bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The link between nuchal translucency and congenital heart disease
Authors: Ionescu C. , Gheorghiu Diana , Iacob Gabriela , Haradja H. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
The nuchal translucency is defined as a transient subcutaneous collection of fluid behind the fetal neck seen on ultrasonography at 11-14 weeks of gestation. In this current overview it was observed the relationship between increased nuchal translucency (NT) and fetal heart structure and function in chromosomally normal fetuses. Fetuses with an increases NT have an increased risk for congenital heart disease (CHD) and the combination between an increases NT, tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and an abnormal ductus venosus (DV) Doppler flow profile is a strong marker for CHD.
Morphological features of bone in calcium and vitamin D deficiency
Authors: Chircor Lidia , Iordan G. , Surdu Loredana 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
The authors aim to identify morphological features of the bone abnormal development caused by calcium and vitamin D deficiency (CDD) and possible risk factors in the occurrence of these changes. The study is conducted on a selected group of 102 children aged 10-12 years with bone changes due to CDD, diagnosed and treated in Constanţa City from 2000 - 2010. For cases where the same child presented several bone deformities, we considered every bone deformity as an independent entity. In this study we observed deformation of the bones of the skull, prominent frontal bone 62 cases (60.78%); “beads rib” 49 cases (48.03%) sub mammary grooves 31 cases (30.32%), increasing the volume of knee joint 75 cases (73.52%) and wrist 68 cases (66.66%). The changes visible under direct examination are accompanied by structural changes visible by radiological exam, so the epiphysis plate has an irregular appearance (35 cases), serrated (35 cases), are enlarged (34 cases) or cup (31 cases). Analysis of sex distribution shows higher involvement of male children, sex ratio 3/1. Age group most affected in the studied group is 3-36 months. Skeletal deformities in CDD conditions are associated with peculiar situations of risk: monthly income below Average 72 cases (70.5%), increased pigmentation of the skin 61 (59.8%), prematurity 20 (19.6%). Increased incidence of developmental abnormalities of the bones due to CDD in the studied group and in different regions (England, Turkey, USA, etc) in recent years coincides with modern life style, which involves skin protection against solar radiation and a lack of exposure to sunlight.
Anatomical characteristics of the left suprarenal vein (V. suprarenalis sinistra)
Authors: Popescu S. , Iliescu D.M. , Bordei P. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Our study was performed on 82 cases, using as study methods the dissection and the plastic injection (Technovit 7143) followed by NaOH corrosion. The suprarenal vein traject was always straight, presenting two aspects: in 54.55 % of cases it was an oblique infero-medial traject and in 45.45 % of cases it was a vertical traject. The traject of the left gonadal vein was oblique supero-medial in 55.56 % of the cases and in 44.44 % of cases was vertical. Unlike the corresponding suprarenal vein, the left gonadal vein showed, in 19.44 % of cases, a sinuous traject. Regarding the left suprarenal vein termination site, we found that in 24 cases (50 % of cases), the suprarenal vein was lateral to the aorta, in 41.67 % of cases being closer to the aorta and 8.33 % of cases halfway aorta-left kidney. In the other 24 cases, the left suprarenal vein ends into the left renal vein in front of the aorta, in 25 % of cases on the anterolateral face of the aorta and in 33.33 % of cases closer to the midline; in one case this termination was right beyond the middle of the anterior face of the aorta. The termination of the left gonadal vein was assessed in 75 % of cases on the aortic side, in 37.5 % of cases being closer to the aorta and also in 37.5% of all cases being halfway aorta-left kidney. In 25% of the cases the left gonadal vein ended in into the renal vein on its anterolateral aspect. Comparing the renal termination of the suprarenal and gonadal veins we found that in 29.27 % of cases they ended at the same level, but in only 7.32 % of cases both veins had a vertical traject. In 60.97 % of the cases the gonadal vein ends lateral to the suprarenal vein and only in 9.76 % of the cases the gonadal vein ends medial to the suprarenal vein. We did not found the termination of the suprarenal and gonadal veins closer to kidney or the left gonadal vein end on the anterior face of the aorta.
Morphological aspects of the bifid ureter (in „Y”)
Authors: Vărgău M. , Iliescu D.M. , Ionescu C. , Bordei P. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Our assessments on the bifid ureter resulted from the study on a number of 258 cases of renal upper pathways, using as study methods the dissection and the analysis of CT urographies. We met a total of 10 cases with bifid ureter, 4 cases on the right and 6 cases on the left, two of them showing a bilateral bifid ureter. In 8 cases the superior ureter drained only the upper part of the kidney and in 2 cases the two ureters had an equal drainage area. The superior ureteral was thinner than the lower one in 6 cases, in 2 cases the two ureters were equal in caliber and also in 2 cases the superior ureter was more voluminous than the lower one. Up to their confluence, the two ureters were linear, in one case the upper ureter was sinuous and in two cases the upper ureter describes a concave curve oriented laterally. The confluence of both ureters is most commonly on the medial margin of the kidney, under the renal hilum, an aspect we met in 7 cases. Located supero-medial to the lower ureter, the superior on showed several aspects up to the confluence with the lower one: a. passing along the medial face of the lower ureter, with a traject like a “gun barrel”, as seen in 2 cases; b. in 3 cases anteriorly crossed the lower ureter, with the confluence laterally; c. in 2 cases the superior ureter passed postero-medial to the lower one; d. in 2 cases the superior ureter went in front of the lower one; e. in one case the upper ureter have an oblique infero-medial trajectory while the lower one was supero-medial, their confluence being made under an acute angle on the medial margin of the kidney, above its inferior pole.
Assessment of a Transport Company in Terms of Performance Utilisation of Vehicles
Authors: Hujo Ľubomír , Jablonický Juraj , Tkáč Zdenko , Angelovič Michal , Rečková Brigita 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Our study is focused on solution opportunities of national road freight transport in a selected company in terms of performance utilisation of vehicles. The indicators of time and performance utilisation of lorries and their trailer units are used for analysing the transport company. Based on correlative assessment, it is possible to determine the effects of year-to-year performance variations of vehicles in terms of running performances, transport performances, average travel distance and average loading.
Analysis of Material Flows in a Selected Company
Authors: Mojžiš Miroslav , Ivan Marek , Varga František 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
The issue of material flows requires resolving a wide range of answers to questions that are part of material handling. It is important to know what the subject of handling is, what means a given material will be handled with, in what amount and time, by what route, and how this handling will be performed. We must not forget the costs involved, either in handling or storage. The answer to these questions is given by the analysis of material flows, which is dealt with during the optimisation of material handling in Bang Joo Electronics Slovakia spol. s r. o. (private limited company).
Evaluation of Fuel Consumption in Road Freight Transport
Authors: Szabó Mário , Majdan Radoslav , Tkáč Zdenko , Čápora Rastislav , Hujo Ľubomír 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
This paper deals with the importance of fuel economy in road freight transport. It provides the calculation of financial savings for fuel savings of 0.5 l per 100 km. In the subsequent part, some factors that influence the fuel consumption are specified, e.g. aerodynamic resistance, rolling resistance, and tyre inflation pressure. The effect of tyre inflation pressure on fuel economy has been tested on four selected towing vehicles. Based on the results obtained, it can be stated that tyre pressure has a great impact on fuel consumption. A one-bar pressure reduction of tyres can increase the fuel consumption by 0.5 l per 100 km.
Soil Resistance and its Impact on Tillage Depth
Authors: Varga František , Mojžiš Miroslav , Abrahám Rudolf 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Currently manufactured tractors are equipped with a three-point hitch, which is used to connect semi-mounted implements to the tractor. The tractor three-point hitch is operated hydraulically, using various types of control. The most commonly used control is a force, positional and a mixed one. Each of these types of control has its specific characteristics and some advantages and disadvantages. Finally, each type of control is suitable for certain soil and terrain conditions. Particular attention was paid to a force control, which is improving the use of the tractor with a mounted implement, but on the other hand, adversely affects the uniformity of working depth of implements on soils with variable resistance. Based on theoretical analysis and experimental measurements, there has been determined the effect of soil resistance on the tillage depth, depending on initial conditions for implement deepening. Initial conditions for implement deepening are given by the tillage depth, soil resistance, and the cutting width of a plough. It was found that soil resistance strongly affects the tillage depth, and with increasing soil resistance the tillage depth decreases non-linearly. A gradual increasing of soil resistance is associated with a less-marked decreasing of the tillage depth. These facts will be further used in research, development and experimental verification of new control systems of the three-point hitch of tractors.
Colonisation of apple and blackcurrant roots by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi following mycorrhisation and the use of organic mulches
Authors: Derkowska Edyta , Paszt Lidia Sas , Sumorok Beata , Dyki Barbara 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT
The aim of the study was to determine the effect of mycorrhisation and mulching on the colonisation of the roots of ‘Gold Milennium’ apple trees and ‘Ojebyn’ and ‘Tiben’ blackcurrant bushes by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. In order to assess mycorrhizal frequency, samples of roots were collected in the 2012 season from all of the experimental combinations (control, peat substrate, bark, sawdust, manure, compost, mycorrhizal substrate and straw). The results of the analyses showed that all of the different mulches had a positive effect on increasing the degree of mycorrhizal association. In apple, the highest mycorrhizal frequency (F% - mycorrhizal frequency for the entire sample) and mycorrhizal intensity (M% - relative mycorrhizal frequency for the entire sample) were observed in the roots of trees inoculated with the mycorrhizal substrate (F = 24.40%, M = 0.24%) and those mulched with compost (F = 16.67%, M = 0.17%). In blackcurrant, the highest values of mycorrhizal frequency and mycorrhizal intensity were recorded in the roots of ‘Tiben’ bushes inoculated with the mycorrhizal substrate (F = 37.78%, M = 0.38%) and those mulched with sawdust (F = 21.11%, M = 0.21%).
Improper Driver Action as a Cause of Road Accidents / Niewłaściwe Działania Kierowców Jako Przyczyna Powstawania Zdarzeń Drogowych
Authors: Muślewski Łukasz 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Road traffic is inseparably connected with road accident. This is the human-driver whose role in the transportation process safety is of key importance. Driving a motor vehicle requires from the driver not only knowledge but also physical and psychical fitness. They need to have the ability of quick reaction, proper estimation of the road situation and doing maneuvers adequate to it. In this study, an assessment of the impact of improper behaviors of drivers on occurrence of road collisions and accidents, has been analyzed on the basis of literature analysis and the authors’ own research. In effect of the carried out tests there has been made a classification of the road events with a division into: cause, place, date, and time of their occurrence as well as drivers’ age and their driving experience. The whole study has been performed on the basis of a real transportation company, operating on the territory of an urban agglomeration with the population of 500 inhabitants.
Increased Chitotriosidase Activities in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Possible Novel Marker?
Authors: Basok Banu Isbilen , Kucur Mine , Kizilgul Muhammed , Yilmaz Ibrahim , Ekmekci Ozlem Balci , Uzunlulu Mehmet , Isman Ferruh Kemal 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Background: Chitotriosidase and YKL-40 are well-known in humans as Glyco_18 domain-containing proteins that are the common feature of mammalian chitinases and chitinaselike proteins. Previously, increased levels of YKL-40 were found correlated with the disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis. However, serum chitotriosidase activity in rheumatoid arthritis is not known yet. The aim of this study was to determine YKL-40 and chitotriosidase in patients with rheu - matoid arthritis and to compare these markers with traditi - onal ones such as C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
Methods: Chitotriosidase, YKL-40 and C-reactive protein were measured in serum samples from 27 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 27 healthy people. Chitotriosidase, YKL-40, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were determined by a fluorometer, ELISA, nephelometer, and Western Green method, respectively.
Results: Serum chitotriosidase activities and YKL-40 levels were higher in rheumatoid arthritis group than in control. A significant positive correlation was found between chitotriosidase and YKL-40. In ROC analysis, the areas under curves for chitotriosidase, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and YKL-40 were 0.96, 0.84, 0.76, and 0.65, respectively. Area under the curve for chitotriosidase was significantly higher than the area for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p=0.005) and for YKL-40 (p=0.0001), but not for Creactive protein (p=0.055).
Conclusions: Serum chitotriosidase was significantly in creas - ed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Among all the param - eters evaluated, chitotriosidase was the most sensitive and specific one. Comprehensive studies covering larger populations are needed to elucidate the relationship bet ween chitinases, in particular chitotriosidase and rheumatoid arthritis.
Multicenter Comparison of Four Contemporary Sensitive Troponin Immunoassays
Authors: Salvagno Gian Luca , Giavarina Davide , Meneghello Moira , Musa Roberta , Aloe Rosalia , Da Rin Giorgio , Lippi Giuseppe 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Background: The IFCC Task Force on Clinical Applications of Cardiac Biomarkers currently recommends evaluation of all troponin immunoassays within the same population to compare their performance. Hence, we planned a multicenter study to compare the four most widespread contemporary sensitive troponin I (TnI) methods.
Methods: Seventy-six serum samples were centrifuged, separated and divided in 5 aliquots. The first aliquot was used for clinical measurement, whereas the rest were shipped to participating laboratories, where they were simultaneously thawed. High-sensitivity troponin T (HS-TnT) was measured on a Roche Cobas, whereas TnI was assessed with the Ortho Vitros cTnI, Beckman Coulter DXI 800 AccuTnI, Siemens Vista cTnI and Abbott Architect STAT cTnI.
Results: A substantial bias was found between TnI and HSTnT values. Although the correlation was acceptable and comprised between 0.86-0.89, the agreement of diagnostic values was poor, with the kappa statistic always lower than 0.50. Although the direct comparison between the four contemporary sensitive TnI immunoassays generated more favourable results, with Pearson’s correlations greater than 0.970 and the kappa statistic equal to or higher than 0.59, we observed wide 95% confidence intervals, significant bias and large dispersion of values, with a single notable exception (i.e., Vitros cTnI versus DXI 800 AccuTnI).
Conclusions: The results of this study attest that substantial discrepancies still exist among contemporary sensitive TnI immunoassays. The presence of random variation rather than constant bias appears to be the major contributor to this variance, thus precluding the interchangeability of methods and making the objective of harmonization a rather long and challenging enterprise.
Pituitary-Gonadal, Pituitary-Adrenocortical Hormones and IL-6 Levels Following Long-Term Magnesium Supplementation in Male Students
Authors: Zogović Dušanka , Pešić Vesna , Dmitrašinović Gordana , Dajak Marijana , Plećaš Bosiljka , Batinić Bojan , Popović Dejana , Ignjatović Svetlana 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Background: Sleep deprivation, malnutrition and lack of physical activity are contemporary stress-related factors present in the student population. Stress activates the HPA and often suppresses the HPG axis, but also influences cytokine synthesis and consequently regulates immune response. Since magnesium deficiency facilitates negative pathophysiological consequences, a reasonable question imposes, wheth er Mg supplementation might correct the adrenal/go - n adal hormone balance and immuno-endocrine function.
Methods: Fifteen male students were given 2 × 250 mg Mg for four weeks. Serum levels of FSH, LH, testosterone (T), ACTH and cortisol (C) were measured before and after supplementation and the T/C ratio was calculated. Furthermore, IL-6, red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cells (WBC) and the WBC differential were measured.
Results: Despite no change in the serum level of ACTH, a statistically significant (p<0.05) decrease in the serum cortisol level appeared, accompanied with an IL-6 level reduction (p<0.05) after Mg supplementation. Analysis of the pituitarygonadal axis hormones showed an increasing trend of the FSH level (p=0.087), and a significant increase (p<0.05) in the T/C ratio. An RBC count increase (p<0.001) was found, along with a decrease in the percentage of neutrophils (p< 0.05), and a trend toward a lymphocyte percentage increase.
Conclusions: The results suggest that chronic oral magnesium supplementation in male students improves the balance of pituitary-gonadal and pituitary-adrenal hormones and is involved in the regulation of the basal IL-6 level.
An Optimization Approach to Selective Editing
Authors: Arbue´s Ignacio , Revilla Pedro , Salgado David 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
We set out two generic principles for selective editing, namely the minimization of interactive editing resources and data quality assurance. These principles are translated into a generic optimization problem with two versions. On the one hand, if no cross-sectional information is used in the selection of units, we derive a stochastic optimization problem. On the other hand, if that information is used, we arrive at a combinatorial optimization problem. These problems are substantiated by constructing a so-called observation-prediction model, that is, a multivariate statistical model for the nonsampling measurement errors assisted by an auxiliary model to make predictions. The restrictions of these problems basically set upper bounds upon the modelled measurement errors entering the survey estimators. The bounds are chosen by subject-matter knowledge. Furthermore, we propose a selection efficiency measure to assess any selective editing technique and make a comparison between this approach and some score functions. Special attention is paid to the relationship of this approach with the editing fieldwork conditions, arising issues such as the selection versus the prioritization of units and the connection between the selective and macro editing techniques. This approach neatly links the selection and prioritization of sampling units for editing (micro approach) with considerations upon the survey estimators themselves (macro approach).
Automated and Manual Data Editing: A View on Process Design and Methodology
Authors: Pannekoek Jeroen , Scholtus Sander , Van der Loo Mark 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Data editing is arguably one of the most resource-intensive processes at NSIs. Forced by everincreasing budget pressure, NSIs keep searching for more efficient forms of data editing. Efficiency gains can be obtained by selective editing, that is, limiting the manual editing to influential errors, and by automating the editing process as much as possible. In our view, an optimal mix of these two strategies should be aimed for. In this article we present a decomposition of the overall editing process into a number of different tasks and give an upto- date overview of all the possibilities of automatic editing in terms of these tasks. During the design of an editing process, this decomposition may be helpful in deciding which tasks can be done automatically and for which tasks (additional) manual editing is required. Such decisions can be made a priori, based on the specific nature of the task, or by empirical evaluation, which is illustrated by examples. The decomposition in tasks, or statistical functions, also naturally leads to reuseable components, resulting in efficiency gains in process design.
Internet Coverage and Coverage Bias in Europe: Developments Across Countries and Over Time
Authors: Mohorko Anja , Leeuw Edith de , Hox Joop 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
To estimate the coverage error for web surveys in Europe over time, we analyzed data from the Eurobarometer. The Eurobarometer collects data for the European Community across member and applicant states. Since 2005, the Eurobarometer has contained a straightforward question on Internet access. We compared respondents with and without Internet access and estimated coverage bias for demographic variables (sex, age, length of education) and sociopolitical variables (left-right position on a political scale, life satisfaction). Countries in Europe do differ in Internet penetration and resulting coverage bias. Over time, Internet penetration dramatically increases and coverage bias decreases, but the rate of change differs across countries. In addition, the countries’ development significantly affects the pace of these changes.
Proteomic Analysis of Soybean Leaves in a Compatible and an Incompatible Interaction with Phakopsora Pachyrhizi
Authors: Pereira Mateus Rodrigues , Gouvêa Bianca Castro , Marcelino-Guimarães Francismar Corrêa , Ramos Humberto Josué de Oliveira , Moreira Maurilio Alves , Barros Everaldo Gonçalves de 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAsian soybean rust (ASR), which is incited by the fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi, is considered one of the most aggressive diseases to the soybean culture. There are no commercial cultivars immune to the pathogen and the control measure currently used is the application of fungicides that harms the environment and increases production costs. For a better understanding of the host’s response to the pathogen at the molecular level, two soybean genotypes were analyzed (PI561356, resistant to ASR and Embrapa 48, susceptible) at 72 hours and 192 hours after inoculation with spores of P. pachyrhizi. Leaf protein profiles of the plants were compared by two-dimensional electrophoresis associated with mass spectrometry (MS). Twenty-two protein spots presented different levels when the two treatments were compared (inoculated vs. non-inoculated). From those, twelve proteins were identified by MS analysis. Some of them are involved in metabolic pathways related to plant defense against pathogens, as in the case of carbonic anhydrase, 1-deoxy-D-xylulose- 5-phosphate reductoisomerase, fructose-bisphosphate aldolase and glutamine synthetase. The possible biochemical-physiological meanings of our findings are discussed.