bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Economic evaluation of procalcitonin-guided antibiotic therapy in acute respiratory infections: a US health system perspective
Authors: Schuetz Philipp , Balk Robert , Briel Matthias , Kutz Alexander , Christ-Crain Mirjam , Stolz Daiana , Bouadma Lila , Wolff Michel , Kristoffersen Kristina B. , Wei Long , Burkhardt Olaf , Welte Tobias , Schroeder Stefan , Nobre Vandack , Tamm Michael , Bhatnagar Neera , Bucher Heiner C. , Luyt Charles-Edouard , Chastre Jean , Tubach Florence , Mueller Beat , Lacey Michael J. , Ohsfeldt Robert L. , Scheibling Cara M. , Schneider John E. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractWhether or not antibiotic stewardship protocols based on procalcitonin levels results in cost savings remains unclear. Herein, our objective was to assess the economic impact of adopting procalcitonin testing among patients with suspected acute respiratory tract infection (ARI) from the perspective of a typical US integrated delivery network (IDN) with a 1,000,000 member catchment area or enrollment.To conduct an economic evaluation of procalcitonin testing versus usual care we built a cost-impact model based on patient-level meta-analysis data of randomized trials. The meta-analytic data was adapted to the US setting by applying the meta-analytic results to US lengths of stay, costs, and practice patterns. We estimated the annual ARI visit rate for the one million member cohort, by setting (inpatient, ICU, outpatient) and ARI diagnosis.In the inpatient setting, the costs of procalcitonin-guided compared to usual care for the one million member cohort was $2,083,545, compared to $2,780,322, resulting in net savings of nearly $700,000 to the IDN for 2014. In the ICU and outpatient settings, savings were $73,326 and $5,329,824, respectively, summing up to overall net savings of $6,099,927 for the cohort. Results were robust for all ARI diagnoses. For the whole US insured population, procalcitonin-guided care would result in $1.6 billion in savings annually.Our results show substantial savings associated with procalcitonin protocols of ARI across common US treatment settings mainly by direct reduction in unnecessary antibiotic utilization. These results are robust to changes in key parameters, and the savings can be achieved without any negative impact on treatment outcomes.
Enzymatic control of cysteinyl thiol switches in proteins
Authors: Deponte Marcel , Horst Lillig Christopher 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The spatiotemporal modification of specific cysteinyl residues in proteins has emerged as a novel concept in signal transduction. Such modifications alter the redox state of the cysteinyl thiol group, with implications for the structure and biological function of the protein. Regulatory cysteines are therefore classified as ‘thiol switches’. In this review we emphasize the relevance of enzymes for specific and efficient redox sensing, evaluate prerequisites and general properties of redox switches, and highlight mechanistic principles for toggling thiol switches. Moreover, we provide an overview of potential mechanisms for the initial formation of regulatory disulfide bonds. In brief, we address the three basic questions (i) what defines a thiol switch, (ii) which parameters confer signal specificity, and (iii) how are thiol switches oxidized?
Cytosolic thiol switches regulating basic cellular functions: GAPDH as an information hub?
Authors: Hildebrandt Thomas , Knuesting Johannes , Berndt Carsten , Morgan Bruce , Scheibe Renate 
Published: January 2015

AbstractCytosolic glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH, E.C. 1.2.1.12) is present in all organisms and catalyzes the oxidation of triose phosphate during glycolysis. GAPDH is one of the most prominent cellular targets of oxidative modifications when reactive oxygen and nitrogen species are formed during metabolism and under stress conditions. GAPDH harbors a strictly conserved catalytic cysteine, which is susceptible to a variety of thiol modifications, including S-sulfenylation, S-glutathionylation, S-nitrosylation, and S-sulfhydration. Upon reversible oxidative thiol modification of GAPDH, glycolysis is inhibited leading to a diversion of metabolic flux through the pentose-phosphate cycle to increase NADPH production. Furthermore, oxidized GAPDH may adopt new functions in different cellular compartments including the nucleus, as well as in new microcompartments associated with the cytoskeleton, mitochondria and plasma membrane. This review focuses on the recently discovered mechanism underlying the eminent reactivity between GAPDH and hydrogen peroxide and the subsequent redox-dependent moonlighting functions discriminating between the induction either of adaptive responses and adjustment of metabolism or of cell death in yeast, plants, and mammals. In light of the summarized results, cytosolic GAPDH might function as a sensor for redox signals and an information hub to transduce these signals for appropriate responses.
Paradoxes of Christian Solitude in the Seventeenth Century
Authors: Quantin Jean-Louis 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
In seventeenth-century religious discourse, the status of solitude was deeply ambivalent: on the one hand, solitude was valued as a setting and preparation for self-knowledge and meditation; on the other hand, it had negative associations with singularity, pride and even schism. The ambiguity of solitude reflected a crucial tension between the temptation to withdraw from contemporary society, as hopelessly corrupt, and endeavours to reform it. Ecclesiastical movements which stood at the margins of confessional orthodoxies, such as Jansenism (especially in its moral dimension of Rigorism), Puritanism and Pietism, targeted individual conscience but also worked at controlling and disciplining popular behaviour. They may be understood as attempts to pursue simultaneously withdrawal and engagement.
Withdrawal and Engagement in the Long Seventeenth Century: Four Case Studies
Authors: Bruun Mette Birkedal , Havsteen Sven Rune , Mejrup Kristian , Nagelsmit Eelco , Nørgaard Lars 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The Cistercian monastery La Trappe, Mme de Maintenon’s school for girls at St Cyr, the schools at A. H. Francke’s foundations at Halle and the community established within these foundations bring to the fore the dynamic between withdrawal and engagement and the medial expressions of this dynamic. But each case demonstrates a particular employment of architecture, texts, music and images in the service of withdrawal and engagement respectively. At La Trappe the liturgical life and the furnishing of the abbey church made manifest the appropriation of desert asceticism as well as the Cistercian origin. Meanwhile the ethos of isolation and devotional self-surrender was conveyed beyond the walls by means of treatises, letters, images and the reception of visitors. At St Cyr noble girls were taught to renounce the world. This aim went hand in hand with the disciplinary and educational profile of the school and the royal founders’ ambition of to educate the wives and mothers of French noble households. Three paintings produced for the royal institution embody this aspiration in a particularly illuminating way. In the two cases related to Halle, the juxtaposition of theological texts and concepts such as Gelassenheit, musico-poetical culture as well as material and visual expressions of the Pietist reform movement and the employment of the eagle motif contributes to a multi-faceted understanding of the dynamic between withdrawal and engagement and the relation between the withdrawn locus and the society in which it was set.
A Multi-core Shared Tree Algorithm Based on Network Coding for Multi-point Optical Multicast
Authors: Liu Huanlin , Yang Yuming , Li Yuan , Chen Yong , Huang Sheng 
Published: January 2015

AbstractWith the growth of multi-point to multi-point multicast applications, the optical network bandwidth resource consumption is increasing rapidly. It attracted more and more researchers to improve the limited wavelength bandwidth utilization for multicast applications in wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) networks. In the paper, a multi-core shared multicast tree algorithm based on network coding is proposed to minimize the fiber link stress. The proposed algorithm includes three processes: searching the core node candidate set excluding core node loop path, selecting the core nodes from the convergence matrix based on heuristic algorithm, and constructing the multi-core nodes shared trees. The convergence matrix based on the heuristic method is constructed for selecting the core nodes from candidate core node set. To improve the limited wavelength utilization, we introduce network coding into the shared tree to compress the transmitting information. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm’s performance is better than the existing algorithms’ performance in terms of link stress and balance degree.
The use of pamidronate for acute vitamin D intoxication, clinical experience with three cases
Authors: Sagsak Elif , Savas-Erdeve Senay , Keskin Meliksah , Cetinkaya Semra , Aycan Zehra 
Published: January 2015

AbstractVitamin D intoxication in infancy has serious consequences attributable to acute hypercalcemia and subsequent hypercalcuria or nephrocalcinosis. Traditonal treatment methods is inadequate in some patients with severe hypercalcemia due to vitamin D intoxication. Our experience suggests that bisphosphonates may be an effective and reliable drug in the treatment of severe and persistant hypercalcemia.
Managing Foreign Investment in Agricultural Land in Africa: The Role of Bilateral Investment Treaties and International Investment Contracts
Authors: Ewelukwa Ofodile Uche 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThis paper seeks answers to three questions. What are the trends in terms of the role of bilateral investment treaties (BITs) and land contracts in addressing complex environmental, social and governance issues implicated in foreign direct investment in agricultural land (agro-FDI)? Are countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) effectively using these two policy instruments to maximize the benefits of agro-FDI and to minimize associated risks and dangers? Do countries in SSA appreciate and are they effectively managing the complex interactions between international investment law, as encapsulated in BITs, and other regimes of international law, particularly the international human rights regime?
Adsorption behavior of samarium(III) from aqueous solutions onto PAN@SDS core-shell polymeric adsorbent
Authors: Mahmoud Mamdoh R. , Soliman Mohamed A. , Allan Karam F. 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Adsorption behavior of samarium(III) radionuclides from aqueous
solutions onto a novel polyacrylonitrile coated with sodium dodecyl
sulfate (PAN@SDS), prepared by gamma radiation-induced polymerization,
was studied in this work. The developed polymeric adsorbent was
characterized by FT-IR, X-ray diffraction and N2
adsorption-desorption. The influence of some experimental parameters
such as pH, initial samarium(III) concentration, SDS concentration,
temperature, ionic strength and contact time on the adsorption
efficiency of samarium(III) was evaluated. Results showed that
adsorption efficiency of about 97% was attained for
samarium(III) in the pH range 3.8–7.5. The kinetic study showed that
samarium(III) was efficiently removed within 10 min and
equilibrium was attained at around 30 min. Six isotherm
models; Freundlich, Langmuir, Generalized, Redlich–Peterson, Toth and
Sips, were used to fit the adsorption equilibrium data, and the
best-fit three-parameter isotherms suggest that adsorption capacity of
PAN@SDS for samarium(III) to be 97.73 mg g
–1, which is
a markedly high value compared to most of the other adsorbents
reported for other metal ions. Using the
Dubinin–Kaganer–Radushkevich (DKR) model, the mean free energy E
was calculated as 1.569 kJ mol-1, which suggested that
adsorption of samarium(III) was dominated by physisorption. Results of
the thermodynamic parameters, ΔGo, ΔSo and ΔHo, showed that
adsorption of samarium(III) onto PAN@SDS was feasible, spontaneous and
exothermic in nature. Of the various studied kinetic models, the
experimental kinetic data were best fitted to the modified multiplex
model, and the adsorption process was mainly controlled by particle
diffusion. Desorption studies showed that 95% of
samarium(III) loaded on PAN@SDS were recovered using
2 mol L
–1 HCl.
Improving model performance with the integrated wavelet denoising method
Authors: Chen Yi-Ting , Sun Edward W. , Yu Min-Teh 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Intelligent pattern recognition imposes new challenges in high-frequency financial data mining due to its irregularities and roughness. Based on the wavelet transform for decomposing systematic patterns and noise, in this paper we propose a new integrated wavelet denoising method, named smoothness-oriented wavelet denoising algorithm (SOWDA), that optimally determines the wavelet function, maximal level of decomposition, and the threshold rule by using a smoothness score function that simultaneously detects the global and local extrema. We discuss the properties of our method and propose a new evaluation procedure to show its robustness. In addition, we apply this method both in simulation and empirical investigation. Both the simulation results based on three typical stylized features of financial data and the empirical results in analyzing high-frequency financial data from Frankfurt Stock Exchange confirm that SOWDA significantly (based on the RMSE comparison) improves the performance of classical econometric models after denoising the data with the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and maximal overlap discrete wavelet transform (MODWT) methods.
Response Due to Concentrated Force in Micropolar Elastic Solid with Voids
Authors: Singh R. , Singh K. 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The eigen value approach, following Laplace and Fourier transforms has been employed to find the general solution of the field equation in a micropolar elastic solid with voids for the plane strain problem. An application of an infinite space with impulsive force has been taken to illustrate the utility of the approach. The integral transformations have been inverted by using a numerical inversion technique to get result in physical domain. The result in the form of normal displacement, volume fraction, normal force stress, tangential force stress and tangential couple stress components has been obtained numerically and illustrated graphically to depict the effect of micropolarity and voids.
Preliminary Contamination Risk Assessment of Mining Waste Using Spatial Analysis and Geochemical Characterization of Rock Formations. Case Study in Hungary
Authors: Abdelaal Ahmed 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The Mine Waste Directive (2006/21/EC) requires the risk-based inventory of all mine waste sites in Europe. The geochemical documentation concerning inert classification and ranking of the mine wastes requires specific field study and laboratory testing and analyses of waste material to assess the Acid Mine Drainage potential and toxic element mobility. The procedure applied in this study used a multi-level decision support scheme for the inert classification of waste rock material including: 1) expert judgment, 2) data review, 3) representative field sampling and laboratory analysis and testing of rock formations listed in the National Inert Mining Waste List, and 4) requesting available laboratory analysis data from selected operating mines. Based on a preliminary expert judgment, the listed formations were classified into three categories. A: inert B: probably inert, but has to be checked, C: probably not inert, has to be examined. This paper discusses the heavy metal contamination risk assessment (RA) in the Hungarian quarrymine waste sites. In total 30 waste sites (including both abandoned mines and active quarries) were selected for scientific testing using the EU Pre-selection Protocol. Altogether 93 field samples were collected from the waste sites including andesite, rhyolite, coal (lignite and black coals), peat, alginite, bauxite, clay and limestone. Laboratory analyses of the total toxic element content (aqua regia extraction), the mobile toxic element content (deionized water leaching) carried out according to the Hungarian GKM Decree No. 14/2008. (IV.3) concerning mining waste management. A detailed geochemical study together with spatial analysis and GIS were performed to derive a geochemically sound contamination RA of the mine waste sites. Key parameters such as heavy metals, in addition to the landscape metric parameter such as the distance to the nearest surface and ground water bodies, or to sensitive receptors such as settlements and protected areas calculated and statistically evaluated in order to calibrate the RA methods. Results show that some of the waste rock materials, assumed to be inert, were found non-inert. Thus, regional RA needs more spatial and petrological examination with special care to rock and mineral deposit genetics.
Mapping Freshwater Carbonate Deposits by Using Ground-Penetrating Radar at Lake Kolon, Hungary
Authors: Pécsi Eszter , Katona Orsolya , Barta Károly , Sipos György , Biró Csaba 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Freshwater carbonate deposit, as a special phenomenon in the Danube-Tisza Interfluve, located in the centre of Hungary, is a significant geological heritage in the Carpathian Basin. At present there is not any applicable method to investigate the presence of carbonate layers in an undisturbed way, as neither vegetation nor morphological characteristics indicate unambiguously these formations. Ground-penetrating radar technology is widely used in various earth science related researches, and the number of applications is steadily increasing. The aim of the study was to determine the spatial extension of freshwater limestone using geophysical methods near Lake Kolon, Hungary. The lake, which is now a protected wetland area with opened water surfaces, was formed in the paleo-channel of the River Danube. Measurements were performed with the help of ground-penetrating radar, the results were calibrated by high spatial resolution drillings. Investigations have been made since 2012, and freshwater limestone was detected at several locations determining the more exact extension of the formation. Ground-penetrating radar proved to be an appropriate method to detect the compact and fragmented freshwater limestone layers in such an environment. However, based on the results the method can be best applied under dry soil or sediment conditions while the uncertainty of the results increases significantly as a matter of higher soil moisture. Further control measurements are necessary verified by several drillings in order to give an exact method to determine freshwater limestone.
The Role of Habitat Types and Soil Physicochemical Properties in the Spread of a Non Native Shrub Lantana Camara in the Doon Valley, Western Himalaya, India
Authors: Mandal Gautam , Joshi Shambhu Prasad 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Invasive alien species colonize very aggressively and forcefully, menacing native biodiversity. The success of invasive alien plants is due to their opportunistic exploitation of anthropogenic disturbances, the absence of natural enemies, free from herbivory and frequently their allelopathic competition. Invasive species can have a significant impact on development, affecting sustainability of livelihood, food security and essential ecosystem services and dynamics. Lantana camara is a documented weed of worldwide significance; it is indigestible due to its toxic chemicals and highly competitive. In this study physicochemical properties of soil were analysed from different high and low Lantana infested areas. Significant site effect was frequently observed than effect due to invasion status. The present study tested the impact of soil properties in the measured and calculated attributes of Lantana by randomly sampling soil from the highly invaded and less invaded sites in different habitats using the Modified Whittaker plot design. Results indicated that edaphic factors such as soil pH, total nitrogen, soil organic carbon, phosphorus and potassium content positively influenced the growth of Lantana and helped in its own further invasion process. These factors were also positively influencing the measured and calculated attributes of Lantana such as canopy coverage, average crown diameter, shrub canopy area, phytovolume and biomass from all sites. However some attributes like shrub height and stem diameter were negatively influenced by these soil factors. The present results show that Lantana invasion can significantly improve the soil nutrient level but also positively increasing the chances of its further invasion with more copious plant attributes.
Interaction Between A Permeable Crack And Piezoelectric Screw Dislocations, Line Forces And Line Charges In A Finite Piezoelectric Cylinder
Authors: Song H. P. , Gao C. F. 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The problem of a piezoelectric screw dislocation, line force and line charge around a permeable crack in a finite piezoelectric cylinder is dealt with in this paper. Utilizing the complex function and conformal mapping methods, the closed form solutions of the stress fields and the electric displacement fields are derived. The stress intensity factor and the image force are discussed in detail. The results show that the stress fields are in direct proportion to the line force, but independent of the line charge. The shielding effect produced by the dislocation increases with the increasing of the radius of the piezoelectric cylinder. Moreover, the unstable equilibrium point and the image force are also severely affected by the radius of the piezoelectric cylinder.
Assessment of DDT, HCH and PCB pollution of lake sediments in Poland
Authors: Bojakowska Izabela , Stasiuk Marzena , Wołkowicz Wojciech 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
In the years 2010-2013, 528 samples of surface sediments were collected from lake depths in the area of Poland. The content of 7 PCB congeners, HCH isomers and p,p’-DDT, p,p’-DDE and p,p’-DDD was determined using the GC-ECD method. The studies showed the common occurrence of organochlorine compounds in lake sediments in Poland. The presence of HCHs, at a concentration above the determination limit, was detected in 83.71% of samples, that of DDTs in 98.86% of samples, and of PCBs in 98.86% of samples. The maximum HCH concentration was 60.7 ng g-1, that of DDTs 602.9 ng g-1, and of PCBs 50.7 ng g-1, while the averages were 6.3 ng g-1, 19.2 ng g-1 and 2.8 ng g-1, respectively. High levels of DDTs are found in sediments of those lakes upon which major towns are located, whereas the highest HCH concentrations are observed in sediments of the lakes upon which holiday centres and agrotourism facilities have developed. The ratio of concentrations of total DDT metabolites to p,p’-DDT was above 2 in almost all samples, and the value was most frequently from several to tens (average 28.3). Sediments of some lakes contain higher concentrations of γ-HCH and DDT metabolites than their PEC values, the content of γ-HCH was higher in 1.89% of the analysed samples, the content of p,p’-DDE in 3.78% of the samples, and the content of p,p’-DDD in 7.38% of the samples. Concentrations of p,p’-DDT and PCB in excess of the PEC value were not found in any of the samples tested.