bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modification of Non-Metallic Inclusions by Rare-Earth Elements in Microalloyed Steels
Authors: Opiela M. , Grajcar A. 
Published: September 2012

Modification of Non-Metallic Inclusions by Rare-Earth Elements in Microalloyed Steels
The modification of the chemical composition of non-metallic inclusions by rare-earth elements in the new-developed microalloyed steels was discussed in the paper. The investigated steels are assigned to production of forged elements by thermo-mechanical treatment. The steels were melted in a vaccum induction furnace and modification of non-metallic inclusions was carried out by the michmetal in the amount of 2.0 g per 1 kg of steel. It was found that using material charge of high purity and a realization of metallurgical process in vacuous conditions result in a low concentration of sulfur (0.004%), phosphorus (from 0.006 to 0.008%) and oxygen (6 ppm). The high metallurgical purity is confirmed by a small fraction of non-metallic inclusions averaging 0.075%. A large majority of non-metallic inclusions are fine, globular oxide-sulfide or sulfide particles with a mean size 17 μm2. The chemical composition and morphology of non-metallic inclusions was modified by Ce, La and Nd, what results a small deformability of non-metallic inclusions during hot-working.
Intermanual Transfer in Training With an Upper-Limb Myoelectric Prosthesis Simulator: A Mechanistic, Randomized, Pretest-Posttest Study
Authors: Romkema Sietske , Bongers Raoul M. , van der Sluis Corry K. 
Published: September 2012

BackgroundIntermanual transfer may improve prosthetic handling and acceptance if used in training soon after an amputation.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine whether intermanual transfer effects can be detected after training with a myoelectric upper-limb prosthesis simulator.DesignA mechanistic, randomized, pretest-posttest design was used.ParticipantsA total of 48 right-handed participants (25 women, 23 men) who were able-bodied were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group.InterventionThe experimental group performed a training program of 5 days' duration using the prosthesis simulator. To determine the improvement in skill, a test was administered before, immediately after, and 6 days after training. The control group only performed the tests. Training was performed with the unaffected arm, and tests were performed with the affected arm (the affected arm simulating an amputated limb). Half of the participants were tested with the dominant arm and half with the nondominant arm.MeasurementsInitiation time was defined as the time from starting signal until start of the movement, movement time was defined as the time from the beginning of the movement until completion of the task, and force control was defined as the maximal applied force on a deformable object.ResultsThe movement time decreased significantly more in the experimental group (F2,92=7.42, P=.001, ηG2=.028) when compared with the control group. This finding is indicative of faster handling of the prosthesis. No statistically significant differences were found between groups with regard to initiation time and force control. We did not find a difference in intermanual transfer between the dominant and nondominant arms.LimitationsThe training utilized participants who were able-bodied in a laboratory setting and focused only on transradial amputations.ConclusionsIntermanual transfer was present in the affected arm after training the unaffected arm with a myoelectric prosthesis simulator, and this effect did not depend on laterality. This effect may improve rehabilitation of patients with an upper-limb amputation.
The effect of different macromineral intakes on mineral metabolism of sport horses
Authors: Gálik Branislav , Bíro Daniel , Halo Marko , Juráček Miroslav , Šimko Milan , Massányi Peter , Rolinec Michal 
Published: September 2012

The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of different intakes of macroelements from feed on the mineral blood profile of sport horses. In the experiment which lasted for 12 months (6 months for each of the two periods), 14 sport horses with 2 types of feed rations were monitored. The blood was collected at the beginning of the experiment and every 2 months (three blood collections for each period). Feed rations had a negative effect on Ca (3.40 mmol·l-1 and 3.32 mmol·l-1) and K (3.2 mmol·l-1 and 2.98 mmol·l-1) concentrations in equine serum obtained from the second and third blood collection, respectively. Concentration of P (1.28 mmol·l-1 and 1.20 mmol·l-1) in equine serum obtained from the second and third blood collection, respectively, was higher (P < 0.05) compared to the first blood collection. Concentrations of Mg and Na were in reference intervals. In the 2nd period of experiment, feed rations were adjusted based on individual requirements of the monitored horses; the proportion of the mineral ingredient in the feed rations was lowered. More balanced concentrations of Ca, Mg, Na and K were detected in equine blood serum as a result of lower intake of the minerals from feed; the concentration of P was, except for one case, higher than in the 1st period. We observed a positive effect of individual ration compositions based on the results of blood mineral profile. The study describes for the first time the effect of a high and adequate long-term intake of macroelements on their concentrations in sport horses’ blood serum.
Efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation in posttraumatic versus nontraumatic epilepsy
Authors: Englot Dario J. , Rolston John D. , Wang Doris D. , Hassnain Kevin H. , Gordon Charles M. , Chang Edward F. 
Published: September 2012

Object
In the US, approximately 500,000 individuals are hospitalized yearly for traumatic brain injury (TBI), and posttraumatic epilepsy (PTE) is a common sequela of TBI. Improved treatment strategies for PTE are critically needed, as patients with the disorder are often resistant to antiepileptic medications and are poor candidates for definitive resection. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an adjunctive treatment for medically refractory epilepsy that results in a ≥ 50% reduction in seizure frequency in approximately 50% of patients after 1 year of therapy. The role of VNS in PTE has been poorly studied. The aim of this study was to determine whether patients with PTE attain more favorable seizure outcomes than individuals with nontraumatic epilepsy etiologies.

Methods
Using a case-control study design, the authors retrospectively compared seizure outcomes after VNS therapy in patients with PTE versus those with nontraumatic epilepsy (non-PTE) who were part of a large prospectively collected patient registry.

Results
After VNS therapy, patients with PTE demonstrated a greater reduction in seizure frequency (50% fewer seizures at the 3-month follow-up; 73% fewer seizures at 24 months) than patients with non-PTE (46% fewer seizures at 3 months; 57% fewer seizures at 24 months). Overall, patients with PTE had a 78% rate of clinical response to VNS therapy at 24 months (that is, ≥ 50% reduction in seizure frequency) as compared with a 61% response rate among patients with non-PTE (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.07–1.61), leading to improved outcomes according to the Engel classification (p < 0.0001, Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel statistic).

Conclusions
Vagus nerve stimulation should be considered in patients with medically refractory PTE who are not good candidates for resection. A controlled prospective trial is necessary to further examine seizure outcomes as well as neuropsychological outcomes after VNS therapy in patients with intractable PTE.
Extent of resection in patients with glioblastoma: limiting factors, perception of resectability, and effect on survival
Authors: Orringer Daniel , Lau Darryl , Khatri Sameer , Zamora-Berridi Grettel J. , Zhang Kathy , Wu Chris , Chaudhary Neeraj , Sagher Oren 
Published: September 2012

Object
The extent of resection (EOR) is a known prognostic factor in patients with glioblastoma. However, gross-total resection (GTR) is not always achieved. Understanding the factors that prevent GTR is helpful in surgical planning and when counseling patients. The goal of this study was to identify demographic, tumor-related, and technical factors that influence EOR and to define the relationship between the surgeon's impression of EOR and radiographically determined EOR.

Methods
The authors performed a retrospective review of the electronic medical records to identify all patients who underwent craniotomy for glioblastoma resection between 2006 and 2009 and who had both preoperative and postoperative MRI studies. Forty-six patients were identified and were included in the study. Image analysis software (FIJI) was used to perform volumetric analysis of tumor size and EOR based on preoperative and postoperative MRI. Using multivariate analysis, the authors assessed factors associated with EOR and residual tumor volume. Perception of resectability was described using bivariate statistics, and survival was described using the log-rank test and Kaplan-Meier curves.

Results
The EOR was less for tumors in eloquent areas (p = 0.014) and those touching ventricles (p = 0.031). Left parietal tumors had significantly greater residual volume (p = 0.042). The average EOR was 91.0% in this series. There was MRI-demonstrable residual tumor in 69.6% of cases (16 of 23) in which GTR was perceived by the surgeon. Expert reviewers agreed that GTR could be safely achieved in 37.0% of patients (17 of 46) in this series. Among patients with safely resectable tumors, radiographically complete resection was achieved in 23.5% of patients (4 of 17). An EOR greater than 90% was associated with a significantly greater 1-year survival (76.5%) than an EOR less than 90% (p = 0.005).

Conclusions
The authors' findings confirm that tumor location affects EOR and suggest that EOR may also be influenced by the surgeon's ability to judge the presence of residual tumor during surgery. The surgeon's ability to judge completeness of resection during surgery is commonly inaccurate. The authors' study confirms the impact of EOR on 1-year survival.
Epidemiology of traumatic spinal fractures: experience from medical university–affiliated hospitals in Chongqing, China, 2001–2010
Authors: Wang Hongwei , Zhang Yuan , Xiang Qiang , Wang Xuke , Li Changqing , Xiong Hongyan , Zhou Yue 
Published: September 2012

Object
The main objective of this study was to analyze the epidemiological data obtained from patients with traumatic spinal fracture at 2 university-affiliated hospitals in Chongqing, China.

Methods
The authors retrospectively reviewed the hospital records of all patients who suffered traumatic spinal fracture and were treated at Xinqiao Hospital and Southwest Hospital (both affiliated with The Third Military Medical University) between January 2001 and December 2010. The demographic characteristics, injury characteristics, and clinical outcomes of patients over this 10-year period were compared.

Results
A total of 3142 patients (mean age 45.7 years, range 1–92 years) with traumatic spinal fractures were identified; 65.5% of the patients were male. The peak frequency of these injuries occurred in the 31- to 40-year-old age group. Accidental falls and traffic accidents were the most common causes of spinal fractures (58.9% and 20.9%, respectively). Traffic accidents tended to occur in younger patients, whereas accidental falls tended to occur in older patients. The most common area of fracture was the thoracolumbar spine (54.9%). Cervical spinal fractures were significantly more common in patients injured in traffic accidents, while lumbar spinal fractures were more common in accidental fall patients. Using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification, 479 (15.3%) patients were classified as having ASIA A injuries; 913 (29.1%), ASIA B, ASIA C, or ASIA D; and 1750 (55.7%), ASIA E. ASIA A injuries were more common in patients who suffered thoracic spinal fractures (15.09%) than in those with fractures in other areas of the spine. A total of 954 (30.4%) patients had associated nonspinal injuries. Of these patients, 389 (40.78%) suffered a thoracic injury, and 191 (20.02%) sustained a head and neck injury. The length of hospitalization differed significantly between the accidental falls from high heights and falls from low heights, as did the mean cost of hospitalization (p < 0.05), but no significant difference was found between accidental falls from high heights and traffic accidents (p > 0.05). The length of hospitalization differed significantly among the 3 groups according to the ASIA classification, as did the mean cost of hospitalization (p < 0.05). Of patients with incomplete lesions, 39.3% improved 1 or more grades in ASIA classification during hospitalization.

Conclusions
Accidental falls emerged as the leading cause of traumatic spinal fracture in this study, and the numbers of fall-induced and sports-related injuries increased steadily with age. These results indicate that there should be increased concern for the consequences of fall- and sports-related injuries among the elderly.
Deposition von Luftschadstoffen in der Schweiz: Entwicklung, aktueller Stand und Bewertung
Authors: Augustin Sabine , Achermann Beat 
Published: September 2012

Deposition of air pollutants in Switzerland: development, current situation and assessment
In total, the emissions of nitrogen, sulfur and other anthropogenic air pollutants in Switzerland were reduced in the last decades. This is the result of effective measures of the air pollution abatement policies. Sulfur input in forests today is nearly negligible due to a reduction of emissions by more than 90 percent. Regarding nitrogen emissions the picture is less consistent: they are reduced in consequence of the abatement of nitrogen oxides emissions from combustion processes, but ammonia emissions from agriculture show a considerably less pronounced reduction, and since the year 2000 they remain on a high level. In 2007 the average inputs in forests amounted to 24 kg nitrogen per ha and 4.8 kg sulfur per ha. Natural nitrogen input is 1 to 3 kg per ha and year. On nearly all forest sites (&gt;95%) the critical loads for nitrogen were exceeded. Nitrogen input consists of roughly two thirds of reduced ammonia nitrogen from agricultural activities and one third of oxidized nitrogen from combustion processes (traffic, households, industries, commerce). In 2007 the acidification potential of nitrogen and sulfur input in forests on many sites was considerably higher than the amount of available neutralizing cations (Ca, Mg, K) from the weathering of minerals and their input with dust. Further efforts are necessary to reduce the nitrogen load in forests to a tolerable amount.
Waldzustand in der Schweiz: Erfassung, Entwicklung und Einflussfaktoren
Authors: Dobbertin Matthias , Hug Christian , Walthert Lorenz 
Published: September 2012

Forest condition in Switzerland: assessment, development and influencing factors
In the early 1980s it was feared that air pollution would cause a widespread forest decline and a reduction in forest productivity. In Switzerland as in most European countries crown defoliation and foliage discoloration were selected as the most important indicators of forest condition. The Sanasilva inventory on a systematic network of plots showed an increase in the proportion of trees with high defoliation until 1995. Since then no trend has been detected. However, large annual fluctuations were often observed following years with large-scale climatic events, such as the storms Vivian and Lothar and the heat summer of 2003. Although highly variable, neither mortality nor removal rates have shown any time trend since 1985. The annual differences in crown defoliation, mortality and tree growth are mainly related to climatic factors. In addition to the climatic conditions, nutrient availability, soil water holding capacity and to a lesser extent air pollution determine the degree of crown defoliation at a given site and for a given species. Although several studies have found a negative effect of nitrogen deposition or ozone concentrations on tree foliation, others have shown that up to now nitrogen deposition has increased tree growth on nitrogen-limited sites. It can thus be concluded that presently air pollution does not pose a direct threat to tree conditions in Switzerland. However, the assessment of crown condition alone is not a suitable tool to detect the effects of air pollution on forests. This requires more detailed measurements on long-term research sites. However, as crown condition is strongly affected by site conditions and climate, it should be further monitored, particularly with regard to the predicted climate change.
Renal Outcome in Patients with Lupus Nephritis Using a Steroid-free Regimen of Monthly Intravenous Cyclophosphamide: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: FISCHER-BETZ REBECCA , CHEHAB GAMAL , SANDER OLIVER , VORDENBÄUMEN STEFAN , VOICULESCU ADINA , BRINKS RALPH , SCHNEIDER MATTHIAS 
Published: September 2012

Objective.Intravenous cyclophosphamide (IV CYC) in combination with high doses of corticosteroids is considered the “gold standard” of therapy for lupus nephritis (LN). However, the optimal dose of corticosteroids needed has not been defined. We evaluated the efficacy of a monotherapy with IV CYC in patients with a first episode of LN (duration ≤ 6 months).Methods.Forty patients with LN received IV CYC (12 pulses). Prednisone alone was administered and dose-adjusted to control extrarenal manifestations. Response after 24 months was defined as normalization of creatinine level, inactive urinary sediment, and proteinuria ≤ 0.2 g/day [complete response (CR)] or ≤ 0.5 g/day [partial response (PR)].Results.CR was achieved in 25 (62.5%) and PR in 8 (20%) patients. Mean starting dose of prednisone was 23.9 ± 23.8 mg/day. In a posthoc analysis, we separately analyzed patients initially treated with prednisone doses ≥ 20 mg/day (Group A, n = 19) or < 20 mg/day (Group B, n = 21). CR was achieved in 52.6% (Group A) versus 71.4% (Group B; p = 0.37); and PR in 26.3% versus 14.3%, respectively (p = 0.58). During longterm followup (10.4 ± 3.1 yrs), 37.8% experienced a renal flare. Thirty patients (81%) still have normal renal function. Renal outcome was irrespective of initial prednisone doses (p = 0.46, Pearson chi-square test of independence).Conclusion.Our rates of CR and PR and longterm outcomes were comparable with rates after treatment with a combination of IV CYC with high doses of corticosteroids. These data warrant randomized controlled trials evaluating different doses of corticosteroids in LN.
Infliximab is Associated with Improvement in Arterial Stiffness in Patients with Early Rheumatoid Arthritis — A Randomized Trial
Authors: TAM LAI-SHAN , SHANG QING , LI EDMUND K. , WANG SHANG , LI RUI-JIE , LEE KA-LAI , LEUNG YING-YING , YING KING-YEE , YIM CHEUK-WAN , KUN EMILY W. , LEUNG MOON-HO , LI MARTIN , LI TENA K. , ZHU TRACY Y. , CHUI RICKY K. , TSEUNG LORRAINE , YU SHUI-LIAN , KUAN WOON-PANG , YU CHEUK-MAN 
Published: September 2012

Objective.To determine the efficacy of methotrexate (MTX) with infliximab (IFX) compared with MTX alone in the prevention of atherosclerosis and arterial stiffness in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods.A randomized, open-label study in which early RA patients with active disease were treated with MTX alone (n = 20) and MTX plus IFX (n = 20) for 6 months. Patients were assessed every 3 months. Patients from the MTX-alone group who failed to achieve 28-joint Disease Activity Score remission (DAS28 ≤ 2.6) at 6 months were permitted to escape to open-label IFX. Intima-media thickness (IMT), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and augmentation index (AIx) were measured at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months.Results.At 6 months, there was a significantly greater reduction in PWV in the MTX-alone group (0.18 ± 1.59 m/s) compared with the MTX plus IFX group (−0.78 ± 1.13 m/s; p = 0.044), accompanied by significantly greater reduction in patient’s global assessment, number of swollen joints, C-reactive protein, and DAS28 in the MTX plus IFX group compared to the MTX-alone group. The changes in IMT and AIx were similar between the 2 groups. At 12 months, there was a trend favoring early combination treatment with regard to the reduction in PWV (p = 0.06).Conclusion.MTX plus IFX causes a more significant reduction in PWV than MTX alone in patients with early RA after 6-month treatment, and further improvement may be achieved in patients who continued on longterm tumor necrosis factor-α blockers, suggesting that early, effective suppression of inflammation may prevent progression of atherosclerosis by improving vascular function.
Présuppositions immédiates vs Présuppositions médiates
Authors: Fasciolo Marco 
Published: September 2012

Les exemples classiques de présuppositions concernent des faits contingents : qu’il y ait un roi de France, qu’une personne fume, ait des enfants, soit mariée, etc. Ces faits deviennent des présupposés discursifs et contribuent à la cohérence textuelle, par la médiation de déclencheurs linguistiques. Cependant, les présuppositions prototypiques sont en fait les distinctions ontologiques fondamentales entre humains, animaux, choses, etc. Ces distinctions fonctionnent comme présupposés de notre forme de vie toujours et immédiatement. Les présuppositions discursives sont présuppositions dans la mesure où elles manifestent les comportements des deuxièmes ; et elles sont linguistiquement intéressantes dans la mesure où ce ne sont pas des présuppositions prototypiques, mais bien relatives à des faits contingents.
Recherche publique : les temps modernes !
Authors: Guyon Marc 
Published: September 2012

Résumé Les chercheurs sont actuellement confrontés à des procédures d’élaboration de leurs projets reposant sur une division du travail plus strictement prescrite et à des modes d’évaluation en partie déconnectés du travail effectif. Pour Marc Guyon, ce processus de fordisation de l’organisation de la recherche s’accompagne de la mobilisation de la subjectivité du chercheur dans un cadre s’attachant à davantage contrôler cette dernière, au besoin en favorisant l’autocontrôle par le biais d’un renforcement de la compétition. Celle-ci a pour conséquence de venir détruire la coopération, rendant les objectifs de production scientifique plus difficiles à satisfaire.
Enseignants-chercheurs, recherche et plagiat
Authors: Darde Jean-Noël 
Published: September 2012

Résumé Les enseignants-chercheurs peuvent être impliqués à différents titres dans des affaires de plagiat. Sans que cela puisse être considéré comme la règle, on ne peut que constater le refus fréquent des instances universitaires d’affronter les cas de plagiat avec la transparence et la déontologie nécessaires. Or, rappelle Jean-Noël Darde, l’opacité dont bénéficient le plagiat et les plagiaires se fait toujours au détriment des plagiés. Pourtant, des solutions simples pour lutter contre ce phénomène existent, si les instances universitaires décidaient d’assumer toutes leurs responsabilités : formation à l’usage des sources et au référencement, choix de la transparence dans les procédures pour plagiat, choix de la défense du plagié plutôt que celle du plagiaire.
Jusqu'où le cinéma peut-il être critique ?
Authors: Esquerre Arnaud 
Published: September 2012

Résumé Le festival de Cannes ne se réduit pas seulement à une montée des marches sur un tapis rouge, des palmarès et un marché des droits. Il contribue, en tant qu’institution, à définir ce qu’est le cinéma. Et, toujours en tant qu’institution, il laisse la critique, celle émise et attribuée aux films, se développer. Mais cette place donnée à la critique n’en est pas moins bornée, notamment par l’encadrement des interprétations des œuvres, et dès lors qu’est en jeu ce qui est considéré comme la condition minimale de fabrication du cinéma : la captation de valeur par le droit de la propriété intellectuelle.