bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Influence of the Semantic Material on the Assessment of Speech Reception Threshold
Authors: Krenz Magdalena , Wicher Andrzej , Sęk Aleksander 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
To determine speech intelligibility using the test suggested by Ozimek et al. (2009), the subject composed sentences with the words presented on a computer screen. However, the number and the type of these words were chosen arbitrarily. The subject was always presented with 18, similarly sounding words. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether the number and the type of alternative words used by Ozimek et al. (2009), had a significant influence on the speech intelligibility. The aim was also to determine an optimal number of alternative words: i.e., the number that did not affect the speech reception threshold (SRT) and not unduly lengthened the duration of the test. The study conducted using a group of 10 subjects with normal hearing showed that an increase in the number of words to choose from 12 to 30 increased the speech intelligibility by about 0.3 dB/6 words. The use of paronyms as alternative words as opposed to random words, leads to an increase in the speech intelligibility by about 0.6 dB, which is equivalent to a decrease in intelligibility by 15 percentage points. Enlarging the number of words to choose from, and switching alternative words to paronyms, led to an increase in response time from approximately 11 to 16 s. It seems that the use of paronyms as alternative words as well as using 12 or 18 words to choose from is the best choice when using the Polish Sentence Test (PST).
Harmonized European human biomonitoring in small countries: Challenges, opportunities and lessons learned in Cyprus and Luxembourg from the DEMOCOPHES study
Authors: Katsonouri A. , Fischer M.E. , Hadjipanayis A. , Arendt M. , Lavranos G. , Hoffmann L. , Maurer-Chronakis K. , Guignard C. , Fragopoulou C. , Cocco E. , Anastasi E. , Pilavakis D. , Efstathiou E. , Demetriou L. , Hadjiefthychiou A. , Demetriou E. , Aerts D. , Casteleyn L. , Biot P. , Kolossa-Gehrin M. , Den Hond E. , Schoeters G. , Castaño A. , Esteban M. , Fiddicke U. , Exley K. , Sepai O. , Gutleb A.C. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract:Background: To advance human biomonitoring (HBM) for policy support in Europe, a harmonized approach was developed (COPHES project, FP7 2009- 2012) and evaluated in 17 countries (DEMOCOPHES project, Life+, 2010-2012). Cyprus (CY) and Luxembourg (LU) tested the hypothesis that the COPHES European Protocol is applicable to small countries.Materials and methods: In 2011-12, the European Protocol was adopted and tested by CY and LU for the harmonized biomonitoring of 60 children and their mothers for cadmium, phthalates and cotinine in urine and for mercury in scalp hair in two sampling areas (urban, rural). Results: Both small countries achieved the preset goals for recruitment, sample collection and analysis, which allowed for the first time the assessment of children’s and mothers’ exposures to the selected chemicals in comparison with other countries. Capacity building was accomplished and communication actions were particularly effective, with both countries taking advantage of their small size to access participants, policy makers, other stakeholders and the press. Time constrains and requirements for capacity building were limiting factors. Conclusion: The COPHES European Protocol for HBM surveys is attainable in small countries. The following elements are fundamental in the design of a harmonized European HBM program, from the perspective of small countries: (a) consultation with and active involvement of the implementing countries, (b) flexibility for national decisions, while not compromising harmonization, (c) elaboration of standardized methods, procedures and documents (d) quality assurance mechanisms, (e) means of training and support.
Genetic variability and biogeography of the widespread red alga Hypnea flexicaulis (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta) based on rbcL and cox1 sequences
Authors: Geraldino Paul John L. , Boo Ga Hun , Boo Sung Min 
Published: May 2015

Abstract

Hypnea flexicaulis is a carrageenophyte red alga that commonly occurs on various substrata in the lower intertidal of the Indo-Pacific Ocean. To examine the genetic variability within the species and the relationships of genetic lineages to contemporary distribution, we analyzed plastid rbcL and mitochondrial cox1 genes from specimens collected in eight countries. Phylogenetic trees of rbcL revealed a monophyly of H. flexicaulis. In the cox1 tree, H. flexicaulis comprised four genetic groups: one group was dispersed throughout the Indo-Pacific region, and the remaining three lineages were geographically localized to Australia, India, and the Philippines. Thus, the contemporary distribution of H. flexicaulis may result from a mixture of modern current flows, anthropogenic agents, and historical dispersal events.
Preparation of optically active 4-substituted γ-lactones by lipase-catalyzed optical resolution
Authors: Shimotori Yasutaka , Hoshi Masayuki , Inoue Keita , Osanai Takeshi , Okabe Hayato , Miyakoshi Tetsuo 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Optically active 4-substituted γ-lactones (3 and 4) were synthesized effectively using lipase-catalyzed optical resolution. N-methyl-4-hydroxyalkanamides (rac-1a–i) as substrates were prepared from N-methylsuccinimide. The alkylation of N-methylsuccinimide using Grignard reagents generated from various alkyl halides followed by reduction resulted in N-methyl-4-hydroxyalkanamides. The optical resolution of rac-1a–g was performed using Novozym 435-catalyzed stereoselective acetylation. The stereoselective preparation of 4-substituted γ-lactones (3 and 4) possessing various side chains such as isopentyl, phenyl, and phenethyl groups was achieved with more than 90% enantiopurity.
Existence and Exponential Stability of the Unique Almost Periodic Positive Solution for Discrete Nicholson’s Blowflies Model
Authors: Yao Zhijian 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
This paper deals with a discrete Nicholson’s blowflies model. By using contraction mapping fixed point theorem, we obtain sufficient conditions for the existence of unique almost periodic positive solution. Moreover, we investigate exponential stability of the almost periodic positive solution by Liapunov functional. We obtain new results and complement the previously obtained results in the past literatures.
Study on the Complex Neuron Model’s Reduction and Its Dynamic Characteristics
Authors: Peng Yueping 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
In the paper, based on the theory of neurodynamics, the nine-dimensional one-compartment complex model of CA1 pyramid neuron developed by David Golomb [J. Neurophysiol., 96 (2006), 1912–1926] is reduced, and the two-dimensional reduced neuron model is obtained for the first time. According to the definition of the minimal model, the nine-dimensional complex dynamic model has first be reduced to the minimal models. Then the minimal model is reduced into the two-dimensional model by the model reduction theory of neurodynamics and the polynomial regression algorithm. Finally, dynamic characteristics of the two-dimensional reduced neuron model are analyzed and discussed in detail by the neurodynamic analysis methods. When the stimulation current gradually increases from zero, the two-dimensional reduced neuron model undergoes the saddle-node bifurcation. It is equivalent to a bistable integrator and has the common dynamic properties of the integrator such as definite threshold value and class 2 neural excitability. The investigation provides a simple and convenient method to investigate deeply the high-dimensional complex neuron model’s dynamic characteristics and functions by the neurodynamic theory. Moreover, it is helpful to know the dynamic characteristics of the hippocampal neuron.
The effect of Terminalia chebula extract vs. silver sulfadiazine on burn wounds in rats
Authors: Nasiri Ebrahim , Hosseinimehr Seyed Jalal , Azadbakht Mohammad , Akbari Jafar , Enayati-fard Reza , Azizi Sohail 
Published: May 2015

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ethanol extract of Terminalia chebula in the treatment of hot water-induced burn wounds and to compare the results with silver sulfadiazine (SSD) in rats.

Methods: Five groups of ten rats were burned with hot water. Animals were administrated with topical cream at control, normal saline, 5 %, 10 % T. chebula extracts and standard SSD creams. Several parameters were assessed, including wound area, visual inspection of wound, bacteriology assessment, percentage of wound contraction and histopathological examination.

Results: The average area of wound on 10th day was 11.2 ± 3.3, 11 ± 3.2, 8.5 ± 2.3, 9.5 ± 4.2 and 5.1 ± 2.2 cm2 for SSD1 %, base cream, normal saline, herbal extract 5 % and 10 %, respectively. T. chebula 10 % cream exhibited lower wound size than SSD1 % and control groups at 10th day post burn injury. On day 15, the percentage of wound contraction in T. chebula was 5 % and 10 % more than 18 % and 53 % in comparison to SSD1 % group, respectively. Histopathological results exhibited well-formed horizontally oriented collagen fibers for appropriate tension. Strength of scar on burned tissue was better in T. chebula 5 % and 10 % as compared with control and SSD groups.

Conclusions: The results of this study showed that T. chebula extract was capable of accelerating wound healing in rats by wound contraction, and had beneficial effects more than SSD 1 % cream in the management of burn injury.
The birth of the adjective class as a problem of translation
Authors: Alfieri Luca 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis paper seeks to analyze the translation of grammatical terminology. One of the main differences between the Greek-Latin parts of speech theory and that of traditional later European linguistics (from Port Royal onwards) lies in the existence of the adjective as an independent word class. The paper examines the definitions of the categories of noun, verb and epithet/adjective from Dionysius Thrax through the 17th century, with the aim of showing that the birth of the adjective as an independent word class, along with the stabilization of the labels nomen substantivum and adjectivum with reference to the common noun and the adjective, hides a problem in meta-semiotic translation. Specifically, the issue concerns the translationreinterpretation of Aristotle’s metaphysics in light of Neo-platonic ontology during the Middle Ages, as well as its influence on the reinterpretation-translation of the Greek-Latin parts of speech theory between Late Antiquity and the Renaissance.
The extended variant of the bond valence–bond length correlation curve for boron(III)–oxygen bonds
Authors: Sidey Vasyl 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The extended variant of the bond valence (s)–bond length (r) correlation curve for boron(III)–oxygen bonds has been closely approximated using the three-parameter function s = [k/(r – l)] – m, where s is measured in valence units (vu), r is measured in Å, k = 0.53 Å·vu, l = 0.975(1) Å and m = 0.32 vu. The function s = exp[(r
0 – r)/b] traditionally used in the modern bond valence model requires the separate set of the bond valence parameters (r
0 = 1.362 Å; b = 0.23 Å) in order to approximate the above s–r curve for the bonds shorter than ∼1.3 Å.
Rogue Waves and New Multi-wave Solutions of the (2+1)-Dimensional Ito Equation
Authors: Tian Ying-hui , Dai Zheng-de 
Published: May 2015

AbstractA three-soliton limit method (TSLM) for seeking rogue wave solutions to nonlinear evolution equation (NEE) is proposed. The (2+1)-dimensional Ito equation is used as an example to illustrate the effectiveness of the method. As a result, two rogue waves and a family of new multi-wave solutions are obtained. The result shows that rogue wave can be obtained not only from extreme form of breather solitary wave but also from extreme form of double-breather solitary wave. This is a new and interesting discovery.
Electrochemical Kinetic of a Low Carbon Steel in Seawater at Different Flow Speed
Authors: Carmona A. , Orozco-Cruz R. , Mejía-Sánchez E. , Contreras A. , Galván-Martínez R. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTAn electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) corrosion study of API X70 steel was carried out in synthetic seawater with different rotation speeds using a rotating cylinder electrode (RCE) to control the hydrodynamic conditions at room temperature, atmospheric pressure and 24 h of exposure time. A superficial analysis through a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to analyze the corrosion type. The rotation speed used was 0 rpm (static condition), 1000, 3000 and 5000 rpm (turbulent flow). The results show that the turbulent flow conditions affect directly the corrosion rate (CR) of the steel, because all values of the CR under turbulent flow conditions are higher than the CR values at static conditions. In addition, it is important to point out that at turbulent flow conditions, the CR increased as the rotation speed also increased. The morphology of the corrosion in all experiments was localized corrosion.
The Role of Calcareous Soils in SCC of X52 Pipeline Steel
Authors: Contreras A. , Quej-Aké L. M. , Lizárraga C. R. , Pérez T. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTSusceptibility to external stress corrosion cracking (ESCC) of API X52 pipeline steel in calcareous soil containing different moisture content has been investigated using slow strain rate tests (SSRT). This type of soil is common of the state of Campeche Mexico and has a pH around 8. The results indicate that X52 pipeline steel was susceptible to external SCC only in the saturated calcareous soil, showing some micro cracks in the gage section of the SSR specimen. It was observed that some micro cracks were found at the bottom of micro-pits. Which indicate that first develop a pit and this evolved with time and micro-strain like a crack. Few micro cracks were observed as initiation of SCC close to surface failure. The mechanism of SCC may be influenced by formation and rupture film of carbonates.
Effect of Li-doping on Photoluminescence of Screen-printed Zinc Oxide Films
Authors: Khomenkova L. , Kushnirenko V. , Osipenok M. , Avramenko K. , Polishchuk Y. , Markevich I. , Strelchuk V. , Kladko V. , Borkovska L. , Kryshtab T. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTUndoped and Li-doped ZnO films were fabricated by screen printing approach on sapphire substrate. The effect of Li doping and annealing temperature on the luminescent, optical, electrical and structural properties of the films has been investigated by the photoluminescence (PL), Raman scattering, conductivity, Atomic Force microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. The XRD study revealed that the films have polycrystalline wurtzite structure with grain sizes ranging from 26 to 38 nm. In the undoped ZnO films, the increase of annealing temperature from 800 to 1000 °C resulted in the increase of the grain sizes, film conductivity and the intensity of the ultraviolet PL. The introduction of Li of low concentration of 0.003 wt % at 800 °C or 900 °C allows producing the low-resistive films with enhanced ultraviolet PL and reduced density of crystalline defects. Highly doped films (with 0.3 wt % of Li) were found to be semi-insulating with deteriorated PL properties irrespectively of the annealing temperature. It is shown that introduction of Li in the ZnO films affects their PL spectra mainly via the evolution of the film crystallinity and the density of intrinsic defects.
MgO Nanomaterials Improve Fibroblast Adhesion and Proliferation
Authors: Hickey Daniel J. , Webster Thomas J. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTMagnesium (Mg) plays an important role in the body mediating cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions, bone apatite structure and density, and nucleic acid chemistries. While Mg has been investigated as a biomaterial for bone applications, it has not been studied for applications within soft tissues. This study investigated, for the first time, the response of fibroblasts to magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles for soft tissue engineering applications. Primary human dermal fibroblasts were cultured both on tissue culture polystyrene in media supplemented with MgO nanoparticles as well as on poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA)-MgO nanoparticle composites. As this study was conducted concurrently with a study aimed at bone tissue engineering, hydroxyapatite (HA) nanomaterials were used for comparison. Results showed for the first time that fibroblasts adhered onto MgO-containing composites roughly three times better than HA-PLLA samples and roughly 4.5 times better than plain PLLA samples. Fibroblasts also proliferated to statistically higher densities when cultured in medium supplemented with MgO nanoparticles compared to un-supplemented medium and medium supplemented with HA nanoparticles. These preliminary results together suggest that MgO nanoparticles should be further investigated as materials to improve the regeneration of soft tissues as well as bone.
Development of 23 polymorphic microsatellite loci in invasive silver wattle, Acacia dealbata (Fabaceae)
Authors: Guillemaud Thomas , Broadhurst Linda , Legoff Isabelle , Henery Martin , Blin Aurélie , Ducatillion Catherine , Ferrando Nathalie , Malausa Thibaut 
Published: May 2015

Premise of the study:Microsatellite markers were developed for silver wattle, Acacia dealbata (Fabaceae), which is both an ornamental and an invasive weed species. It is native to southeastern Australia and invasive in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.Methods and Results:The pyrosequencing of a microsatellite‐enriched genomic DNA library of A. dealbata produced 33,290 sequences and allowed the isolation of 201 loci with a minimum of seven repeats of microsatellite motifs. Amplification tests led to the setup of two multiplex PCR mixes allowing the amplification of 21 loci. The polymorphism of these markers was evaluated on a sample of 32 individuals collected in southeastern Australia. The number of alleles and the expected heterozygosity varied between two and 11, and between 0.11 and 0.88, respectively.Conclusions:The level of polymorphism of this set of 23 microsatellites is large enough to provide valuable information on the genetic structure and the invasion history of A. dealbata.
Isolation and characterization of 12 microsatellite loci in soapbark, Quillaja saponaria (Quillajaceae)
Authors: Letelier Luis , Harvey Nick , Valderrama Aly , Stoll Alexandra , González‐Rodríguez Antonio 
Published: May 2015

Premise of the study:Microsatellite primers were developed for the endemic Chilean tree Quillaja saponaria (Quillajaceae), a common member of the sclerophyllous Mediterranean forest, to investigate intraspecific patterns of genetic diversity and structure.Methods and Results:Using an enriched library, 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed in Q. saponaria. All loci consisted of dinucleotide repeats. The average number of alleles per locus was 5.3 (2–13), with a total of 64 alleles recorded in 39 individuals from three populations.Conclusions:The microsatellite markers described here are the first characterized for Q. saponaria. The polymorphic loci will be useful in studies of genetic diversity and genetic population differentiation in natural populations of this species.
Le clonage embryonnaire humain à visée scientifique
Authors: de Longeaux Jacques 
Published: May 2015

L’instruction Dignitas personae enseigne que le clonage humain est intrinsèquement illicite, en précisant que le « clonage thérapeutique » est plus grave au plan éthique que le « clonage reproductif » (n. 28-30). L’argumentation repose sur le respect qui est dû à la vie humaine dès la conception. Dans cet article nous discutons la position selon laquelle l’embryon humain qui serait créé par transfert de noyau pour la recherche ne serait pas une vie humaine, mais seulement un agrégat de cellules. Nous montrons que le mal moral du « clonage scientifique » provient, non seulement de l’instrumentalisation et de la destruction d’embryons humains, mais aussi de leur production asexuée.
Little faith: A pragmatic-linguistic perspective on Matthew’s portrayal of Jesus’ disciples
Authors: Van Aarde Andries G. 
Published: May 2015

This article argues that fear is central to the state of being of Jesus’ disciples when their religious experience is characterised as ‘little faith’ in the Gospel of Matthew. A pragmatic-linguistic reading strategy is applied to that passage in the Gospel of Matthew where the implications of fear for the experiences of the disciples can be observed most clearly, namely Matthew 13:53–17:27. In this passage their state of being is described as ‘little faith’ and it is conveyed that the integrity of the disciples’ commission would not be accepted by their hearers unless they overcome their fear.Kleingeloof: ’n Pragmaties-linguistiese perspektief op Jesus se dissiples. Die artikel voer aan dat vrees sentraal in die eksistensiële belewenis van Jesus se dissipels staan wanneer hulle godsdienstige ervaring in die Evangelie van Matteus as kleingeloof gekarakteriseer word. ’n Pragmaties-linguistiese leesstrategie word op die betrokke gedeelte, Matteus 13:53–17:27, toegepas waar die implikasies van vrees in die dissipels se ervaring die duidelikste waargeneem kan word. Hulle eksistensiële belewenis word as kleingelowig beskryf en dit word duidelik gekommunikeer dat die integriteit van hulle opdrag om disssipels van ander mense te maak, nie deur die hoorders aanvaar sal word alvorens hulle hulle vrees oorwin het nie.
Fracture strength of roots instrumented with three different single file systems in curved root canals
Authors: Nur Bilge Gulsum , Ok Evren , Altunsoy Mustafa , Tanriver Mehmet , Capar Ismail Davut 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT
Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the fracture strength of roots instrumented with three different single file rotary systems in curved mesial root canals of maxillary molars. Materials and Methods: Curvatures of 25°–35° on mesial roots of 60 maxillary molar teeth were sectioned below the cementoenamel junction to obtain roots 11 mm in length. The roots were balanced with respect to buccolingual and mesiodistal diameter and weight. They were distributed into three experimental groups and one control group (no instrumentation) (n = 15): Reciproc rotary file (R25, VDW, Munich, Germany), WaveOne Primary rotary file (Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, Tulsa, UK) and OneShape (Micro-Mega, Besancon, France) rotary file. Vertical load was applied until fracture occurred. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance test (P < 0.05). Results: The mean fracture load was 412 ± 72 Newton (N) for the control group, 395 ± 69 N for the Reciproc group, 373 ± 63 N for the WaveOne group and 332 ± 68 N for the OneShape group. The fracture load differences among three experimental groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05.) Whereas, the fracture loads of control and OneShape groups were significantly different (P = 0.012). Conclusions: Fracture resistance of the roots instrumented with WaveOne and Reciproc file systems were similar to the control group whereas it was observed that OneShape rotary file systems enhance the fracture strength of standardized curved roots when compared with the control group.