bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differences in Progression to ESRD between Black and White Patients Receiving Predialysis Care in a Universal Health Care System
Authors: van den Beukel Tessa O. , de Goeij Moniek C.M. , Dekker Friedo W. , Siegert Carl E.H. , Halbesma Nynke 
Published: July 2013

Summary

Background and objectives
Studies performed in the United States showed that blacks progress from CKD to ESRD faster than do whites. Possible explanations are differences in health care system factors. This study investigated whether progression is also faster in a universal health care system, where all patients receive comparable care.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Data from the PREdialysis PAtient REcord study, a multicenter follow-up study of patients with CKD who started predialysis care in The Netherlands (1999–2011), were analyzed. Time-dependent Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) for starting renal replacement therapy (RRT), and linear mixed models were used to compare renal function decline (RFD) between blacks and whites. To explore possible mechanisms, analyses were adjusted for patient characteristics.

Results
At initiation of predialysis care, blacks (n=49) were younger and had more diabetes mellitus, higher proteinuria levels, and a higher estimated GFR than whites (n=946). Median follow-up time in months was similar (blacks: 13.9 [boundaries of interquartile range (IQR), 5.3 to 19.5]; whites: 13.1 [IQR, 5.1 to 24.0]). For blacks compared with whites, the crude HR for starting RRT within the first 15 months was 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55 to 1.34) and from 15 months onward, 1.93 (95% CI, 1.02 to 3.68), which increased after adjustment. RFD was faster by 0.18 (95% CI, 0.05 to 0.32) ml/min per 1.73 m2 per month in blacks compared with whites.

Conclusion
Blacks receiving predialysis care in a universal health care system have faster disease progression than whites, suggesting that health care system factors have a less influential role than had been thought in explaining black-white differences.
Single FGF-23 Measurement and Time-Averaged Plasma Phosphate Levels in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Seiler Sarah , Lucisano Gaetano , Ege Philipp , Fell Lisa H. , Rogacev Kyrill S. , Lerner-Gräber Anne , Klingele Matthias , Ziegler Matthias , Fliser Danilo , Heine Gunnar H. 
Published: July 2013

Summary

Background and objectives
Plasma phosphate levels display considerable intraindividual variability. The phosphatonin fibroblast growth factor 23 is a central regulator of plasma phosphate levels, and it has been postulated to be a more stable marker than conventional CKD–mineral and bone disorder parameters. Thus, fibroblast growth factor 23 has been hypothesized to reflect time-averaged plasma phosphate levels in CKD patients.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Among 40 patients from the outpatient dialysis center, serial measurements of plasma calcium and phosphate (before every dialysis session) as well as C-terminal fibroblast growth factor 23, parathyroid hormone, and alkaline phosphatase (one time weekly) were performed over a study period of 4 weeks in November and December of 2011. Intraindividual variability of repeated plasma fibroblast growth factor 23 measurements compared with other CKD–mineral and bone disorder markers was tested, and the association of a single plasma fibroblast growth factor 23 measurement with time-averaged plasma phosphate levels was analyzed.

Results
Against expectations, intraindividual variability of fibroblast growth factor 23 (median coefficient of variation=27%; interquartile range=20–35) was not lower than variability of plasma phosphate (median coefficient of variation=15%; interquartile range=10–20), parathyroid hormone (median coefficient of variation=24%; interquartile range=15–39), plasma calcium (median coefficient of variation=3%; interquartile range=2–4), or alkaline phosphatase (median coefficient of variation=5%; interquartile range=3–10). Moreover, the correlation between the last fibroblast growth factor 23 measurement after 4 weeks and time-averaged plasma phosphate did not surpass the correlation between the last fibroblast growth factor 23 measurement and a single plasma phosphate value (r=0.67, P<0.001; r=0.76, P<0.001, respectively).

Conclusions
Surprisingly, fibroblast growth factor 23 was not more closely associated to time-averaged plasma phosphate levels than a single plasma phosphate value, and it did not show a lower intraindividual variability than other tested markers of CKD–mineral and bone disorder. Thus, fibroblast growth factor 23 should not be used in clinical practice as a reflector of time-averaged plasma phosphate levels.
Effect of Sodium Ascorbate on Dentin Bonding After Two Bleaching Techniques
Authors: Briso ALF , Rahal V , Sundfeld RH , Santos PH dos , Alexandre RS 
Published: July 2013

SUMMARY
The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of 10% sodium ascorbate (SA) on the hybrid layer, resin tag length, and bond strength to dentin after bleaching. Six groups were tested: G C, control; G SA, sodium ascorbate (SA) + restoration; G CP, bleaching with carbamide peroxide (CP) + restoration; G CP+SA, bleaching with CP + SA+ restoration; G HP, bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) + restoration; and G HP+SA, HP + SA + restoration. After dental bleaching, the dentin was exposed and the antioxidant solution was applied to groups G SA, G CP+SA, and G HP+SA, before bonding procedures. The teeth were sectioned in the mesiodistal direction. One section was decalcified, and the specimens were embedded in paraffin and sectioned in the longitudinal direction with a thickness of 6 μm. Fifteen slices of each specimen were selected according to a systematic sample of slices with an interval proportional to the total number of slices obtained for each tooth. The specimens were stained using the Brown & Brenn method, and an optic microscope was used to analyze the hybrid layer thickness and resin tag length. The remaining tooth segment was sectioned into stick-shaped specimens and used for microtensile bond strength testing (0.5 mm/min). Statistical analysis was performed using two-way analysis of variance and Fisher test. The results for hybrid layer + tag formation (in micrometers) were G C, 13.27 Aa; G SA, 11.85 Ba; G CP, 6.84 Bb; G CP+SA, 9.02 Ab; G HP, 7.28 Bb; and G HP+SA, 9.22 Ab; bond strength results (in MPa) were G C, 49.5 Aa; G SA, 51.7 Aa; G CP, 37.16 Bb; G CP+SA, 47.69 Aa; G HP, 32.39 Ab; and G HP+SA, 39.67 Ab. Tooth bleaching with CP or HP impairs the formation of the hybrid layer and resin tags and reduces the microtensile bond strength. Statistically, the use of SA significantly increases the hybrid layer thickness and resin tag length. The microtensile bond strength values for carbamide peroxide increased, but the microtensile bond strength for hydrogen peroxide was not affected.
Fracture Strength and Fracture Patterns of Root-filled Teeth Restored With Direct Resin Composite Restorations Under Static and Fatigue Loading
Authors: Taha NA , Palamara JE , Messer HH 
Published: July 2013

SUMMARY

Aim
To assess fracture strength and fracture patterns of root-filled teeth with direct resin composite restorations under static and fatigue loading.

Methodology
MOD cavities plus endodontic access were prepared in 48 premolars. Teeth were root filled and divided into three restorative groups, as follows 1) resin composite; 2) glass ionomer cement (GIC) core and resin composite; and 3) open laminate technique with GIC and resin composite. Teeth were loaded in a servohydraulic material test system. Eight samples in each group were subjected to stepped fatigue loading: a preconditioning load of 100 N (5000 cycles) followed by 30,000 cycles each at 200 N and higher loads in 50-N increments until fracture. Noncycled teeth were subjected to a ramped load. Fracture load, number of cycles, and fracture patterns were recorded. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni tests.

Results
Fatigue cycling reduced fracture strength significantly (p&lt;0.001). Teeth restored with a GIC core and a laminate technique were significantly weaker than the composite group (379±56 N, 352±67 N vs 490±78 N, p=0.001). Initial debonding occurred before the tooth underwent fracture. All failures were predominantly adhesive, with subcrestal fracture of the buccal cusp.

Conclusions
Resin composite restorations had significantly higher fracture strength than did other restorations. Fatigue cycled teeth failed at lower load than did noncycled teeth.
Synthesis, antibacterial and cytotoxic activity evaluation of hydroxyurea derivatives
Authors: Kos Ivan , Jadrijević-Mladar Milena , Butula Ivan , Biruš Mladen , Maravić-Vlahoviček Gordana , Dabelić Sanja 
Published: July 2013

5
Synthesis and biological evaluation of a series (N = 16) of cyclic and acyclic hydroxyurea derivatives, including benzotriazole-, isocyanuric acid- and biuret-containing compounds, are disclosed. 1-N-(benzyloxycarbamoyl)benzotriazole was used as a benzyloxyisocyanate donor, a useful intermediate in the preparation of substituted hydroxyurea. Antibacterial activities of synthesized hydroxyurea derivatives were tested on three E. coli strains, i.e., a strain susceptible to antibiotics, a strain resistant to macrolide antibiotics and a strain resistant to aminoglycoside antibiotics. Six compounds (three acyclic and three cyclic hydroxyureas) showed growth inhibition of the tested E. coli strains, with different specificity toward each strain. Results of the cytotoxic activity evaluation revealed that twelve out of sixteen test compounds were cytotoxic to human acute monocytic leukemia THP-1 and/or human acute T cell leukemia Jurkat cell line. 1-(N-hydroxycarbamoyl) benzotriazole () increased the metabolic activity of both cell lines. Two compounds, 1-(N-hydroxycarbamoyl) benzotriazole (5) and N,N’,N’’-trihydroxybiuret (15), were identified as potential NO donors.
Synthesis and potential cytotoxic activity of some new benzoxazoles, imidazoles, benzimidazoles and tetrazoles
Authors: Arulmurugan Subramaniyan , Kavitha Helen P. 
Published: July 2013

2
The present work deals with the synthesis of some novel heterocyclic compounds such as benzoxazoles , 7, 13 and 19, imidazoles 3, 8, 14 and 20, benzimidazoles 4, 9, 15 and 21, and tetrazoles 10, 16, and 22. The synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. The compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines such as MCF-7 (breast cancer) and HT-29 (colon cancer) by the MTT assay method. Among the tested compounds, 4,4’-sulfonylbis(N-(2-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol- -2-yl)ethyl)aniline (9), N-bis(2-(benzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-ethyl)- 6-phenyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine (13), N-bis(2-(1H-benzo[ d]imidazol-2-yl)ethyl)-6-phenyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine (15) and N-tris(2-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)ethyl)- 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine (21) showed potent cytotoxicity.
Traffic Model of IMS/NGN Architecture with Transport Stratum Based on MPLS Technology
Authors: Kaczmarek Sylwester , Kosek Magdalena , Sac Maciej 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Growing expectations for a fast access to information create strong demands for a universal telecommunication network architecture, which provides various services with strictly determined quality. Currently it is assumed that these requirements will be satisfied by Next Generation Network (NGN), which consists of two stratums and includes IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) elements. To guarantee Quality of Service (QoS) all NGN stratums have to be correctly designed and dimensioned. For this reason appropriate traffic models must be developed and applied, which should be efficient and simple enough for practical applications. In the paper such a traffic model of a single domain of NGN with transport stratum based on Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) technology is presented. The model allows evaluation of mean transport stratum response time and can be useful for calculating time of processing requests in the entire NGN architecture. Results obtained using the presented model are described and discussed. As a result of the discussion, elementary relationships between network parameters and transport stratum response time are indicated.
Offset Drift Dependence of Hall Cells with their Designed Geometry
Authors: Paun Maria-Alexandra , Sallese Jean-Michel , Kayal Maher 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
In this paper, the performance of CMOS Hall Effect Sensors with four different geometries has been experimentally studied. Using a characteristic measurement system, the cells residual offset and its temperature behavior were determined. The offset, offset drift and sensitivity are quantities that were computed to determine the sensors performance. The temperature coefficient of specific parameters such as individual, residual offset and resistance has been also investigated. Therefore the optimum cell to fit the best in the performance specifications was identified. The variety of tested shapes ensures a good analysis on how the sensors performance changes with geometry
Estimation of Stresses in a Dry Sand Layer Tested on Shaking Table
Authors: Sawicki Andrzej , Kulczykowski Marek , Jankowski Robert 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Theoretical analysis of shaking table experiments, simulating earthquake response of a dry sand layer, is presented. The aim of such experiments is to study seismic-induced compaction of soil and resulting settlements. In order to determine the soil compaction, the cyclic stresses and strains should be calculated first. These stresses are caused by the cyclic horizontal acceleration at the base of soil layer, so it is important to determine the stress field as function of the base acceleration. It is particularly important for a proper interpretation of shaking table tests, where the base acceleration is controlled but the stresses are hard to measure, and they can only be deduced. Preliminary experiments have shown that small accelerations do not lead to essential settlements, whilst large accelerations cause some phenomena typical for limit states, including a visible appearance of slip lines. All these problems should be well understood for rational planning of experiments. The analysis of these problems is presented in this paper. First, some heuristic considerations about the dynamics of experimental system are presented. Then, the analysis of boundary conditions, expressed as resultants of respective stresses is shown. A particular form of boundary conditions has been chosen, which satisfies the macroscopic boundary conditions and the equilibrium equations. Then, some considerations are presented in order to obtain statically admissible stress field, which does not exceed the Coulomb-Mohr yield conditions. Such an approach leads to determination of the limit base accelerations, which do not cause the plastic state in soil. It was shown that larger accelerations lead to increase of the lateral stresses, and the respective method, which may replace complex plasticity analyses, is proposed. It is shown that it is the lateral stress coefficient K0 that controls the statically admissible stress field during the shaking table experiments.
Structure of Turbulent Vortices in a Compound Channel
Authors: Rimkus Alfonsas 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
In spite of many investigations performed on turbulent flows, their structure has not yet been sufficiently explored. The difficulty is that, when a detailed picture of the velocity field is necessary, the widely employed Particle Image Velocity (PIV) method can provide photos covering only a short interval of flow, which cannot include the largest structures of turbulent flow, and consequently these structures cannot be investigated. In this study, the author tried to obtain necessary data about the processes occurring in the flow by analyzing instantaneous velocity measurements carried out by 3D means. A measurement at the points of a flow cross-section takes at least 1 minute. During this time all vortex structures, including the largest, occur repeatedly many times and can be studied. The analysis of such measurements was the aim of this article. The process of the generation of vortices at the bottom and their further development, including the conditions of the development of the largest vortices, has been investigated. The results of these investigations are discussed in this article.
Gender-based dimorphism of aerobic and anaerobic capacity and physical activity preferences in deaf children and adolescents
Authors: Zwierzchowska Anna 
Published: July 2013

PurposeResearch on the hearing impaired has revealed that the rate of change of physical fitness characteristics between both genders may be different than that of the hearing. The aim of the study was to verify the gender-based differentiation of aerobic and anaerobic capacity in a group of deaf children and adolescents (aged 10-18 years) and to evaluate their physical activity preferences.MethodsA semi-longitudinal study was conducted, with data collected three times over a period of two years. Aerobic capacity was measured by the PWC<sub>170</sub> cycle test, anaerobic capacity by the Wingate test. A questionnaire was used to evaluate the physical activity preferences and favored leisure activities of the participants.ResultsSignificant genderbased differences were found in the aerobic and anaerobic capacity of the deaf boys and girls. A moderate correlation was noted for leisure time preferences.ConclusionsDeaf children feature no gender-based differences among their physical activity preferences. Environment plays a major role in stimulating the behavior of deaf children and adolescents.
Subjective assessment of sports success in wheelchair rugby – proposal of a new research tool
Authors: Tasiemski Tomasz , Bauerfeind Joanna 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThe main purpose of this study was to design and perform a preliminary psychometric analysis of a measure in the subjective assessment of sports success in wheelchair rugby (WR). An additional objective of this study was to assess potential differences in the subjective assessment of sports success between rugby players who play in the first and second Polish Wheelchair Rugby League (PWRL).MethodsThirty WR players who played in the first (<i>n</i> = 11) and second PWRL (<i>n</i> = 19) completed the newly-created Subjective Assessment of Sports Success in Wheelchair Rugby (SASS-WR) scale and a questionnaire collecting demographic, career, and sports training data.ResultsThe SASS-WR scale was found to be a valid and reliable measure of sports success in WR. The final version consists of 12 items defining four dimensions of sports success: (1) Individual Sports Success of the Player, (2) National Sports Success of the Team, (3) International Sports Success of the Team, (4) Social and Personal Success of the Player. The players in the first league were significantly more focused on achieving individual sports success as well as having their team achieve national and international sports success when compared with the players in the second league. Social and personal success (the fourth dimension of the SASS-WR) was more important for the second league players than first league players, although this difference was not significant.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that the SASS-WR scale can serve as a valuable diagnostic tool in assessing sports success among WR players.
Exercise or relaxation? Which is more effective in improving the emotional state of pregnant women?
Authors: Guszkowska Monika , Sempolska Katarzyna , Zaremba Agnieszka , Langwald Marta 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThe aim of this study was to compare the changes in emotional states in pregnant women after completing a relaxation session and a one-off physical exercise class.MethodsThe study included 139 pregnant women between the ages of 22 to 34 years (28.59 ± 2.99 years) in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy who were participating in one of three programs: a progressive relaxation course, a physical exercise program, or a traditional childbirth education program (control group). Emotional states were assessed by McNair, Lorr, and Droppleman’s Profile of Mood States immediately before (pre-test) attending their seventh respective class and then immediately after finishing it (post-test).ResultsThe pre-test emotional state of participants in all three groups was similar. Post-test, both the exercise and relaxation groups featured significantly improved emotional states, with the changes greater than those of women who attended the prenatal class. Pregnant women who participated in physical exercise were less troubled and tense and characterized by a higher level of vigor than the control group.ConclusionsPhysical exercise may be especially helpful in coping with fatigue and feeling tired, while relaxation training is more beneficial for women with elevated levels of anxiety and depression.
The Relationship between The Maqasidic (Higher Purposes of Shari’ah) Approach and Siyar (Foreign Policy of the Islamic State)
Authors: Ra’ees Wahabuddin 
Published: July 2013

AbstractClassical jurists have rigorously studied siyar (the foreign policy of the Islamic state), describing the nature of the principles and norms that influenced the formulation of siyar. On the basis of these principles and norms, the jurists formulated rulings to describe the nature of the relationship of the Islamic state with others. This study examines the relationship between the principles and norms that influenced siyar and the maqasid approach (higher purposes) of shari’ah. This study first presents a conceptual analysis of siyar. Second, it discusses the approach of maqasid of shari’ah. Third, it explores selected juridical rulings that describe the nature of siyar. Fourth, this study, building on an analysis of selected juridical rulings, suggests that siyar was guided by some general principles and norms. Finally, the study examines the relationship between the principles that governed siyar and the approach of maqasid of shari’ah. The study concludes that the aim of both siyar and maqasid of sharia’h was/is to establish a moral order. The genesis of this positive relationship between the maqasid of shari’ah and the principles and norms that guided siyar is found in the unity of the source of knowledge or the principle of Divine Unity (al Tawhid).
An Introduction to Nursi’s Approach to the Wisdom of Bodily Resurrection in Islam
Authors: Simsek Cuneyt M. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractTo believe in the hereafter is one of the most important pillars of belief in Islam. This pillar is so important that almost thirty percent of the Qur’an explicitly or implicitly speaks of the resurrection and the hereafter. In this context the question if the life in the hereafter is physical or not is of great importance. The author of this paper analyzes some wisdom that requires physical resurrection in the light of Said Nursi’s works. The first part of this paper discusses the reasons for bodily existence or corporiality and the following part some arguments used for bodily resurrection in the light of Nursi’s ideas.