bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Atherosclerotic plaques occur in absence of intima-media thickening in both systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus: a duplexsonography study of carotid and femoral arteries and follow-up for cardiovascular events
Authors: Frerix Marc , Stegbauer Johannes , Kreuter Alexander , Weiner Stefan Markus 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Introduction
The objective of this cross-sectional and retrospective cohort study was (1) to determine the usefulness of intima-media thickness (IMT) in contrast to plaque assessment, (2) to examine the value of additive femoral artery sonography and (3) to identify potential risk factors for atherosclerosis and incident cardiovascular events in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.

Methods
In this study, 90 SSc and 100 SLE patients were examined by duplexsonography. IMT was measured in common carotid and common femoral arteries, plaques were assessed in common, internal and external carotid and common, proximal superficial and deep femoral arteries. Different definitions of pathological IMT (pIMT) were compared with the presence of plaque. Results were evaluated in relation to traditional and non-traditional risk factors for baseline atherosclerosis (logistic regression) and their predictive value for cardiovascular events during follow-up (cox regression).

Results
Definite atherosclerosis occurred frequently without signs of subclinical atherosclerosis in both diseases: pIMT >0.9 mm was present in only 17/59 (28.9%) SSc and 13/49 (26.5%) SLE patients with already present atherosclerotic plaques. Using age-adjusted pIMT definitions, this rate was even lower (5.1-10.3% in SSc, 14.3-26.5% in SLE). Plaques were located only at the carotid or only at the femoral arteries in 26 (13.7%) and 24 (12.6%) patients, respectively. Age and nicotine pack-years were independently associated with atherosclerotic plaques in SLE and SSc patients, as well as the cumulative prednisolone dose in SSc subgroup, and ssDNA positive SLE patients had a lower risk for atherosclerotic plaque. During follow-up (available for 129/190 (67.9%) patients, 650 person-years), cardiovascular events occurred more often in patients with coronary heart disease (adjusted-hazards ratio (HR) 10.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.04 to 34.17, P <0.001), male patients (adjusted-HR 8.78, 95% CI 2.73 to 28.19, P <0.001) and in patients with coexistent carotid and femoral plaques (adjusted-HR 5.92, 95% CI 1.55 to 22.67, P = 0.009). Patients with solely carotid or femoral plaque were not at higher risk.

Conclusion
Atherosclerotic plaque lesions can be found frequently in absence of intima-media thickening in both SSc and SLE patients. As well as routine sonography of carotid arteries, the sonography of femoral arteries is recommended to identify additional atherosclerotic lesions and to detect patients at a high risk for cardiovascular events.
Determination of Radon’s Average Annual Volume Activity on Workplaces
Authors: Андреев  , Andreev A. , Пупатенко  , Pupatenko K. 
Published: February 2014

Radiation safety under the influence of radiation’s natural sources, in particular radon, is provided by control related to a value
of average annual equivalent equilibrium volume activity of radon and thoron affiliated products in facilities’ air. Definition of
radon’s average annual equivalent equilibrium volume activity according to single measurements of radon’s volume activity may
lead to essential mistakes in assessment related to radiation situation on workplaces. Radiation control techniques carrying out on
compliance to hygienic requirements on indicators of facilities’ radiation safety are analyzed in this paper. Results of experimental
studies related to radon’s volume activity in rooms with permanent human presence are considered. Recommendations on
determination of actual values of radon’s average annual volume activity and of radon’s volume activity measurements frequency
carrying out are given.
Minding the gap: Approaches to addressing the Middle East within the social science standards
Authors: Bush Amanda 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
In this article the author argues that the current academic standards for social science instruction in California are largely devoid of Middle East concepts and examination. While the standards are a guide for instruction, quality lessons can be inserted into the tenth-grade World History survey course as a start to move towards a more balanced global education. Through the use of primary sources and enrichment activities, students are exposed to major events such as the role of the Middle East in World War I, the creation of the state of Israel and the foundation of current world events. This article does not attempt to cover all major events in Middle East history for the past 500 years, but does offer solutions for teaching more enhanced Middle East content in the secondary classroom over the course of one academic year.
Cheap Talk and Editorial Control
Authors: Newton Jonathan 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis paper analyzes simple models of editorial control. Starting from the framework developed by Krishna and Morgan (2001a), we analyze two-sender models of cheap talk where one or more of the senders has the power to veto messages before they reach the receiver. A characterization of the most informative equilibria of such models is given. It is shown that editorial control never aids communication and that for small biases in the senders’ preferences relative to those of the receiver, necessary and sufficient conditions for information transmission to be adversely affected are (i) that the senders have opposed preferences relative to the receiver and (ii) that both senders have powers of editorial control. It is shown that the addition of further senders beyond two weakly decreases information transmission when senders exercising editorial control are anonymous, and weakly increases information transmission when senders exercising editorial control are observed.
Homogeneous (α,β)-metrics of Douglas type
Authors: Liu Huaifu , Deng Shaoqiang 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
In this paper, we consider two related problems concerning homogeneous (α,β)-metrics. In the first part we consider homogeneous (α,β)-spaces of Douglas type. We prove that a homogeneous (α,β)-metric is a Douglas metric if and only if either F is a Berwald metric or F is a Douglas metric of Randers type. In the second part, we prove that if F is a homogeneous (α,β)-metric which is neither a Riemannian metric nor a Minkowski metric,
then F is locally projectively flat if and only if F is a locally projectively flat left invariant Randers metric on the hyperbolic space

𝐇
n

${\mathbf {H}^n}$

as a solvable Lie group. We also give all the explicit forms of the metric F in the second case. This result also provides new examples of locally projectively flat metrics which have not been described before in the literature, presenting some new insight in the study of the Hilbert's fourth problem.
Application of Support Vector Machine Modeling on Phase Distribution in the Riser of an LSCFB Reactor
Authors: Razzak Shaikh A. , Hossain Muhammad I. , Rahman Syed M. , Hossain Mohammad M. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Support vector machine (SVM) modeling approach is applied to predict the solids holdups distribution of a liquid–solid circulating fluidized bed (LSCFB) riser. The SVM model is developed/trained using experimental data collected from a pilot-scale LSCFB reactor. Two different size glass bead particles (500 μm (GB-500) and 1,290 μm (GB-1290)) are used as solid phase, and water is used as liquid phase. The trained model successfully predicted the experimental solids holdups of the LSCFB riser under different operating parameters. It is observed that the model predicted cross-sectional average of solids holdups in the axial directions and radial flow structure are well agreement with the experimental values. The goodness of the model prediction is verified by using different statistical performance indicators. For the both sizes of particles, the mean absolute error is found to be less than 5%. The correlation coefficients (0.998 for GB-500 and 0.994 for GB-1290) also show favorable indications of the suitability of SVM approach in predicting the solids holdup of the LSCFB system.
Hypotensive property of Chenopodium ambrosioides in anesthetized normotensive rats
Authors: Assaidi Asmae , Legssyer Abdelkhaleq , Berrichi Abdelbasset , Aziz Mohammed , Mekhfi Hassane , Bnouham Mohammed , Ziyyat Abderrahim 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background: The leaves of Chenopodium ambrosioides L. (Chenopodiaceae) are widely used in Moroccan traditional medicine to treat diabetes and hypertension. The goal of the present work is to investigate the hypotensive properties of different extract and fractions of the plant in anesthetized normotensive rats and to elucidate the mechanism underlying this effect.Methods: The hypotensive effect of aqueous extract (AqE) of the leaves of C. ambrosioides L., methanolic (MF), ethyl acetate (AcF), and aqueous (AqF) Soxhlet fractions, administrated intravenously, was evaluated in anesthetized rats. The recorded signals of blood pressure and heart rate were visualized and analyzed by using an acquisition card “National Instrument” and software Labview 6.1.Results: Intravenous administration of AqE of the leaves of C. ambrosioides L. induces a dose-dependent hypotension. A similar effect was obtained with MF, AcF, and AqF. Atropine (1 mg/kg), used to block cholinergic system, significantly reduced the hypotensive response to MF and AcF suggesting the presence of the cholinomimetic–muscarinic components in these fractions. However, the blood pressure lowering effect of MF and AcF in rats pretreated with L-NAME 20 mg/kg was unchanged showing that the release of NO is not implicated in the hypotensive action of this plant.Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that extracts from leaves of C. ambrosioides induce hypotensive effect that may be partially associated with its cardiac effects. These results may partly explain the traditional use of leaves of C. ambrosioides L. for the treatment of disorders such as hypertension.
Advanced cervical dilatation and spontaneous preterm labor: a comparison between twin and singleton gestations
Authors: Dviri Michal , Simchen Michal J. , Kalter Anat , Tovi Shali Mazaki , Moran Orit , Schiff Eyal , Sivan Eyal , Hendler Israel 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Objective: To determine the admission to delivery interval and the rate of immediate delivery in twin versus singleton gestation complicated by spontaneous preterm labor (SPTL).

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of pregnant women presenting with advanced cervical dilatation of 3–5 cm and frequent uterine contractions at 24–34 weeks of gestation was performed. The rate of progression to delivery within 12 h and 24 h, as well as rates of prolonged latency, were compared between twins and singletons gestations.

Results: Sixty-nine women were included, of which 25 carried twins and 44 singletons. The overall rate of spontaneous delivery within 12 h and 24 h was 47.8% and 59.4%, respectively, and similar between twins and singletons. Nevertheless, prolonged latency of 10 days or more after presentation was more frequent among twins compared with singletons [10/25 (40%) vs. 7/44 (15.9%), respectively; P=0.026]. Moreover, women carrying twins presenting with advanced cervical dilatation had a better chance of completing a full 2-dose antenatal betamethasone course compared with singletons [19/25 (76%) of twins compared with 21/44 (47.7%) of singletons, odds ratio 3.5, 95% confidence interval 1.16–10.34; P=0.022].

Conclusion: Up to 60% of women presenting with advanced cervical dilatation prior to 34 weeks’ gestation give birth within 24 h. Nevertheless, women carrying twins have a better chance of completing a betamethasone course and having prolonged latency compared with singletons.
Penalized differential pathway analysis of integrative oncogenomics studies
Authors: van Wieringen Wessel N. , van de Wiel Mark A. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThrough integration of genomic data from multiple sources, we may obtain a more accurate and complete picture of the molecular mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis. We discuss the integration of DNA copy number and mRNA gene expression data from an observational integrative genomics study involving cancer patients. The two molecular levels involved are linked through the central dogma of molecular biology. DNA copy number aberrations abound in the cancer cell. Here we investigate how these aberrations affect gene expression levels within a pathway using observational integrative genomics data of cancer patients. In particular, we aim to identify differential edges between regulatory networks of two groups involving these molecular levels. Motivated by the rate equations, the regulatory mechanism between DNA copy number aberrations and gene expression levels within a pathway is modeled by a simultaneous-equations model, for the one- and two-group case. The latter facilitates the identification of differential interactions between the two groups. Model parameters are estimated by penalized least squares using the lasso (
Effect of Instructions on Selected Jump Squat Variables
Authors: Talpey Scott W. , Young Warren B. , Beseler Bradley 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Talpey, SW, Young, WB, and Beseler, B. Effect of instructions on selected jump squat variables. J Strength Cond Res 30(9): 2508–2513, 2016—The purpose of this study was to compare 2 instructions on the performance of selected variables in a jump squat (JS) exercise. The second purpose was to determine the relationships between JS variables and sprint performance. Eighteen male subjects with resistance training experience performed 2 sets of 4 JS with no extra load with the instructions to concentrate on (a) jumping for maximum height and (b) extending the legs as fast as possible to maximize explosive force. Sprint performance was assessed at 0- to 10-m and 10- to 20-m distances. From the JS jump height, peak power, relative peak power, peak force, peak velocity, and countermovement distance were measured from a force platform and position transducer system. The JS variables under the 2 instructions were compared with paired t-tests, and the relationships between these variables and sprint performance were determined with Pearson’s correlations. The jump height instruction produced greater mean jump height and peak velocity (p < 0.05), but the fast leg extension instruction produced greater (p < 0.05) peak force (3.7%). There was a trivial difference between the instructions for peak power output (p > 0.05). Jump height was the variable that correlated most strongly with 10-m time and 10- to 20-m time under both instructions. The height instruction produced a stronger correlation with 10-m time (r = −0.455), but the fast leg extension JS produced a greater correlation with 10–20 time (r = −0.545). The results indicate that instructions have a meaningful influence on JS variables and therefore need to be taken into consideration when assessing or training athletes.
Flow, recruitment limitation, and the maintenance of diversity in marine benthic communities
Authors: Palardy James E. , Witman Jon D. 
Published: February 2014

Many terrestrial and marine systems are open to immigration. As such, the delivery of reproductive propagules should play a substantial role in determining local diversity in many systems. Here we present the results of a two‐year experimental manipulation of subtidal flow regimes and show that flow has a strong positive effect on the assembly and maintenance of epifaunal invertebrate diversity by reducing recruitment limitation in two biogeographic regions. At two sites each in Alaska and Maine, USA, we experimentally manipulated flow speeds and measured the diversity of communities assembling through time and on recruitment panels scraped clean regularly. At all sites, the species richness of established communities, and the richness of recruitment into established communities and onto empty plates was >25% higher in enhanced flow than in control flow treatments. These effects were consistent for two years, and community diversity remained higher despite 30% higher species loss in enhanced flow treatments. Because communities remained open to immigration throughout the experiment, the data suggest that the diversity of epifaunal communities is strongly limited by recruitment and that supply‐side effects on diversity in natural communities are strong.The positive effect of flow on diversity through a decrease in recruitment limitation was robust across scale, biogeographic region, and flow velocities and was consistent in magnitude in communities and on recruitment plates. Consequently, the data strongly suggest that the positive effects of flow on epifaunal diversity are persistent, can operate without diversity‐enhancing positive feedback mechanisms, and are driven by increases in propagule delivery. Thus flow plays a large role in establishing and maintaining epifaunal diversity by mediating the delivery of propagules necessary to colonize a patch or to replace species within communities. Although our data do not preclude effects of interspecific interactions, they strongly suggest that flow plays a large and essentially untested role in determining the diversity of benthic marine communities, and they imply that flow is a key mechanism driving recruitment limitation in diverse aquatic systems.
Original Research Article Biogas Yield from Anaerobic Batch Co-Digestion of Rice Husk and Zebu Dung
Authors: Cundr Ondrej , Haladova Dagmar 
Published: February 2014

Abstract The main objective of this work was to test the suitability of rice husk waste biomass for anaerobic digestion and to examine the energy potential of the co-digestion of rice husk with zebu dung. Rice husk and zebu dung were studied under batch anaerobic conditions as separate wastes as well as mixed in various proportions. All experiments were carried out at 5% of total solids. The methane yield achieved by single substrate digestion of rice husk and zebu dung was 13.9 l and 44.58 l CH4/kg volatile solids (VS), respectively. The co-digestion of 50% total solids (TS) rice straw with 50% total solids zebu dung gave the result of 38.42 l CH4/kg VS. According to these results, the degradation and methane production potential of rice husk were not sufficient and it was found that this residue material is less suitable for single substrate digestion without additional pretreatment than for co-digestion. Even if co-digestion of rice husk with zebu dung improved the digestibility of rice husk and hence increased the biogas production, the methane yield was lower in comparison with the result for zebu dung, due to the high lignin content in rice husk. Nevertheless, the proof of digestibility of rice husk showed the possibility of rational exploitation of this waste material.
Original Research Article Milk Yield and Feed Conversion of Sokoto Gudali Cows Fed Elephant Grass Ensiled with Cassava Peel
Authors: Olorunnisomo Olusola Adeyanju , Ibhaze Gladys Abiemwense 
Published: February 2014

Abstract Year-round availability of feed is a major concern for dairy farmers in many parts of the tropics. Silage making is a reliable means of providing feed for dairy cattle during periods of forage scarcity. In this study, Elephant grass (EG) (Pennisetum purpureum) was ensiled with cassava peel (CSP) at 0, 10, 30 and 50% levels of inclusion on a wet basis. At 21, 42 and 63 days of ensiling, silage samples were taken for chemical analysis and the remaining materials were fed to four lactating Sokoto Gudali cows for a period of 84 days using a Latin square design. Dry matter (DM) content of silage mixtures increased from 18.22 to 28.70% as level of CSP in the silage mixture increased while crude protein (7.33 to 6.08%) and crude fibre (32.80 to 23.95%) decreased. Dry matter intake of cows, milk yield and feed conversion ratio (FCR) varied (P < 0.05) with inclusion of cassava peel in the silage mixtures. Dry matter intake of cows increased from 2.56 to 3.84% of body weight (BW) and milk yield from 2.90 to 6.70 kg/d as proportion of CSP in the grass silage increased. Feed conversion ratio of cows ranged from 2.08 to 3.23 and improved with inclusion of CSP in the silage. These results show that addition of cassava peel to Elephant grass silage improved intake and milk production in Sokoto Gudali cows fed Elephant grass silage.
Ribosomal ITS2 structure in Caryophyllaeus laticeps and Caryophyllaeus brachycollis (Cestoda: Caryophyllidea), parasites of cyprinid fish
Authors: Králová-Hromadová I. , Bazsalovicsová E. , Bokorová S. , Hanzelová V. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) structure was studied in monozoic tapeworms Caryophyllaeus laticeps (Pallas, 1781) from freshwater bream Abramis brama (L.) and white-eyed bream Ballerus sapa (Pallas) and Caryophyllaeus brachycollis Janiszewska, 1951 from A. brama and Mediterranean barbel Barbus meridionalis (Risso). Homologous intragenomic ITS2 structure (474 bp) was determined for C. brachycollis from both fish hosts and for C. laticeps from A. brama (486 bp). Contrary to this, divergent intragenomic ITS2 copies (ITS2 paralogues) were detected in C. laticeps from B. sapa. They were mostly induced by different numbers of short repetitive motif (TA)n within the sequences, allowing their assortment into two ITS2 variants (457 and 467 bp). Current data represent first information on ITS2 structure/ITS paralogues in the caryophyllidean family Caryophyllaeidae with focus on their applicability in the molecular taxonomy of the genus Caryophyllaeus.
Redescription of Skrjabinus skrjabini and validity reassessment of selected species of Skrjabinus (Digenea, Dicrocoeliidae)
Authors: Sitko J. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Four specimens of Skrjabinus skrjabini, were isolated from two out of 93 red-backed shrikes (Lanius collurio) examined during 1962–2012. The species have been re-described and the generic diagnosis amended. Eight species of the genus have been validated: S. aenigma, S. indicus, S. latus, S. pancreaticus, S. rarus, S. skrjabini, S. similis, and S. sp. of Oshmarin (1970). Others have been reclassified as Platynosomum (P. dicruri, P. gracile, and P. talischense with synonyms P. butei and S. sp. of Oshmarin (1963)) and Zonorchis (Z. francolini, and Z. petiolatus with synonyms S. biliosus, S. gvozdevi, S. popovi). Skrjabinus petrovi is a synonym of Brachydistomum ventricosum. Lubens lubens determited by Bhuta & Khan (1975) is a synonym of S. aenigma.
The effects of heavy metals and pesticides on survival of miracidia stage of Fasciola hepatica
Authors: Falis M. , Krupicer I. , Legáth J. , Pitoňák V. , Špalek M. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
The effect of heavy metals and pesticides on viability of miracidia stage of Fasciola hepatica was investigated. The experimental groups with chemicals were compared with the untreated control group. After 16 days of exposure, the groups contained Cr, Zn, CdZn, exhibited decreased motility of miracidia inside the egg shells. In the groups which contain AGCr, GCdZn, CdCrZn and AGCdCrZn no effect on movement of emerged miracidia were observed. In the rest of the groups immobile or dead miracidia inside the egg shells have been identified. The possible protective effect of zinc on miracidia of Fasciola hepatica is discussed.