bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conservation of Volcanic Tuffs Bearing Rock Paintings at La Pintada, Sonora Archaeological Site
Authors: Cruz S. , Pérez N. A. , Cárdenas J. , Vidal-Solano J. R. , Alatorre L. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTThe Archaeological Site La Pintada is located near Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico; this is one of the most important sites in the region due to its extension and wide archaeological evidence. This site was a gathering point for various indigenous groups since the pre-Hispanic age to the first contacts with the Spanish conquerors; they left their live experiences and worldview in the form of rock paintings along a wide natural canyon. Several of these paintings are in risk due to weathering processes of their rock support: the volcanic tuff.In order to preserve these paintings the characterization of the volcanic tuff was made with petrographic analyses and X-Ray Diffraction, and among with the results obtained from environmental monitoring, different degrees of alteration were established. According to these results, the conservation treatment proposed was the consolidation of the tuff.The consolidants used for this treatment were alkoxysilanes in two variations: Silicate and alumino-silicate which were developed in Mexico for volcanic tuff consolidation. The consolidants were synthetized in the laboratory, and afterwards were tested on powders and cubic probes of the rock in Hermosillo’s environmental conditions (24°C, 45%RH).The consolidants were tested in two different types of application: aspersion and injection. The consolidated probes were evaluated for hardness, water absorption and color change. Afterwards, in situ tests were performed. The results of this evaluation showed that the Silicate consolidant was the best for this treatment, since it was easy to manipulate, improved the rock’s properties and did not cause a change appearance; making this Mexican material suitable for the conservation of the rock paintings.
Development of Human IgE Biosensor Using TFBAR Devices with Shear Mode ZnO Piezoelectric Thin Films
Authors: Chen Ying-Chung , Chang Wei-Tsai , Cheng Chien-Chuan , Jiang Jia-Ming , Kao Kuo-Sheng 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTA novel allergy biosensor is designed and fabricated by using thin film bulk acoustic resonator (TFBAR) devices with shear mode ZnO piezoelectric thin films. To fabricate TFBAR devices, the off-axis RF magnetron sputtering method for the growth of piezoelectric ZnO piezoelectric thin films is adopted. The influences of the relative distance and sputtering parameters are investigated. In this report, the piezoelectric ZnO thin films with tilting angle are set by controlling the deposition parameters. The properties of the shear mode ZnO thin films are investigated by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The frequency response is measured using an HP8720 network analyzer with a CASCADE probe station. The resonance frequency of the shear mode is 796.75 MHz. The sensitivity of the shear mode is calculated to be 462.5 kHz·cm2/ng.
Older Adults' Experiences of Living with Cleft Lip and Palate: A Qualitative Study Exploring Aging and Appearance
Authors: Hamlet Claire , Harcourt Diana 
Published: May 2014

Objective To explore older adults' experiences of living with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P), focusing on aging and appearance. Design An exploratory-descriptive qualitative study. Participants Individual semi-structured interviews (five via telephone, one face-to-face) conducted with six adults between the ages of 57 and 82 years. Results Interview transcripts were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis, which resulted in five themes: cleft across the life span, keeping up appearances, being one of a kind, resilience and protection, and cleft in an ever-changing society. A CL/P had an ongoing impact on participants' lives, although its relevance shifted over time and some aspects of life (e.g., romantic relationships, decisions about having children of their own) were particularly affected. Participants seemed at ease living with CL/P as an older adult and considered it an important aspect of their identity, yet they still described feeling isolated at times and had little contact with other people with a cleft. They felt that health care could be more considerate to the needs of older people with a cleft, particularly around dentistry and information provision. Participants thought societal attitudes toward visible differences had changed over the years, but not necessarily for the better. A paradox was evident between reports of being noticed by others because of their cleft and simultaneously feeling invisible or ignored because of their age. Conclusions These findings have implications for provision of care for older adults with a CL/P and for younger people with a CL/P who will be the older generation of the future.
A Randomized Withdrawal, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Tolerability of Tapentadol Extended Release in Patients With Chronic Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Vinik Aaron I. , Shapiro Douglas Y. , Rauschkolb Christine , Lange Bernd , Karcher Keith , Pennett Deborah , Etropolski Mila S. 
Published: May 2014

OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of tapentadol extended release (ER) for the management of chronic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Adults with moderate to severe DPN pain were titrated to tapentadol ER 100–250 mg bid during a 3-week open-label period; patients with ≥1-point reduction in pain intensity (11-point numerical rating scale) at end of titration were randomized to receive placebo or tapentadol ER (optimal dose from titration) for 12 weeks (double-blind, fixed-dose maintenance phase). The primary end point was mean change in average pain intensity from the start to week 12 (last observation carried forward [LOCF]) of the double-blind maintenance phase.

RESULTS
A total of 358 patients completed the titration period; 318 patients (placebo, n = 152; tapentadol ER, n = 166) were randomized and received one or more doses of double-blind study medication. Mean (SD) pain intensity (observed case) was 7.33 (1.30) at the start and 4.16 (2.12) at week 3 of the open-label titration period (mean [SD] change, –3.22 [1.97]). The mean (SD) change in pain intensity (LOCF) from start of double-blind treatment to week 12 was as follows: placebo, 1.30 (2.43); tapentadol ER, 0.28 (2.04; least squares mean difference, –0.95 [95% CI –1.42 to –0.49]; P &lt; 0.001). Treatment-emergent adverse events (≥10%) in the tapentadol ER group during the double-blind maintenance phase were nausea (21.1%) and vomiting (12.7%).

CONCLUSIONS
Tapentadol ER (100–250 mg bid) was effective and well tolerated for the management of moderate to severe chronic pain associated with DPN.
Insulin Analogs—Is There a Compelling Case to Use Them? No!
Authors: Davidson Mayer B. 
Published: May 2014

The availability of insulin analogs has offered insulin replacement strategies that are proposed to more closely mimic normal human physiology. Specifically, there are a considerable number of reports demonstrating that prandial insulin analogs (lispro, aspart, glulisine) have pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles closer to normal, with resulting faster onset and offset of insulin effect when compared with regular human insulin. In addition, basal insulin analogs (glargine, detemir) have been reported to offer longer duration of action, less variability, more predictability, less hypoglycemia (especially nocturnal), and a favorable effect on weight. However, an argument against use of analog insulins as compared with use of regular or NPH insulin is one that states that the effectiveness and risk of hypoglycemia are the only two valid clinical outcomes that should be used to compare the analog and human insulins. Thus, there remains a debate in some circles that analog insulins are no more effective than human insulins, yet at a much higher financial cost. To provide an in-depth understanding of both sides of the argument, we provide a discussion of this topic as part of this two-part point-counterpoint narrative. In the counterpoint narrative presented here, Dr. Davidson provides his argument and defends his opinion that outside of a few exceptions, analog insulins provide no clinical benefit compared with human insulins but cost much more. In the preceding point narrative, Dr. Grunberger provides a defense of analog insulins and their value in clinical management and suggests that when evaluating the “cost” of therapy, a much more global assessment is needed.
—William T. Cefalu
Editor in Chief, Diabetes Care
The effect of MgSO4 addition and the increasing doses of calcium and phosphorus during ending drying period on the occurrence of hypocalcaemia and hypophosphataemia in dairy cows
Authors: Bodarski R. , Kinal S. , Preś J. , Słupczyńska M. , Twardoń J. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The aim of the presented study was the estimation of optimal Ca and P levels applied before calving together with anionic salt addition, as an element of hypocalcaemia and hypophosphataemia prevention. The experiment was carried out during the dry period on 48 cows with similar milk yield in the previous lactation. Cows were divided into four groups. In group I (control) the amount of minerals was in accordance to NRC standards. In experimental groups (groups II-IV), two weeks before calving, cows received 140 g/day/head of hydrated magnesium sulphate to achieve dietary cation- anion difference at the level of about 50 mEq/kg DM. In groups II and III cows received calcium carbonate (100 g/day) 10 days a.p. (antepartum) (group II), or 5 days a.p. (group III), while cows in IV group received dicalcium phosphate (100 g/day) for 5 days a.p. Application of MgSO4 × 7H2O significantly affected the urine pH of cows from group III and IV 4-5 d. before calving - 6.45 and 6.81, respectively. The acidification of urine was observed after calving in group IV (7.13). In cows from group II (100 CaCO3 10 days a.p.) urine pH decline was not found (7.97-7.75). In that group the incidences of hypophosphatemia were noted (blood serum inorganic P level 1.41-1.46 mmol/l). Addition of magnesium sulphate prevented hypocalcaemia occurrence - 4-5 d. before calving the concentration of ionized Ca in blood serum was 1.11, 1.13 and 1.16 mmol/l (respectively for group II, III and IV). Reproductive functions were significantly improved after the application of CaCO3 and CaHPO4 for 5 days a.p. in comparison with control and group II - progesterone concentration in the blood serum on the 45th day of lactation was 1.396 - 1.409 vs 0.799 - 0.401. The correlation between progesterone and inorganic P level in serum was almost significant. Based on the obtained results a treatment optimal in prevention of hypocalcaemia and hypophosphataemia is the application of 50 g CaCO3 and 50 g of CaHPO4 for the last 5 days of the dry period together with MgSO4 × 7H2O given for 14 days a.p.
Diurnal and seasonal changes in endogenous melatonin levels in the blood plasma in dogs
Authors: Zań R.S. , Roliński Z. , Kowalski C.J. , Bojarska-Junak A. , Madany J. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
This paper describes research on the levels of endogenous melatonin (MLT) in the blood serum in dogs in different seasons (March, June, September, December) and at different times of day (11:00, 12:00, 23:00, 24:00 and 1:00), using immunoassay method. Blood samples were collected in the diurnal cycle, in consecutive seasons. The conducted studies show that MLT levels undergo clear changes in both the diurnal cycle, as well as in seasonal one in this species.
Semen quality assessments and their significance in reproductive technology
Authors: Kordan W. , Fraser L. , Wysocki P. , Strzeżek R. , Lecewicz M. , Mogielnicka-Brzozowska M. , Dziekońska A. , Soliwoda D. , Koziorowska-Gilun M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractSemen quality assessment methods are very important in predicting the fertilizing ability of persevered spermatozoa and to improve animal reproductive technology. This review discusses some of the current laboratory methods used for semen quality assessments, with references to their relevance in the evaluation of male fertility and semen preservation technologies. Semen quality assessment methods include sperm motility evaluations, analyzed with the computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) system, and plasma membrane integrity evaluations using fluorescent stains, such as Hoechst 33258 (H33258), SYBR-14, propidium iodide (PI), ethidium homodimer (EthD) and 6-carboxyfluorescein diacetate (CFDA), and biochemical tests, such as the measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) level. This review addresses the significance of specific fluorochromes and ATP measurements for the evaluation of the sperm mitochondrial status. Laboratory methods used for the evaluation of chromatin status, DNA integrity, and apoptotic changes in spermatozoa have been discussed. Special emphasis has been focused on the application of proteomic techniques, such as two-dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), for the identification of the properties and functions of seminal plasma proteins in order to define their role in the fertilization-related processes.
The Relationship Between History and Physical Examination Findings and the Outcome of Electrodiagnostic Testing in Patients With Sciatica Referred to Physical Therapy
Authors: Savage Nathan J. , Fritz Julie M. , Thackeray Anne 
Published: May 2014

Study Design Cross-sectional diagnostic accuracy study. Objective To investigate the relationship between history and physical examination findings and the outcome of electrodiagnostic testing in patients with sciatica referred to physical therapy. Background Electrodiagnostic testing is routinely used to evaluate patients with sciatica. Recent evidence suggests that the presence of radiculopathy identified with electrodiagnostic testing may predict better functional outcomes in these patients. While some patient history and physical examination findings have been shown to predict the presence of disc herniation or neurological insult, little is known about their relationship to the results of electrodiagnostic testing. Methods Electrodiagnostic testing was performed on 38 patients with sciatica who participated in a randomized trial that compared different physical therapy interventions. The diagnostic gold standard was the presence or absence of radiculopathy, based on the results of the needle electromyographic examination. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity values were calculated, along with corresponding likelihood ratios, for select patient history and physical examination variables. Results No significant relationship was found between select patient history and physical examination findings, analyzed individually or in combination, and the outcome of electrodiagnostic testing. Diagnostic sensitivity values ranged from 0.03 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.00, 0.24) to a high of 0.95 (95% CI: 0.72, 0.99), and specificity values ranged from 0.10 (95% CI: 0.02, 0.34) to a high of 0.95 (95% CI: 0.72, 0.99). Positive likelihood ratios ranged from 0.15 (95% CI: 0.01, 2.87) to a high of 2.33 (95% CI: 0.71, 7.70), and negative likelihood ratios ranged from 2.00 (95% CI: 0.35, 11.48) to a low of 0.50 (95% CI: 0.03, 8.10). Conclusion In this investigation, the relationship between patient history and physical examination findings and the outcome of electrodiagnostic testing among patients with sciatica was not found to be statistically significant or clinically meaningful. However, given the small sample size and corresponding large CIs, these results should be considered with caution, recognizing that some of the history and physical examination variables may prove useful in future research. These findings suggest that electrodiagnostic testing is essential to identify the subgroup of patients with sciatica who have measurable nerve injury consistent with radiculopathy, which may be an important prognostic factor for recovery. Level of Evidence Diagnosis, level 3b-. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2014;44(7):508–517. Epub 22 May 2014. doi:10.2519/jospt.2014.5002
Effect of log loading on the performance of wood room
Authors: Isokangas Ari , Ala-Kaila Kari , Ohenoja Markku , Sorsa Aki , Leiviskä Kauko 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the log loading process of wood room, which is typically the first processing unit in pulp and paper mills. The aim is to improve the log loading process to obtain production with a constant log flow of well de-iced logs to the debarking drum. This way it is possible to reduce costs and enhance product quality. The research was carried out utilising a log loading simulator. The parameters of the simulation model were selected on the basis of process observations on a mill. The results indicate that it is essential to adjust the process and equipment parameters, raw material properties and truck loader operation together in order to reach the target capacity with minimum costs. Especially the speed of the infeed conveyor affects all performance criteria and should be selected carefully. In addition, wood yard logistics and raw material properties have a remarkable effect on the wood room performance. The results can be utilised in mills to allow the upper level control perform in a planned way so that small wood loss and good product quality can be obtained.
Obesity and economic environments
Authors: Sturm Roland , An Ruopeng 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis review summarizes current understanding of economic factors during the obesity epidemic and dispels some widely held, but incorrect, beliefs. Rising obesity rates coincided with increases in leisure time (rather than increased work hours), increased fruit and vegetable availability (rather than a decline in healthier foods), and increased exercise uptake. As a share of disposable income, Americans now have the cheapest food available in history, which fueled the obesity epidemic. Weight gain was surprisingly similar across sociodemographic groups or geographic areas, rather than specific to some groups (at every point in time; however, there are clear disparities). It suggests that if one wants to understand the role of the environment in the obesity epidemic, one needs to understand changes over time affecting all groups, not differences between subgroups at a given time. Although economic and technological changes in the environment drove the obesity epidemic, the evidence for effective economic policies to prevent obesity remains limited. Taxes on foods with low nutritional value could nudge behavior toward healthier diets, as could subsidies/discounts for healthier foods. However, even a large price change for healthy foods could close only part of the gap between dietary guidelines and actual food consumption. Political support has been lacking for even moderate price interventions in the United States and this may continue until the role of environmental factors is accepted more widely. As opinion leaders, clinicians play an important role in shaping the understanding of the causes of obesity. CA Cancer J Clin 2014;64:337–350. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Le rôle de l'emploi industriel dans la croissance d'Amiens et Saint-Quentin de 1962 à 1975
Authors: Oudart Paul 
Published: May 2014

Résumé. - L'emploi salarié industriel a crû beaucoup plus vite que la population des agglomérations urbaines d'Amiens et Saint-Quentin dans la période 1962-1968 et dans la période 1968-1975. La corrélation est bonne entre les deux phénomènes. Cependant l'auteur constate :
1. Malgré la croissance de l'emploi industriel, la population connaît un taux d'augmentation inférieur à celui qu'il est possible de calculer à partir de celle-ci ;
2. La croissance de l'emploi industriel ne suffit pas à donner un emploi à l'ensemble de la génération de jeunes travailleurs nés dans ces villes de 1945 à 1958, sauf pour Amiens entre 1962 et 1968.
L'auteur conclut : il y a une régression de l'immigration ouvrière, avec, corrélativement une « rurbanisation » et une augmentation des migrations alternantes. Cela pourrait s'expliquer par le coût des loyers, le mauvais état des vieilles habitations et les petits logements des nouveaux immeubles collectifs.
The Role of Endogenous IFN-β in the Regulation of Th17 Responses in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Tao Yazhong , Zhang Xin , Chopra Manisha , Kim Ming-Jeong , Buch Kinnari R. , Kong Dehan , Jin Jianping , Tang Yunan , Zhu Hongtu , Jewells Valerie , Markovic-Plese Silva 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
IFN-β has been used as a first-line therapy for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Because only a few studies have addressed the role of endogenous IFN-β in the pathogenesis of the disease, our objective was to characterize its role in the transcriptional regulation of pathogenic Th17 cytokines in patients with RRMS. In vitro studies have demonstrated that IFN-β inhibits IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, IL-22, and IFN-γ secretion in CD4+ lymphocytes through the induction of suppressor of cytokine secretion 1 and suppressor of cytokine secretion 3. We found that patients with RRMS have increased serum and cerebrospinal fluid Th17 (IL-17A and IL-17F) cytokine levels in comparison with the control subjects, suggesting that deficient endogenous IFN-β secretion or signaling can contribute to the dysregulation of those pathogenic cytokines in CD4+ cells. We identified that the endogenous IFN-β from serum of RRMS patients induced a significantly lower IFN-inducible gene expression in comparison with healthy controls. In addition, in vitro studies have revealed deficient endogenous and exogenous IFN-β signaling in the CD4+ cells derived from patients with MS. Interestingly, upon inhibition of the endogenous IFN-β signaling by silencing IFN regulatory factor (IRF) 7 gene expression, the resting CD4+ T cells secreted significantly higher level of IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, IL-22, and IL-9, suggesting that endogenous IFN-β suppresses the secretion of these pathogenic cytokines. In vivo recombinant IFN-β–1a treatment induced IFNAR1 and its downstream signaling molecules’ gene expression, suggesting that treatment reconstitutes a deficient endogenous IFN-β regulation of the CD4+ T cells’ pathogenic cytokine production in patients with MS.
Class II MHC/Peptide Interaction in Leishmania donovani Infection: Implications in Vaccine Design
Authors: Roy Koushik , Naskar Kshudiram , Ghosh Moumita , Roy Syamal 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
We show that Leishmania donovani–infected macrophages (MΦs) are capable of stimulating MHC class II (MHC-II)–restricted T cells at 6 h of infection. At 48 h, infected MΦs (I-MΦs) failed to stimulate MHC-II–restricted T cells but not MHC class I–restricted ones, in contrast to normal MΦs. Such I-MΦs could stimulate T cells at a higher Ag concentration, indicating that general Ag processing and trafficking of peptide–MHC-II complexes are not defective. Analysis of the kinetic parameters, like “kon” and “koff,” showed that peptide–MHC-II complex formation is compromised in I-MΦs compared with normal MΦs. This indicates interference in loading of the cognate peptide to MHC-II, which may be due to the presence of a noncognate molecule. This notion received support from the finding that exposure of I-MΦs to low pH or treatment with 2-(1-adamantyl)-ethanol, a molecule that favors peptide exchange, led to T cell activation. When treated with 2-(1-adamantyl)-ethanol, splenocytes from 8 wk–infected BALB/c mice showed significantly higher antileishmanial T cell expansion in vitro compared with untreated controls. Hence, it is tempting to speculate that high, but not low, concentrations of cognate peptide may favor peptide exchange in I-MΦs, leading to expansion of the antileishmanial T cell repertoire. The results suggest that a high Ag dose may overcome compromised T cell responses in visceral leishmaniasis, and this has an important implication in therapeutic vaccine design.