bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of two different methods for gross
alpha and beta activity determination in water
samples
Authors: Janković Marija M. , Sarap Nataša B. , Pantelić Gordana K. , Todorović Dragana J. 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Measurement of the gross alpha and beta
activity concentrations in various matrices is suitable
as a preliminary screening procedure to determine
whether further analysis related to specific radionuclide
is necessary. In Serbia, according to current regulations,
radioactivity concentrations in drinking water for gross
alpha and gross beta should be < 0.5 and < 1.0 Bq L−1,
respectively. The generally accepted methods for gross
alpha and beta activity analysis of drinking water in
different countries are: EPA 900.0 and ISO methods (ISO
9696, water quality – measurement of gross alpha activity
in non-saline water – thick source method, and ISO
9697, water quality – measurement of gross beta activity
in non-saline water). This paper describes comparison
of preparations and measurement gross alpha and
beta activity in bottled mineral waters as well as in tap
waters in Serbia using two methods: EPA 900.0 with and
without ash, and ISO methods. Concentration of total
dissolved solids (TDS) in investigated water samples
was determined. Based on obtained TDS, certain volume
was evaporated. The instrumentation used to count the
gross alpha and gross beta activities for both methods is
α/β low level proportional counter Thermo Eberline FHT
770 T.
First radiocarbon dated paleoecological data from the freshwater carbonates of the Danube-Tisza Interfluve
Authors: Sümegi Pál , Molnár Dávid , Sávai Szilvia , Náfrádi Katalin , Novák Zsolt , Szelepcsényi Zoltán , Törőcsik Tünde 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The first radiocarbon dates available on the evolutionof the freshwater carbonates of the Danube-Tisza Interfluveare presented in this work along with their possibleuses to precisely date paleoecological and paleoenvironmentalchanges. This work also gives the basis of acomparative analysis of the Holocene radiocarbon-datedprofile of Csólyospálos with other Hungarian radiocarbondatedprofiles of the same age (Bátorliget, the Sárrét,etc.) and the implementation of a detailed chronologicaland regional paleoenvironmental study. Furthermore,our findings clearly demonstrate the importance of radiocarbonanalysis in the study of terminal Pleistoceneand Holocene Hungarian sedimentary sequences for accuratelydating and reconstructing the chronological orderof paleoenvironmental changes as well as the evolution ofthe natural endowments plus the regional comparison ofthe various profiles.
Parameters identification in the mathematical model of immune competition cells
Authors: Afraites Lekbir , Atlas Abdelghafour 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
This paper deals with the problem of identifying
parameters in the mathematical model of immune competition
developed in [Modelling Complex Biological Systems: A Kinetic Theory
Approach, Birkhäuser, Boston, 2006]. More precisely, we use the
approach called inverse problem to identify the
parameters of the model, and we investigate the identifiability
as
well as the stability of the inverse problem. In numerical
analysis, the inverse problem is reformulated as an optimization
problem where the variables are the estimated parameters in the
model. In our study, the regularized least-squares cost function
and the adjoint technique to compute the gradient of the cost
function are used. Finally, some numerical tests for parameters
identification using synthetic data are presented.
The making of nanotechnology: exposing high-school students to behind-the-scenes of nanotechnology by inviting them to a nanotechnology conference
Authors: Blonder Ron , Sakhnini Sohair 
Published: January 2015

AbstractNanotechnology has been recognized in the 21st century as a new and modern science field. It is therefore necessary to update school science by integrating nanotechnology-related concepts into curricula for students in order to prepare an educated workforce and a responsible generation that will make scientifically literate decisions. The current study examines a unique way to address the teaching of the concept “the making of nanotechnology,” one of eight essential concepts of nanotechnology that should be taught in high school and at the undergraduate level, which were identified by a recent study. The concepts’ definition and explanation are presented. The main goal of the study is to learn how students’ participation in a one-day nanotechnology conference “NanoIsrael 2014”
A Balaĝ to Enlil from the First Sealand Dynasty
Authors: Gabbay Uri 
Published: January 2015

Abstract:The tablet published in this article stems from the Sealand dynasty that ruled southern Babylonia between the end of the first dynasty of Babylon and the Kassite period. The tablet contains an abbreviated version of the Balaĝ am-e bára-an-na-ra . The Sealand text enables an examination of the literary history of this Balaĝ from the Old Babylonian period to the first millennium BCE.
A New Look at the Kassite Medical Letters, and an Edition of Šumu-libši Letter N 969
Authors: Plantholt Irene Sibbing 
Published: January 2015

Abstract:Medicine in Kassite Babylonia has not been a popular topic of research due to the scarcity of sources, but over time a group of Middle Babylonian medical letters have drawn the attention of many scholars. These letters from Kassite Nippur discuss medical matters and provide a unique and illustrative insight into how medicine was practiced in daily life. In this article I will provide a new overview of the illnesses, symptoms, and treatments that are mentioned in the Kassite medical letters. I will first discuss and reassess which letters belong to this group or “corpus” based on recent collations, after which an edition of the previously unpublished letter N 969 will be provided. The edition is followed by an overview of the illnesses and symptoms in the Kassite medical letters based on the redefined corpus and supported by collations and new readings. I will finish with some new considerations of medical treatment as presented in the Kassite medical letters.
The End of God-Napping and the Religious Foundations of the New Hittite Empire
Authors: Gilan Amir 
Published: January 2015

Abstract:The practice of god-napping is richly attested in Old Hittite historiography but disappears almost completely in later, Empire Period sources. It will be suggested that this silence is not coincidental, but rather reflects a deep change in Hittite policy towards Hurro-Syrian deities. Furthermore, it will be suggested that this new imperial policy was founded on the experience of the political and religious integration of Kizzuwatna by the founders of the New Hittite Empire. This new policy, which provides for the maintenance of local cults rather than for their spoliation, will prove to be more successful than the Old Hittite destructive mode of action.
Bent or Straight Axis? Temple Plans in Early Dynastic Southern Babylonia
Authors: Ławecka Dorota 
Published: January 2015

Abstract:The article is devoted to an analysis of Early Dynastic Sumerian temple architecture and to comparison of southern and northern Babylonian temple plans. While temples in the Diyala region feature bent-axis cellae (with analogies in northern Mesopotamia), southern ones display different layouts. Although our knowledge remains restricted, it seems that there was no single tradition of cultic architecture encompassing all southern Mesopotamia.
Rapid Maxillary Expansion Increases Internal Nasal Dimensions of Children with Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Trindade-Suedam Ivy Kiemle , Castilho Ricardo Leão , Martins Sampaio-Teixeira Ana Claudia , Marmotel Araújo Bruna Mara Adorno , Fukushiro Ana Paula , Campos Letícia Dominguez , Kiemle Trindade Inge Elly 
Published: January 2015

Objective The transverse maxillary deficiency frequently observed in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) is usually treated by rapid maxillary expansion (RME). Considering that RME causes a significant increase of the internal nasal dimensions in children with unilateral CLP (UCLP), this study aimed to characterize the internal nasal geometry of children with bilateral CLP (BCLP) and transverse maxillary deficiency using acoustic rhinometry. The study also aimed to analyze changes caused by RME. Design Cross-sectional prospective study. Setting Laboratory of Physiology, Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, University of São Paulo, Bauru, SP, Brazil. Participants Fifteen children with repaired BCLP of both genders, aged 8 to 15 years, referred for RME, were prospectively analyzed. Interventions Subjects underwent acoustic rhinometry before the expander installation and after the active phase of expansion. Cross-sectional areas (CSA) and volumes (V) of the nasal valve regions (CSA1 and V1) and turbinates (CSA2, CSA3, and V2), were measured after nasal decongestion. Main Outcome Measures In the majority of the subjects, an increase of internal nasal dimensions was observed. Results Percent changes of CSA1, CSA2, CSA3, V1, and V2 were: +25%, +11%, +9%, 20%, and +12%, respectively. Differences were significant for all variables studied, except CSA3 ( P < .05). Conclusions RME promotes an increase in the internal nasal dimensions of children with BCLP, suggesting that RME is capable of substantially improving nasal patency in this population.
Comparison of the Capacity of Enamel Matrix Derivative Gel and Enamel Matrix Derivative in Liquid Formulation to Adsorb to Bone Grafting Materials
Authors: Miron Richard J. , Bosshardt Dieter D. , Buser Daniel , Zhang Yufeng , Tugulu Stefano , Gemperli Anja , Dard Michel , Caluseru Oana M. , Chandad Fatiha , Sculean Anton 
Published: January 2015

Background: The use of an enamel matrix derivative (EMD) has been shown to enhance periodontal regeneration (e.g., formation of root cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone). However, in certain clinical situations, the use of EMD alone may not be sufficient to prevent flap collapse or provide sufficient stability of the blood clot. Data from clinical and preclinical studies have demonstrated controversial results after application of EMD combined with different types of bone grafting materials in periodontal regenerative procedures. The aim of the present study is to investigate the adsorption properties of enamel matrix proteins to bone grafts after surface coating with either EMD (as a liquid formulation) or EMD (as a gel formulation).Methods: Three different types of grafting materials, including a natural bone mineral (NBM), demineralized freeze‐dried bone allograft (DFDBA), or a calcium phosphate (CaP), were coated with either EMD liquid or EMD gel. Samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy or transmission electron microscopy (TEM) using an immunostaining assay with gold‐conjugated anti‐EMD antibody. Total protein adsorption to bone grafting material was quantified using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit for amelogenin.Results: The adsorption of amelogenin to the surface of grafting material varied substantially based on the carrier system used. EMD gel adsorbed less protein to the surface of grafting particles, which easily dissociated from the graft surface after phosphate‐buffered saline rinsing. Analyses by TEM revealed that adsorption of amelogenin proteins were significantly farther from the grafting material surface, likely a result of the thick polyglycolic acid gel carrier. ELISA protein quantification assay demonstrated that the combination of EMD liquid + NBM and EMD liquid + DFDBA adsorbed higher amounts of amelogenin than all other treatment modalities. Furthermore, amelogenin proteins delivered by EMD liquid were able to penetrate the porous surface structure of NBM and DFDBA and adsorb to the interior of bone grafting particles. Grafting materials coated with EMD gel adsorbed more frequently to the exterior of grafting particles with little interior penetration.Conclusions: The present study demonstrates a large variability of adsorbed amelogenin to the surface of bone grafting materials when enamel matrix proteins were delivered in either a liquid formulation or gel carrier. Furthermore, differences in amelogenin adsorption were observed among NBM, DFDBA, and biphasic CaP particles. Thus, the potential for a liquid carrier system for EMD, used to coat EMD, may be advantageous for better surface coating.
A Unique Treatment for Talar Osteonecrosis: Placement of an Internal Bone Stimulator
Authors: Holmes George B. , Wydra Frank , Hellman Michael , Gross Christopher E. 
Published: January 2015

Case:
There are many treatment options for talar osteonecrosis without collapse, ranging from restricted weight-bearing to arthrodesis. We present a patient with talar osteonecrosis without evidence of collapse. After conservative treatment had failed, she was treated successfully with arthroscopic drilling, bone-grafting, and placement of an internal bone stimulator.

Conclusion:
Talar osteonecrosis is a challenging entity to treat. Despite our increased knowledge of the complex talar vascular anatomy, etiologies, and treatment options, poor outcomes remain all too common. A combination of bone-grafting and an internal bone stimulator was effective for relief of symptoms in our patient in the short-term.
Optimizing Carbon Sequestration With the Capacitance/Resistance Model
Authors: Tao Qing , Bryant Steven L. 
Published: January 2015

Summary
Carbon dioxide (CO2) storage in deep brine-filled structures accompanied by brine extraction has several more advantages than conventional injection-only storage schemes, but avoiding CO2 arrival at extraction wells becomes a paramount concern. The use of conventional reservoir simulators to optimize CO2 injection/brine extraction requires a model of the petrophysical properties of the storage formation. Unfortunately, those properties are unlikely to be adequately characterized in storage reservoirs, especially at the outset of a project. An attractive alternative tool to manage injection/extraction storage processes is the capacitance/resistance model (CRM), which only requires the wells' injection/extraction histories as input. A useful characteristic of CRM for this application is that it identifies the connectivities between injectors and extractors. We show the effectiveness of the method on a homogeneous aquifer with variable injection rates. We describe a work flow that optimizes subsequent CO2 storage in the aquifer with the CRM parameters obtained from the injection/extraction history. A reasonable estimate of CRM parameters requires a sufficient length of injection/extraction history. We present further a dynamic work flow that allows updating the history and the optimal control strategy. The applications on the example storage aquifers show significant improvements in the amount of CO2 stored by injection/extraction strategies.
An Efficient Optimization Work Flow for Field-Scale In-Situ Upgrading Developments
Authors: Gao Guohua , Vink Jeroen C. , Alpak Faruk O. , Mo W.. 
Published: January 2015

Summary
In-situ upgrading process (IUP) is an attractive technology for developing unconventional extraheavy-oil reserves. Decisions are generally made on field-scale economics evaluated with dedicated commercial tools. However, it is difficult to conduct an automated IUP optimization process because of unavailable interface between the economic evaluator and commercial simulator/optimizer, and because IUP is such a highly complex process that full-field simulations are generally not feasible.
In this paper, we developed an efficient optimization work flow by addressing three technical challenges for field-scale IUP developments. The first challenge was deriving an upscaling factor modeled after analytical superposition formulation; proposing an effective method of scaling up simulation results and economic terms generated from a single-pattern IUP reservoir-simulation model to field scale; and validating this approach numerically. The second challenge was proposing a response-surface model (RSM) of field economics to analytically compute key field economical indicators, such as net present value (NPV), by use of only a few single-pattern economic terms together with the upscaling factor, and validating this approach with a commercial tool. The proposed RSM approach is more efficient, accurate, and convenient because it requires only 15–20 simulation cases as training data, compared with thousands of simulation runs required by conventional methods. The third challenge is developing a new optimization method with many attractive features: well-parallelized, highly efficient and robust, and with a much-wider spectrum of applications than gradient-based or derivative-free methods, applicable to problems without any derivative, with derivatives available for some variables, or with derivatives available for all variables.
This work flow allows us to perform automated field IUP optimizations by maximizing a full-field economics target while honoring all field-level facility constraints effectively. We have applied the work flow to optimize the IUP development of a carbonate heavy-oil asset. Our results show that the approach is robust and efficient, and leads to development options with a significantly improved field-scale NPV. This work flow can also be applied to other kinds of pattern-based field developments of shale gas and oil, and thermal processes such as steamdrive or steam-assisted gravity drainage.
Repeatability of the Evaluation of Perception of Dyspnea in Normal Subjects Assessed Through Inspiratory Resistive Loads
Authors: Fernandes Andréia K , Ziegler Bruna , Konzen Glauco L , Sanches Paulo R.S , Müller André F , Pereira Rosemary P , Dalcin Paulo de Tarso R 
Published: January 2015

Purpose: Study the repeatability of the evaluation of the perception of dyspnea using an inspiratory resistive loading system in healthy subjects.

Methods:
We designed a cross sectional study conducted in individuals aged 18 years and older. Perception of dyspnea was assessed using an inspiratory resistive load system. Dyspnea was assessed during ventilation at rest and at increasing resistive loads (0.6, 6.7, 15, 25, 46.7, 67, 78 and returning to 0.6 cm H2O/L/s). After breathing in at each level of resistive load for two minutes, the subject rated the dyspnea using the Borg scale. Subjects were tested twice (intervals from 2 to 7 days).

Results:
Testing included 16 Caucasian individuals (8 male and 8 female, mean age: 36 years). The median scores for dyspnea rating in the first test were 0 at resting ventilation and 0, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 7 and 1 point, respectively, with increasing loads. The median scores in the second test were 0 at resting and 0, 0, 2, 2, 3, 4, 4 and 0.5 points, respectively. The intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.57, 0.80, 0.74, 0.80, 0.83, 0.86, 0.91, and 0.92 for each resistive load, respectively. In a generalized linear model analysis, there was a statistically significant difference between the levels of resistive loads (p<0.001) and between tests (p=0.003). Dyspnea scores were significantly lower in the second test.

Conclusion:
The agreement between the two tests of the perception of dyspnea was only moderate and dyspnea scores were lower in the second test. These findings suggest a learning effect or an effect that could be at least partly attributed to desensitization of dyspnea sensation in the brain.
Dapagliflozin Improves Glycemic Control and Reduces Body Weight as Add-on Therapy to Metformin Plus Sulfonylurea: A 24-Week Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial
Authors: Matthaei Stephan , Bowering Keith , Rohwedder Katja , Grohl Anke , Parikh Shamik ,   for the Study 05 Group
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin and sulfonylurea.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Patients with HbA1c of 7.0% (53 mmol/mol) to 10.5% (91 mmol/mol) receiving sulfonylurea and metformin were randomized to receive dapagliflozin 10 mg/day (n = 109) or placebo (n = 109) for 24 weeks.

RESULTS
HbA1c (baseline: dapagliflozin 8.08% [65 mmol/mol]; placebo 8.24% [67 mmol/mol]) and fasting plasma glucose (baseline: dapagliflozin 167.4 mg/dL [9.29 mmol/L]; placebo 180.5 mg/dL [10.02 mmol/L]) significantly improved from baseline with dapagliflozin (placebo-subtracted change –0.69% [–7.5 mmol/mol], P &lt; 0.0001; –33.5 mg/dL [–1.86 mmol/L], P &lt; 0.0001, respectively). More patients achieved a therapeutic glycemic response (HbA1c &lt;7.0% [53 mmol/mol]) with dapagliflozin (31.8%) versus placebo (11.1%) (P &lt; 0.0001). Body weight and systolic blood pressure were significantly reduced from baseline over 24 and 8 weeks, respectively, with dapagliflozin (placebo-subtracted change –2.1 kg, P &lt; 0.0001; –3.8 mmHg, P = 0.0250). Patients receiving dapagliflozin showed placebo-subtracted increases in total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol (11.4 mg/dL, P = 0.0091; 11.4 mg/dL, P = 0.0030; 2.2 mg/dL, P = 0.0172, respectively) with no change in LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio (0.1; P = 0.2008) or triglycerides (–16.5 mg/dL; P = 0.1755). Adverse events occurred in 48.6% of patients receiving dapagliflozin and 51.4% receiving placebo. Significantly more patients with dapagliflozin compared with placebo experienced hypoglycemia (12.8 vs. 3.7%; P = 0.024) and genital infections (5.5 vs. 0%; P = 0.029). Events of urinary tract infection were reported by 6.4% of patients in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS
Dapagliflozin was well tolerated and effective over 24 weeks as add-on to metformin plus sulfonylurea. Adverse effects included hypoglycemia and genital infections.
Dietary Diabetes Risk Reduction Score, Race and Ethnicity, and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Women
Authors: Rhee Jinnie J. , Mattei Josiemer , Hughes Michael D. , Hu Frank B. , Willett Walter C. 
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate racial and ethnic differences in the association between a dietary diabetes risk reduction score and incidence of type 2 diabetes in U.S. white and minority women.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We followed 156,030 non-Hispanic white (NHW), 2,026 Asian, 2,053 Hispanic, and 2,307 black women in the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) (1980–2008) and NHS II (1991–2009). A time-updated dietary diabetes risk reduction score (range 8–32) was created by adding points corresponding with each quartile of intake of eight dietary factors (1 = highest risk; 4 = lowest risk). A higher score indicates a healthier overall diet.

RESULTS
We documented 10,922 incident type 2 diabetes cases in NHW, 157 in Asian, 193 in Hispanic, and 307 in black women. Multivariable-adjusted pooled hazard ratio across two cohorts for a 10th–90th percentile range difference in dietary diabetes risk reduction score was 0.49 (95% CI 0.46, 0.52) for NHW, 0.53 (0.31, 0.92) for Asian, 0.45 (0.29, 0.70) for Hispanic, 0.68 (0.47, 0.98) for black, and 0.58 (0.46, 0.74) for overall minority women (P for interaction between minority race/ethnicity and dietary score = 0.08). The absolute risk difference (cases per 1,000 person-years) for the same contrast in dietary score was −5.3 (−7.8, −2.7) for NHW, −7.2 (−22.9, 8.4) for Asian, −11.6 (−26.7, 3.5) for Hispanic, −6.8 (−19.5, 5.9) for black, and −8.0 (−15.6, −0.5) for overall minority women (P for interaction = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS
A higher dietary diabetes risk reduction score was inversely associated with risk of type 2 diabetes in all racial and ethnic groups, but the absolute risk difference was greater in minority women.