godin Biana 
Published: June 2014

Abstract

Ensuring drug loading efficiency and consistency is one of
the most critical stages in engineering drug delivery vectors
based on porous materials. Here we propose a technique
to significantly enhance the effciency of loading by
employing simple and widely available methods: applying
low pressure with and without centrifugation. Our results
point toward the advantages of the proposed method
over the passive loading, especially when the difference
between the dimensions of loaded materials and the pore
diameter is small, an increase of up to 20-fold can be observed.
The technique described in this study can be used
for efficient and reproducible loading of porous materials
with therapeutic molecules, nanoparticles and contrast
imaging agents for biomedical applications.
Contribution to knowledge of the distribution of the rare great silver water beetle Hydrophilus piceus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera, Hydrophilidae) in Greece
Authors: Karaouzas Ioannis , Andriopoulou Argyro , Gritzalis Konstantinos 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
This study contributes to the currently poor knowledge of the distribution of Hydrophilus piceus (LINNAEUS, 1758) in Greece, an important and elsewhere threatened and critically endangered aquatic beetle. The large great silver water beetle was recorded in various aquatic habitats in the north-western Peloponnesus, being the southernmost record of the species in Greece. Photographs of the adult of the species are presented, and some notes on its ecology are provided. This work highlights the importance of revising the current status of the species in Greece, protecting its habitat and including it as a target species for conservation efforts.
New insight into the pupal characters of Gabrius Stephens, 1829 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylinini)
Authors: Pietrykowska-Tudruj Ewa , Krajewska Marta , Staniec Bernard 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The pupa of Gabrius appendiculatus SHARP, 1910 is described and illustrated for the first time. A key to the known pupae of four Gabrius species applying newly defined morphological characters is provided.
Nonarthritic Hip Joint Pain
Authors: Enseki Keelan , Harris-Hayes Marcie , White Douglas M. , Cibulka Michael T. , Woehrle Judith , Fagerson Timothy L. , Clohisy John C. , Altman Roy D. , Davenport Todd E. , Delitto Anthony , DeWitt John , Fearon Helene , Ferland Amanda , Flynn Timothy L. , Kusnell Jennifer , MacDermid Joy , Martin RobRoy L. , Matheson James W. , McClure Philip , Meyer John , Philippon Marc , Torburn Leslie 
Published: June 2014

The Orthopaedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has an ongoing effort to create evidence-based practice guidelines for orthopaedic physical therapy management of patients with musculoskeletal impairments described in the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). The purpose of these clinical practice guidelines is to describe the peer-reviewed literature and make recommendations related to nonarthritic hip joint pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2014;44(6):A1–A32. doi:10.2519/jospt.2014.0302
Variations in cost calculations in spine surgery cost-effectiveness research
Authors: Alvin Matthew D. , Miller Jacob A. , Lubelski Daniel , Rosenbaum Benjamin P. , Abdullah Kalil G. , Whitmore Robert G. , Benzel Edward C. , Mroz Thomas E. 
Published: June 2014

Object
Cost-effectiveness research in spine surgery has been a prominent focus over the last decade. However, there has yet to be a standardized method developed for calculation of costs in such studies. This lack of a standardized costing methodology may lead to conflicting conclusions on the cost-effectiveness of an intervention for a specific diagnosis. The primary objective of this study was to systematically review all cost-effectiveness studies published on spine surgery and compare and contrast various costing methodologies used.

Methods
The authors performed a systematic review of the cost-effectiveness literature related to spine surgery. All cost-effectiveness analyses pertaining to spine surgery were identified using the cost-effectiveness analysis registry database of the Tufts Medical Center Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy, and the MEDLINE database. Each article was reviewed to determine the study subject, methodology, and results. Data were collected from each study, including costs, interventions, cost calculation method, perspective of cost calculation, and definitions of direct and indirect costs if available.

Results
Thirty-seven cost-effectiveness studies on spine surgery were included in the present study. Twenty-seven (73%) of the studies involved the lumbar spine and the remaining 10 (27%) involved the cervical spine. Of the 37 studies, 13 (35%) used Medicare reimbursements, 12 (32%) used a case-costing database, 3 (8%) used cost-to-charge ratios (CCRs), 2 (5%) used a combination of Medicare reimbursements and CCRs, 3 (8%) used the United Kingdom National Health Service reimbursement system, 2 (5%) used a Dutch reimbursement system, 1 (3%) used the United Kingdom Department of Health data, and 1 (3%) used the Tricare Military Reimbursement system. Nineteen (51%) studies completed their cost analysis from the societal perspective, 11 (30%) from the hospital perspective, and 7 (19%) from the payer perspective. Of those studies with a societal perspective, 14 (38%) reported actual indirect costs.

Conclusions
Changes in cost have a direct impact on the value equation for concluding whether an intervention is cost-effective. It is essential to develop a standardized, accurate means of calculating costs. Comparability and transparency are essential, such that studies can be compared properly and policy makers can be appropriately informed when making decisions for our health care system based on the results of these studies.
Cost-effectiveness of lumbar discectomy and single-level fusion for spondylolisthesis: experience with the NeuroPoint-SD registry
Authors: Mummaneni Praveen V. , Whitmore Robert G. , Curran Jill N. , Ziewacz John E. , Wadhwa Rishi , Shaffrey Christopher I. , Asher Anthony L. , Heary Robert F. , Cheng Joseph S. , Hurlbert R. John , Douglas Andrea F. , Smith Justin S. , Malhotra Neil R. , Dante Stephen J. , Magge Subu N. , Kaiser Michael G. , Abbed Khalid M. , Resnick Daniel K. , Ghogawala Zoher 
Published: June 2014

Object
There is significant practice variation and uncertainty as to the value of surgical treatments for lumbar spine disorders. The authors' aim was to establish a multicenter registry to assess the efficacy and costs of common lumbar spinal procedures by using prospectively collected outcomes.

Methods
An observational prospective cohort study was completed at 13 academic and community sites. Patients undergoing single-level fusion for spondylolisthesis or single-level lumbar discectomy were included. The 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) data were obtained preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Power analysis estimated a sample size of 160 patients: lumbar disc (125 patients) and lumbar listhesis (35 patients). The quality-adjusted life year (QALY) data were calculated using 6-dimension utility index scores. Direct costs and complication costs were estimated using Medicare reimbursement values from 2011, and indirect costs were estimated using the human capital approach with the 2011 US national wage index. Total costs equaled $14,980 for lumbar discectomy and $43,852 for surgery for lumbar spondylolisthesis.

Results
There were 198 patients enrolled over 1 year. The mean age was 46 years (49% female) for lumbar discectomy (n = 148) and 58.1 years (60% female) for lumbar spondylolisthesis (n = 50). Ten patients with disc herniation (6.8%) and 1 with listhesis (2%) required repeat operation at 1 year. The overall 1-year follow-up rate was 88%. At 30 days, both lumbar discectomy and single-level fusion procedures were associated with significant improvements in ODI, visual analog scale, and SF-36 scores (p = 0.0002), which persisted at the 1-year evaluation (p < 0.0001). By 1 year, more than 80% of patients in each cohort who were working preoperatively had returned to work. Lumbar discectomy was associated with a gain of 0.225 QALYs over the 1-year study period ($66,578/QALY gained). Lumbar spinal fusion for Grade I listhesis was associated with a gain of 0.195 QALYs over the 1-year study period ($224,420/QALY gained).

Conclusions
This national spine registry demonstrated successful collection of high-quality outcomes data for spinal procedures in actual practice. These data are useful for demonstrating return to work and cost-effectiveness following surgical treatment of single-level lumbar disc herniation or spondylolisthesis. One-year cost per QALY was obtained, and this cost per QALY is expected to improve further by 2 years. This work sets the stage for real-world analysis of the value of health interventions.
La formation professionnelle en Allemagne : une coopération réussie avec les entreprises et un atout pour le développement local. L'exemple de la Fachhochschule Furtwangen en Forêt-Noire (Vocational training in Germany : a successful partnership with business and an asset for local development. A case study of Black Forest based-Fachhochschule Furtwangen)
Authors: Stubbe Cornelia 
Published: June 2014

This paper questions the impact that training institutions can have on a region 's economic development. First, it presents three different models of German vocational training. Then the paper focuses on the Fachhochschule Furtwangen, based in the uplands of the Black Forest, a rural district of south-east Germany, which provides a good example of a positive partnership between training institutions and the world of work.
High quality training combined with a pivotal position among SMEs in research projects have made it a key factor for the location of more high tech and innovative companies than elsewhere.
3D Plant cell architecture of Arabidopsis thaliana (Brassicaceae) using focused ion beam–scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Bhawana  , Miller Joyce L. , Cahoon A. Bruce 
Published: June 2014

• Premise of the study: Focused ion beam–scanning electron microscopy (FIB‐SEM) combines the ability to sequentially mill the sample surface and obtain SEM images that can be used to create 3D renderings with micron‐level resolution. We have applied FIB‐SEM to study Arabidopsis cell architecture. The goal was to determine the efficacy of this technique in plant tissue and cellular studies and to demonstrate its usefulness in studying cell and organelle architecture and distribution.• Methods: Seed aleurone, leaf mesophyll, stem cortex, root cortex, and petal lamina from Arabidopsis were fixed and embedded for electron microscopy using protocols developed for animal tissues and modified for use with plant cells. Each sample was sectioned using the FIB and imaged with SEM. These serial images were assembled to produce 3D renderings of each cell type.• Results: Organelles such as nuclei and chloroplasts were easily identifiable, and other structures such as endoplasmic reticula, lipid bodies, and starch grains were distinguishable in each tissue.• Discussion: The application of FIB‐SEM produced 3D renderings of five plant cell types and offered unique views of their shapes and internal content. These results demonstrate the usefulness of FIB‐SEM for organelle distribution and cell architecture studies.
The Influence of Early Menopause on Cardiovascular Risk in Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Pfeifer Emily C. , Crowson Cynthia S. , Amin Shreyasee , Gabriel Sherine E. , Matteson Eric L. 
Published: June 2014

Objective.Early menopause is associated with an increased risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women increases following menopause. Because RA is associated with an increased risk of CVD, this study was undertaken to determine whether early menopause affects the risk of developing CVD in women with RA.Methods.A population-based inception cohort of 600 women with RA who fulfilled 1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria for RA between 1955 and 2007 and were age ≥ 45 years at diagnosis was assembled and followed. Age at menopause and duration of hormone replacement therapy, along with occurrence of CVD, was ascertained by review of medical records. Cox proportional hazard models compared women who underwent early menopause (natural or artificial menopause at age ≤ 45 yrs) to those within the cohort who did not undergo early menopause.Results.Of 600 women, 79 experienced early menopause. Women who underwent early menopause were at significantly higher risk for developing CVD when compared to women who did not (HR 1.56; 95% CI 1.08–2.26).Conclusion.The risk of CVD in women with RA was higher in those who experienced early menopause, and like other known risk factors should increase clinician concern for development of CVD in these patients.
Composite Disease Activity and Responder Indices for Psoriatic Arthritis: A Report from the GRAPPA 2013 Meeting on Development of Cutoffs for Both Disease Activity States and Response
Authors: Helliwell Phillip S. , FitzGerald Oliver , Fransen Jaap 
Published: June 2014

Objective.There are several new composite indices for assessing disease activity in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Each may function as a disease state variable and a responder index. The aim of our study was to determine cutoffs for disease activity and response.Methods.Data from the Group for GRAPPA Composite Exercise (GRACE) study were used to develop cutoffs using a number of different approaches. Voting on choice of cutoff was undertaken at the 2013 GRAPPA Annual Meeting in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.Results.After voting, results for cutoffs for low/high disease activity for the Psoriatic ArthritiS Disease Activity Score (PASDAS), GRAppa Composite scorE (GRACE index), and Composite Psoriatic Disease Activity Index (CPDAI), respectively, were 3.2/5.4, 2.3/4.7, and 4/8. The measurement error for each composite score was estimated at 0.8, 1, and 2 for PASDAS, GRACE, and CPDAI, respectively.Conclusion.Response criteria for the new composite indices have been developed. These now require further validation and testing in other datasets.
Symptomatic Vertebral Artery Loop: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Doweidar Ahmed , Al-Sayed Saeed , Al-Kandery Salwa 
Published: June 2014

Vertebral artery loop formation is a rare anatomical variant capable of causing bony erosion, encroachment on cervical neural foramen, neurovascular compression, or vertebrobasilar insufficiency. Health professionals should keep the diagnosis of vertebral artery loop formation in mind, especially when the plain radiograph of the cervical spine shows enlargement of the intervertebral foramen. If overlooked, serious complications like vertebral artery injury may occur during surgery or vertebrobasilar angiography, as well as cerebrovascular stroke during transforaminal cervical epidural steroid injections. This case report aims at increasing the awareness of both clinicians and radiologists of this entity as a known rare cause of cervical radiculopathy. In suspected cases, Magnetic resonance imaging & Magnetic resonance angiography should always be the first choice in this regard.
Nodular Fasciitis in the Axillary Tail of the Breast
Authors: Samardzic Dejan , Chetlen Alison Lynn , Malysz Jozef 
Published: June 2014

Nodular fasciitis is a benign proliferation of myofibroblasts which presents clinically as a rapidly growing mass with nonspecific features on imaging and high cellular activity on histopathology. Nodular fasciitis can be mistaken for malignant fibrous lesions such as soft tissue sarcoma or breast carcinoma when located within breast tissue. This presents a problem for appropriate treatment planning as the natural history of nodular fasciitis is spontaneous regression. We present the mammographic, sonographic, computed tomography, and histopathologic characteristics of nodular fasciitis in a 68 year female initially presenting with a rapidly enlarging right axillary mass.
La démocratie sanitaire à l’épreuve de la psychiatrie : comment « faire une place » à un « usager » dans un réseau de professionnels en santé mentale ?
Authors: Autès Erwan 
Published: June 2014

L’intégration des profanes dans le monde professionnel fait l’objet de nombreuses études dans le champ de la santé. La psychiatrie est un cas de mise à l’épreuve de cette politique d’intégration de la citoyenneté à partir du statut d’usager. Dans une perspective d’anthropologie politique de la santé mentale, attentive aux enjeux de catégorisation des usagers, l’article porte sur ce que révèle une traduction locale du projet politique de participation des usagers à travers l’intégration de profanes dans un réseau en santé mentale. Les résultats soulèvent les paradoxes de l’intégration d’un « usager » dans un réseau de professionnels en santé mentale et esquissent une typologie des mécanismes inclusifs et ségrégatifs.