bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Legislations on Biosecurity: Compliance Challenges for Malaysian Scientists
Authors: Subramaniam T. S. Saraswathy 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Malaysia is one of the State Parties to the Biological Toxins and Weapons Convention (BTWC), which was signed in 1972 and ratified in 1991. National legislation governing laboratory biosecurity is in progress. The Malaysian BTWC Bill, when implemented, will require all organizations working with infectious organisms to develop institutional biorisk policies and implement biorisk management programs to address laboratory biosafety and biosecurity at the workplace. Laboratory biosecurity is a relatively new and evolving paradigm for bioscience laboratories in Malaysia. Compliance with this legislation is a significant challenge and requires major change to organizational and workplace culture. Successful implementation would also require awareness training, resources, and a culture of responsibility among scientists.
The protective effects of Ziziphus vulgaris L. fruits on biochemical and histological abnormalities induced by diabetes in rats
Authors: Goli-malekabadi Najmeh , Asgary Sedigheh , Rashidi Bahman , Rafieian-Kopaei Mahmood , Ghannadian Mostafa , Hajian Shabnam , Sahebkar Amirhossein 
Published: June 2014

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus arises from a deficient production and action of insulin. Ziziphus vulgaris L. (jujube) is a medicinal plant that is known to have anti-diabetic actions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of jujube fruit powder and extract against biochemical imbalances in stereptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes.

Methods: Diabetes was induced in rats using intraperitoneal injection of STZ at a dose of 60 mg/kg body weight (bw). Jujube powder (1 g/kg bw) and extract (1 g/kg bw) were administered daily via gavage, from two weeks prior to three weeks after STZ injection. Serum concentrations of glucose, insulin, and lipids and histological changes of the pancreas tissue were assessed at the end of study.

Results: The kaempferol content of jujube extract was found to be 0.013±0.0005% (w/w). Two weeks of supplementation with jujube powder resulted in a significant reduction of serum glucose levels compared with the non-diabetic control group prior to STZ treatment. Both jujube preparations prevented serum insulin decrease following STZ treatment, increased antioxidant capacity, and reduced total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and malondialdehyde levels. Jujube powder reduced serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and C-reactive protein concentrations while jujube extract had no effect on these parameters. Histopathological examination revealed a significant attenuation of pancreatic inflammation in the jujube-treated animals.

Conclusions: The present findings suggest a protective role of jujube supplementation, in particular in the powdered form, against diabetes-induced biochemical and histopathological abnormalities.
Quotients and subgroups of Baumslag–Solitar groups
Authors: Levitt Gilbert 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
We determine all generalized Baumslag–Solitar groups (finitely generated groups acting on a tree with all stabilizers infinite cyclic)
which are quotients of a given Baumslag–Solitar group BS(m,n), and (when BS(m,n) is not Hopfian) which of them also admit BS(m,n) as a quotient. We determine for which values of r, s one may embed BS(r,s) into a given BS(m,n), and we characterize finitely generated groups which embed into some BS(n,n).
Correlation of neonatal weight with maternal serum levels of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A during the first trimester of pregnancy: a retrospective study
Authors: Giudice Ivana , Benintende Gianfranco , Di Nicolò Anna Maria , Mangiameli Daniela , Carrara Grazia , Randazzo Claudia , Sapuppo Irene Maria , Gulisano Antonio 
Published: June 2014

Abstract

Aim: Evaluate the relationship between neonatal weight and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A.

Methods: Retrospective study on 2564 singleton pregnancies with healthy term neonates in three groups of women with different values of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A who underwent the combined test during the first trimester. Non-parametric test and correlation analysis for statistical elaboration were carried out.

Results: There exists a correlation between the serum levels of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A in the first trimester of pregnancy and neonatal weight. Values of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A lower than the 25th percentile are associated with neonatal weight in a significant way. There was no significant association between pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A values above 1.50 MoM and neonatal weight.

Conclusion: This study confirms the positive correlation between circulating concentrations of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A and fetal growth. Low neonatal weight and factors that can cause this could be determined from the first trimester by measuring the concentrations of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A in maternal serum. Even if the association between the levels of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A and a low neonatal weight has been demonstrated, however, we have to say that the sensitivity of a such screening method for the prediction of low birth weight and perinatal complications seems to be rather low. The variations of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A during the first trimester cannot be used as a marker of excessive fetal growth.
Experimental Investigation of Dynamic Contact Angles on Horizontal and Inclined Surfaces Part II: Rough Homogenous Surfaces
Authors: Schmitt Michael , Hempelmann Rolf , Heib Florian 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The influences on the formation of contact angles using the
inclined-plate and needle-in method have been studied on rough and
homogeneous solid surface. It has been shown in part I that even on
smooth silicon wafers a significant difference between the
characteristic contact angles, which are dynamically measured with the
inclined-plate and needle-in technique, is observable. This
differences can be related to the different force balances influencing
the motion of the triple line which are affected by the drop curvature
and by different gravitational effects (differences in relative mass
and position of the gravity center) during a dynamic contact angle
measurement. In this study, we report about additional influences of
a significant surface roughness on the force distribution at the
triple line. The experimental investigations prove a significant
difference between the characterisitic contact angles for both
investigation techniques.
The Acute Effects of Static Stretching on Speed and Agility Performance Depend on Stretch Duration and Conditioning Level
Authors: Avloniti Alexandra , Chatzinikolaou Athanasios , Fatouros Ioannis G. , Avloniti Christina , Protopapa Maria , Draganidis Dimitrios , Stampoulis Theodoros , Leontsini Diamanda , Mavropalias George , Gounelas George , Kambas Antonios 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Avloniti, A, Chatzinikolaou, A, Fatouros, IG, Avloniti, C, Protopapa, M, Draganidis, D, Stampoulis, T, Leontsini, D, Mavropalias, G, Gounelas, G, and Kambas, A. The acute effects of static stretching on speed and agility performance depend on stretch duration and conditioning level. J Strength Cond Res 30(10): 2767–2773, 2016—Although static stretching (SS) is an integral part of physical preparation before training and competition, its usefulness in regards to power performance improvement has been questioned. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 6 SS durations on speed and agility performance. According to a cross-over design, 34 trained men (age, 20.5 ± 1.4 years; height, 1.81 ± 0.2 m; weight, 77.2 ± 2.6 kg; body fat, 8.2 ± 2.6%) participated in a control session (no stretch) and 6 experimental conditions (10, 15, 20, 30, 40, and 60 seconds) performed in a randomized order. Performance in speed (10 and 20 m) and agility (T-test) was measured after the control and experimental conditions. Static stretching, consisting of stretches for hip extensors, hip adductors, knee extensors, knee flexors, and ankle sole flexors, was performed after light cardiovascular exercise (8 minutes). A 1-way repeated-measures analysis of variance showed that speed was improved only by SS of short duration (15/20 seconds), whereas agility remained unaffected by all SS trials. When participants' speed and agility level was taken into account, it was revealed that only those of moderate performance demonstrated an improved speed (in 15- and 20-second trials) and agility (in 10- and 15-second trials) performance. These results suggest that short-duration SS protocols induce an acute improvement of speed and agility performance, whereas longer-duration SS protocols have neither positive nor negative effect. Furthermore, it seems that individuals of lower speed and agility performance level are more likely to benefit by a short-duration SS protocol.
The CD2 isoform of protocadherin‐15 is an essential component of the tip‐link complex in mature auditory hair cells
Authors: Pepermans Elise , Michel Vincent , Goodyear Richard , Bonnet Crystel , Abdi Samia , Dupont Typhaine , Gherbi Souad , Holder Muriel , Makrelouf Mohamed , Hardelin Jean‐Pierre , Marlin Sandrine , Zenati Akila , Richardson Guy , Avan Paul , Bahloul Amel , Petit Christine 
Published: June 2014

AbstractProtocadherin‐15 (Pcdh15) is a component of the tip‐links, the extracellular filaments that gate hair cell mechano‐electrical transduction channels in the inner ear. There are three Pcdh15 splice isoforms (CD1, CD2 and CD3), which only differ by their cytoplasmic domains; they are thought to function redundantly in mechano‐electrical transduction during hair‐bundle development, but whether any of these isoforms composes the tip‐link in mature hair cells remains unknown. By immunolabelling and both morphological and electrophysiological analyses of post‐natal hair cell‐specific conditional knockout mice (Pcdh15ex38‐fl/ex38‐fl Myo15‐cre+/−) that lose only this isoform after normal hair‐bundle development, we show that Pcdh15‐CD2 is an essential component of tip‐links in mature auditory hair cells. The finding, in the homozygous or compound heterozygous state, of a PCDH15 frameshift mutation (p.P1515Tfs*4) that affects only Pcdh15‐CD2, in profoundly deaf children from two unrelated families, extends this conclusion to humans. These results provide key information for identification of new components of the mature auditory mechano‐electrical transduction machinery. This will also serve as a basis for the development of gene therapy for deafness caused by PCDH15 defects.
A Comparison of Surface Passivation Techniques for Measurement of Minority Carrier Lifetime in Thin Si Wafers: Toward a Stable and Uniform Passivation
Authors: Sopori Bhushan , Devayajanam Srinivas , Basnyat Prakash , Mehta Vishal , Moutinho Helio , Nemeth Bill , LaSalvia Vincenzo , Johnston Steve , Ravindra N.M. , Binns Jeff , Appel Jesse 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTWe describe appropriate wafer cleaning procedure and surface passivation characteristics of various passivants used for making measurement of minority carrier lifetime (τB ) of very high quality Si wafers. These passivants include: iodine ethanol (I-E), quinhydrone methanol (QH-M), SiO2, and Al2O3. The issues related to the passivation stability and the spatial uniformity for mapping τB are also discussed.
P+ implanted 6H-SiC n+-i-p diodes: evidence for a post-implantation-annealing dependent defect activation
Authors: Nipoti R. , Puzzanghera M. , Moscatelli F. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTTwo n+-i-p 6H-SiC diode families with P+ ion implanted emitter have been processed with all identical steps except the post implantation annealing: 1300°C/20min without C-cap has been compared with 1950°C/10min with C-cap. The analysis of the temperature dependence of the reverse current at low voltage (-100V) in the temperature range 27-290°C shows the dominance of a periphery current which is due to generation centers with number and activation energy dependent on the post implantation annealing process. The analysis of the temperature dependence of the forward current shows two ideality factor n region, one with n = 1.9/2 at low voltage and the other one with 1 < n < 2 without passing through 1 for increasing voltages. For both the diode families the current with n = 1.9/2 is a periphery current due to recombination centers with a thermal activation energy near the 6H-SiC mid gap. In the forward current region of 1 < n < 2, the two diode families show different ideality factor values which could be attributed to a different post implantation annealing defect activation.
Stability of Orofacial Clefting Rate in Alberta, 1980–2011
Authors: Lowry R. Brian , Sibbald Barbara , Bedard Tanya 
Published: June 2014

Objective To determine the prevalence and trends of orofacial clefts in Alberta (Canada) over a 33-year period (1980 through 2011) and to determine whether the trends differ for subcategories of orofacial clefts for the period from 1997 through 2011. Design A prevalence study based on the Alberta Congenital Anomalies Surveillance System, which has multiple sources of ascertainment, capability of verification, and an upper age limit of 1 year. Inclusion All live born and stillborn babies and fetal deaths less than 20 weeks' gestation (including terminations of pregnancy) born in Alberta of mothers who reside in Alberta. Results and Conclusions Rates for cleft lip with or without cleft palate and cleft palate only have been very stable over the 33-year period (1980 through 2011). These rates include all clefts (isolated, syndromes, recognizable conditions, chromosomal and multiple congenital anomalies). Ascertainment of fetal deaths less than 20 weeks' gestation began in 1997. There are trends for the 1997 through 2011 cohort with a marginally significant increase for cleft lip with or without cleft palate in the isolated category and a significant decrease for cleft palate, mainly in the associated groups. The impact of folic acid fortification and/or multivitamins/folic acid supplementation reports in the literature have shown no consensus with respect to a change in the prevalence of orofacial clefts. It is unclear whether folic acid fortification has had any impact in Alberta.
Performance of a commercially available in-clinic ELISA for detection of antibodies against Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia canis, and Ehrlichia ewingii and Dirofilaria immitis antigen in dogs
Authors: Stillman Brett A. , Monn Michael , Liu Jiayou , Thatcher Brendon , Foster Paulette , Andrews Blaine , Little Susan , Eberts Matt , Breitschwerdt Edward B. , Beall Melissa J. , Chandrashekar Ramaswamy 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Objective—To evaluate the performance of an in-clinic ELISA designed for detection of heartworm antigen and antibodies against 5 tick-borne pathogens.
Design—Validation study.
Sample—1,601 serum or matched serum, plasma, and blood samples from dogs.
Procedures—Samples were tested for Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) antigen and antibodies against Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia canis, and Ehrlichia ewingii by means of an in-clinic ELISA. Evaluation of assay sensitivity and specificity, agreement of results among sample types, and cross-reactivity of E canis antigens in the assay with anti–Ehrlichia chaffeensis antibodies in stored samples from experimentally infected dogs were performed at a reference laboratory. Field tests of the in-clinic ELISA were performed at 6 veterinary facilities. Results were compared with confirmatory test results.
Results—Sensitivity and specificity of the in-clinic ELISA were > 89% for detection of antibodies against A phagocytophilum (93.2% and 99.2%, respectively), A platys (89.2% and 99.2%, respectively), B burgdorferi (96.7% and 98.8%, respectively), E canis (97.8% and 92.3%, respectively), and E ewingii (96.5% and 93.9%, respectively). Sensitivity of the assay for detection of D immitis was 98.9%, with 99.3% specificity. The in-clinic ELISA identified exposure to > 1 vector-borne pathogen in 354 of 1,195 samples. Cross-reactivity of E canis antigens with anti–E chaffeensis antibodies was confirmed. Results of field evaluations confirmed that the in-clinic ELISA could be reliably used under typical clinical conditions to identify dogs exposed to the pathogens of interest.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The in-clinic ELISA provided a comprehensive in-house serologic screening test for all vector-borne pathogens evaluated.
Statistical Impact Prediction of Decaying Objects
Authors: Ronse A. L. A. B. , Mooij E. 
Published: June 2014

This paper describes a method for statistically predicting the impact time and location of an orbital object under 200 km altitude. It also investigates the influence of the chief parameter uncertainties on the statistical dispersion. Unlike the main methods used nowadays, which derive drag parameters from historical state data, a shape model is used to acquire aerodynamic coefficients in the various flow regimes. As a test object, the Delta-K rocket stage is chosen, due to the high data availability for validating the tool. Using a Monte Carlo sequence, multiple six-degrees-of-freedom simulations are executed, in which the initial state and the density output of the atmosphere model are varied within their uncertainty windows. By kernel density estimation, the resulting data are used to derive a probability density function of the impact time and infer a ground track expressing impact probability. In a comparative study with the Tracking and Impact Predictions published by the United States Space Surveillance Network, the method’s performance is tested. In this comparison, a decrease in impact window size is observed, while maintaining the reliability. Moreover, by a variance-based sensitivity analysis, the uncertainty in the density model is identified as the prime contributor to footprint dispersion and it is shown that knowledge of the rotational state can be critical in decreasing impact windows.
Quantifying velocity response to ocean tides and calving near the terminus of Jakobshavn Isbræ, Greenland
Authors: Podrasky David , Truffer Martin , Lüthi Martin , Fahnestock Mark 
Published: June 2014

AbstractDynamic changes on Greenland outlet glaciers are a primary driver for increases in ice-sheet mass loss and its contribution to sea-level rise. One dramatic example of such change has been observed at Jakobshavn Isbræ, which has thinned, retreated and doubled in speed since the early 2000s. Complementary to large changes on decadal scales, we observe the glacier response on shorter timescales, driven by tidal forcing and calving events. During a 14 day period in August 2009, we documented changes in geometry and speed near the terminus. On this timescale, ice flow responds to forcing at the front from iceberg calving and ocean tides. We observe a step-increase in velocity near the terminus during a large calving event, with transient deceleration in the days following the event. A simple calving-response model explains 94–99% of variations in detrended positions at the four sites considered. During each day, variability due to tidal forcing covers 10–90% of the variability that remains after removing effects accounted for by the calving-response model. The influence of the tidal forcing on flow decays upstream with a characteristic length scale of 2 km, comparable with about two ice thicknesses.
The variability of tidewater-glacier calving: Origin of event-size and interval distributions
Authors: Chapuis Anne , Tetzlaff Tom 
Published: June 2014

AbstractCalving activity at the termini of tidewater glaciers produces a wide range of iceberg sizes at irregular intervals. We present calving-event data obtained from continuous observations of the termini of two tidewater glaciers on Svalbard, and show that the distributions of event sizes and inter-event intervals can be reproduced by a simple calving model, focusing on the mutual interplay between calving and the destabilization of the glacier terminus. The event-size distributions of both the field and the model data extend over several orders of magnitude and resemble power laws. The distributions of inter-event intervals are broad, but have a less pronounced tail. In the model, the width of the size distribution increases with the calving susceptibility of the glacier terminus, a parameter measuring the effect of calving on the stress in the local neighborhood of the calving region. Inter-event interval distributions, in contrast, are insensitive to the calving susceptibility. Above a critical susceptibility, small perturbations of the glacier result in ongoing self-sustained calving activity. The model suggests that the shape of the event-size distribution of a glacier is informative about its proximity to this transition point. Observations of rapid glacier retreats can be explained by supercritical self-sustained calving.
Psychotic Rampage Murderers, Part II: Psychotic Mania, Not Schizophrenia
Authors: Lake C. Ray 
Published: June 2014

This provocative and controversial article addresses efforts at prevention of lethal psychotic rampages by challenging the long-established medical concept that functional psychosis means a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia has been the diagnosis given to most psychotic mass murderers, but detailed media reports of the perpetrators’ behaviors, when available, have suggested states of psychotic mania, defining a bipolar disorder, not schizophrenia. Psychotic killers murder more than 1,000 innocent victims, including children, each year, usually with firearms; however, efforts at prevention must go beyond gun control and include focus on the severely mentally ill. Psychiatry has an opportunity to more effectively intervene regarding diagnostics, treatment, and restraint in cases who come into contact with mental health facilities prior to their rampages.
Bipolar disorder is a bona fide medical disease with strikingly specific diagnostic criteria that includes psychosis in half of severe cases, thus accounting for many cases diagnosed with schizophrenia. Seven typical cases have been detailed in this paper to support these opinions. All were diagnosed with schizophrenia despite reports of multiple symptoms suggesting psychotic mania. Manic patients misdiagnosed with schizophrenia do not receive standard-of-care treatment, resulting in suboptimal efforts at prevention and increasing the risk for medical malpractice liability. Litigation can change psychiatric diagnostic practices.