bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Description of new species of Pterygorhabditis Timm, and Aspidonema (Sachs, ) Andrássy, (Nematoda: Bunonematoidea) in aquatic habitats from India
Authors: Tahseen Q. , Khan R. , Ahlawat S. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe paper contains descriptions of two new species of the genera Pterygorhabditis Timm, 1957 and Aspidonema (Sachs, 1949) Andrássy, 1958 belonging to the families Pterygorhabditidae Goodey 1963 and Bunonematidae Micoletzky 1922, respectively. Species were procured from fixed samples, collected earlier from aquatic habitats. Pterygorhabditis punctata n. sp. is characterized by a cuticle with flattened hexagonal blocks arranged in eight longitudinal rows in both sexes; each metastegostomal plate with a minute denticle, and males with long, slender, fused spicules and nine pairs of post-cloacal, prominently setose genital papillae. Aspidonema formosa n. sp. is the first report of the genus from India. The species is characterized by the right side provided with 35–48 pairs of warts flanking a row of smooth membranous shields and surrounded by a well-developed network and an anisomorphic metastegostom without discernible armature. Species are compared with other congeners, together with the diagnoses of amended genera, and keys to the identification of species are provided.
Drivers of firms’ growth: a case study of software firms in Islamabad/Rawalpindi regions
Authors: Rehman Naqeeb Ur 
Published: July 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to identify the drivers of firm’s growth such as research and development (R
&
D), absorptive capacity, knowledge management, organisation culture, access to finance, internationalisation and so forth. As far as the contribution is concerned, two objectives have been achieved from this empirical paper. First, this paper fills an important gap in the literature by determining the drivers of firm’s growth. Second, this study analysed the Pakistani software industry at micro level by investigating the firm’s knowledge-based assets and their significant association with labour productivity growth. Based on a face to face interview of 69 software firms, this study found that firm size, access to finance, internationalisation (exporting and outward foreign direct investment), business improvement methods and knowledge management have a positive impact on the firm’s labour productivity growth. In comparison, firm undertaking R
&
D and absorptive capacity showed negative association with labour productivity growth. This study implies that these software firms have low investment in knowledge-based assets. In summary, this empirical study suggests that high sunk costs, low investment in knowledge-based assets and shortage of skills generally affect the labour productivity of these software firms.

Design/methodology/approach
– Survey analysis, using cross section data analysis.

Findings
– This study found that firm size, access to finance, internationalisation (exporting and outward FDI), business improvement methods and knowledge management have a positive impact on the firm’s labour productivity growth. In comparison, firm undertaking R
&
D and absorptive capacity showed negative association with labour productivity growth. In summary, this empirical study suggests that high sunk costs, low investment in knowledge-based assets and shortage of skills generally affect the labour productivity of these software firms.

Research limitations/implications
– Additionally, suggestions for future research would be to investigate the relationship between drivers of firm growth and innovation performance. The survey analysis could be extended to other parts of country such as Karachi and Lahore for resolving causality.

Originality/value
– First, this paper fills an important gap in the literature by determining the drivers of firm’s growth. Second, this study analysed the Pakistani software industry at micro level by investigating the firm’s knowledge-based assets and their significant association with labour productivity growth.
α‐tocopherol decreases interleukin‐1β and ‐6 and increases human β‐defensin‐1 and ‐2 secretion in human gingival fibroblasts stimulated with Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Derradjia A. , Alanazi H. , Park H. J. , Djeribi R. , Semlali A. , Rouabhia M. 
Published: July 2015

Background and ObjectivePeriodontitis, a disease associated with chronic inflammation, results in significant destruction of periodontal tissues. Uncontrolled, periodontal disease negatively affects general patient health. We sought to evaluate the effect of α‐tocopherol on gingival fibroblast behavior following exposure to Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS).Material and MethodsPrimary human gingival fibroblasts were cultured for 24 and 48 h with α‐tocopherol at various concentrations (0, 50, 100 and 200 μm) in the presence or absence of 1 μg/mL of LPS. At the end of each time point, cell adhesion and growth were evaluated by means of optical microscope observations and MTT assay. The secretion levels of cytokines interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐6 and human β‐defensins 1 and 2 were measured by specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Finally, an in vitro scratch wound assay was performed to investigate the effect of α‐tocopherol on fibroblast migration.Resultsα‐tocopherol alone had no adverse effect on cell adhesion and morphology. Fibroblast proliferation increased in the presence of α‐tocopherol with and without LPS. α‐tocopherol alone had no effect on inflammatory cytokine (IL‐1β and IL‐6) secretion. Interestingly, following cell exposure to P. gingivalis LPS, α‐tocopherol significantly (p < 0.01) decreased the secretion of these two cytokines and increased human β‐defensin‐1 and ‐2 secretion. Finally, α‐tocopherol increased the healing rate of the gingival fibroblasts from 12 h up to 48 h.ConclusionThese results suggest that α‐tocopherol may play an active role in countering the damaging effect of LPS by reducing inflammatory cytokines, increasing β‐defensins and promoting fibroblast growth, migration and wound healing.
Current trends in stenting for aortic coarctation in Japan: Subanalysis of Japanese Society of Pediatric Interventional Cardiology (JPIC) stent survey
Authors: Fujii Takanari , Tomita Hideshi , Otsuki Shinichi , Kobayashi Toshiki , Ono Yasuo , Yazaki Satoshi , Kim Sung‐Hae , Nakanishi Toshio 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundStenting for aortic coarctation (CoA) has been accepted as an alternative to surgery for adolescents and adults, but only a few case have been reported in Japan. The purpose of this study was to provide a detailed review of Japanese national data on stenting of CoA.MethodsIn a subanalysis of the data of the Japanese Society of Pediatric Interventional Cardiology (JPIC), we identified 35 patients with CoA who underwent stenting. We analyzed procedural characteristics including factors that may have contributed to hemodynamic effectiveness, and we compared these parameters between the patients under and over 15 years of age.ResultsThe mean ratio of balloon diameter/minimum lumen diameter (MLD) before stenting was 1.7 (range, 1.2–4.0), and the mean difference between the balloon diameter and the reference vessel diameter was −0.7 mm (range, −5.0 to +3.0 mm). %MLD/balloon diameter, which was defined as [(balloon diameter – MLD after dilation)/balloon diameter] × 100 predicted achievement of <10 mmHg pressure gradient after stenting. The sensitivity and the specificity of its cut‐off of 7% were 93% and 47% (AUC, 0.7), respectively. There was no statistical difference between the two age groups under and over 15 years of age, in terms of selection criteria of stent size, balloon type used for deployment and immediate angiographic and hemodynamic result.ConclusionsStenting for CoA was clinically effective with few complications in Japan, even in patients not fully grown.
Blockade of bone morphogenetic protein signaling potentiates the pro-inflammatory phenotype induced by interleukin-17 and tumor necrosis factor-α combination in rheumatoid synoviocytes
Authors: Varas Alberto , Valencia Jaris , Lavocat Fabien , Martínez Víctor G. , Thiam Ndiémé Ndongo , Hidalgo Laura , Fernández-Sevilla Lidia M. , Sacedón Rosa , Vicente Angeles , Miossec Pierre 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are multifunctional secreted growth factors regulating a broad spectrum of functions in numerous systems. An increased expression and production of specific BMPs have been described in the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovium. The aim of this study was to analyze the involvement of the BMP signaling pathway in RA synoviocytes in response to interleukin-17 (IL-17) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).

Methods
The expression of components of the BMP signaling pathway (BMP receptors, BMP ligands, BMP signal transducers, and BMP antagonists) was analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction before and after treatment of RA synoviocytes with TNF-α or IL-17 or both. Regulation was studied in the presence of the specific BMP inhibitor DMH1 (dorsomorphin homologue 1) or an exogenous BMP ligand, BMP6. Expression and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor), chemokines (IL-8, CCL2, CCL5, and CXCL10), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, −2, −3, −9, and −13) were analyzed.

Results
RA synoviocytes express BMP receptors (mainly BMPRIA, ACTRIA, and BMPRII), signal transducers of the Smad family (Smad1 and 5 and co-Smad4), and different BMP antagonists. The modulation of the expression of the BMP target genes—Id (inhibitor of DNA-binding/differentiation) proteins and Runx (Runt-related transcription factor) transcription factors—after the addition of exogenous BMP shows that the BMP signaling pathway is active. RA synoviocytes also express BMP ligands (BMP2, BMP6, and BMP7) which are highly upregulated after activation with TNF-α and IL-17. Autocrine BMP signaling pathway can be blocked by treatment with the inhibitor DMH1, leading to an increase in the upregulated expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and MMPs induced by the activation of RA synoviocytes with TNF-α and IL-17. Conversely, the additional stimulation of the BMP pathway with the exogenous addition of the BMP6 ligand decreases the expression of those pro-inflammatory and pro-destructive factors.

Conclusion
The results indicate that the canonical BMP pathway is functionally active in human RA synoviocytes and that the inhibition of autocrine BMP signaling exacerbates the pro-inflammatory phenotype induced in RA synoviocytes by the stimulation with IL-17 and TNF-α.
The Persistence of Long-Run Abnormal Returns Following Stock Repurchases and Offerings
Authors: Fu Fangjian , Huang Sheng 
Published: July 2015

The long-run abnormal returns following both stock repurchases and seasoned equity offerings disappear for the events in 2003–2012. The disappearance is associated with the changing market environment: increased institutional investment, decreased trading costs, improved liquidity, and enhanced regulations on corporate governance and information disclosure. In response to the more efficient pricing of stocks, firms become less opportunistic in stock repurchases and offerings. Recent events of stock repurchases and offerings are motivated more by business-operating reasons than to exploit mispricing. Both external market factors and internal firm factors contribute to the disappearance of the postevent abnormal returns. Our findings on the recent events contrast with those of earlier studies and shed light on how the changing market environment affects both asset pricing and corporate behavior. This paper was accepted by Wei Jiang, finance.
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing as a predictor of complications in oesophagogastric cancer surgery
Authors: Moyes LH , McCaffer CJ , Carter RC , Fullarton GM , Mackay CK , Forshaw MJ 
Published: July 2015

Introduction An anaerobic threshold (AT) of <11ml/min/kg can identify patients at high risk of cardiopulmonary complications after major surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the value of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in predicting cardiopulmonary complications in high risk patients undergoing oesophagogastric cancer resection. Methods Between March 2008 and October 2010, 108 patients (83 men, 25 women) with a median age of 66 years (range: 38–84 years) underwent CPET before potentially curative resections for oesophagogastric cancers. Measured CPET variables included AT and maximum oxygen uptake at peak exercise (VO2 peak). Outcome measures were length of high dependency unit stay, length of hospital stay, unplanned intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and postoperative morbidity and mortality. Results The mean AT and VO2 peak were 10.8ml/min/kg (standard deviation [SD]: 2.8ml/min/kg, range: 4.6–19.3ml/min/kg) and 15.2ml/min/kg (SD: 5.3ml/min/kg, range: 5.4–33.3ml/min/kg) respectively; 57 patients (55%) had an AT of <11ml/min/ kg and 26 (12%) had an AT of <9ml/min/kg. Postoperative complications occurred in 57 patients (29 cardiopulmonary [28%] and 28 non-cardiopulmonary [27%]). Four patients (4%) died in hospital and 21 (20%) required an unplanned ICU admission. Cardiopulmonary complications occurred in 42% of patients with an AT of <9ml/min/kg compared with 29% of patients with an AT of ≥9ml/min/kg but <11ml/min/kg and 20% of patients with an AT of ≥11ml/min/kg (p=0.04). There was a trend that those with an AT of <11ml/min/kg and a low VO2 peak had a higher rate of unplanned ICU admission. Conclusions This study has shown a correlation between AT and the development of cardiopulmonary complications although the discriminatory ability was low.
Hydroxycinnamic derivatives content in plant organs linked to harvest time of Salvia officinalis L. cv. ‘Krajová’ / Obsah hydroxyškoricových derivátov v rastlinných orgánoch Salvia officinalis L. cv. ‘Krajová’ v závislosti od termínu zberu
Authors: Tekeľová D. , Tóth J. , Czigle Sz. , Koutsoulas A. 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Salvia officinalis L. (sage) is an important essential oil containing Mediterranean medicinal plant that is commonly cultivated for pharmaceutical uses. In addition to essential oil, other compounds participate on the biological effects of sage, mainly diterpenes, triterpenes and phenolic compounds of the hydroxycinnamic and flavonoid types. Sage essential oil content is known to differ in plant parts, and to be influenced by plant phenophase, climatic and edaphic conditions. This work deals with the study of total hydroxycinnamic derivatives (THD), and specifically rosmarinic acid (RA), content variation in different aerial parts of sage linked to different harvest times. Dry sage leaves (Salviae officinalis folium) THD content was quantified using a pharmacopoeial method, and varied between 3.06 % and 3.52 % in different harvest times, with maxima in youngest plant shoot leaves and newly-grown shoots in September. Sage stems showed similar THD content variations when linked to harvest times, however with lower percentage, 1.33 - 3.04 %. Rosmarinic acid variability showed the same trends, its content ranged between 0.76 % and 1.65 % in leaves, and between 0.19 % and 0.83 % in stems, respectively. Highest percentages of both THD and RA were found in top leaves, lowest in leaves from the middle of the stem. When linked to plant phenophase, the content of THD and RA decreased at flowering time.
Economic Effect of Malaria on Artisanal Fish Production in a Coastal Area of Nigeria
Authors: Ayinde Idris , Aminu Folasade Oluremi , Akerele Dare 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
This study investigated the economic effect of malaria on artisanal fish production in Lagos State, Nigeria. A total of 120 fisher folks households were sampled through a multi-stage random sampling procedure. Primary data which were obtained through administration of structured questionnaire was used for this study. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Cost of Illness (COI) approach and ordinary least square (OLS) regression analysis. The study found that 1.67% of the sampled respondent used only mosquito coil as preventive measure while 41.67% of the respondents used a combination of mosquito coil, insecticide and immunization as preventive measures to avert the possible occurrence of malaria among their household members. The mean COI among the fisher folks’ households was ₦109, 995.85 per year, out of which 31.6% was spent on drugs and herbs, 15.5% on hospital consultancy fees while the time cost of illness of both the sick person and the caretaker were 28.4% and 13.1%, respectively. The regression analysis result revealed that aged and experienced fisher folks were more susceptible to malaria attack while number of days absent from work, number of malaria episodes and cost of treatment had adverse effect on fish production in the study area. The study concluded that the incidence of malaria in the households impact negatively on fish catch level. It is therefore recommended, among others, that health care services in the fishing communities be improved while fishers should make proper use of preventive measures so as to reduce cost and number of days lost to illness.
Irreparable Global Spread of Pathogens and International Trade – Facilitating Factors
Authors: Kouba Václav 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
The worldwide trade in non-pathogen-free animals and their products has led to irreparable global spread of animal infections. Among factors supporting this spread belong: countless pathogen species able to reproduce and spread horizontally and to the next generations causing immense number of sufferings and premature deaths of affected animals and humans; increasing long distance export of animals and their products due also to not requiring by relevant international organizations healthy and innocuous pathogen-free commodities; illegal export/import of animals and their products; deficiencies related to diagnosis of pathogen-free status; inability to discover all imported infections, to control and eradicate them; international sanitary certificates without pathogen-free guarantee; inability of public animal health services to control on the spot the international trade with animal commodities; minimum of successfull animal infection eradications and absence of information about global spreading of pathogens to alert the countries in question. Huge daily flow of exported non-pathogen-free animal commodities conduces to permanent deterioration of global epizootiological situation. Irreparable man-made global spread of invisible pathogens with continuous multiplying sanitary, economic, social and ecological consequences represents a worldwide ecological disaster contributing to shortening life on Earth and survival of species, including self-destruction of humankind. Extraordinary existential significance requires international control of epizootics to be dealt with at the highest decision-making level of the United Nations Organization.
Comparative Analysis of Semiconductor Power Losses of Galvanically Isolated Quasi-Z-Source and Full-Bridge Boost DC-DC Converters
Authors: Kosenko Roman , Liivik Liisa , Chub Andrii , Velihorskyi Oleksandr 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
This paper compares semiconductor losses of the galvanically isolated quasi-Z-source converter and full-bridge boost DC-DC converter with active clamping circuit. Operation principle of both converters is described. Short design guidelines are provided as well. Results of steady state analysis are used to calculate semiconductor power losses for both converters. Analytical expressions are derived for all types of semiconductor power losses present in these converters. The theoretical results were verified by means of numerical simulation performed in the PSIM simulation software. Its add-on module “Thermal module” was used to estimate semiconductor power losses using the datasheet parameters of the selected semiconductor devices. Results of calculations and simulation study were obtained for four operating points with different input voltage and constant input current to compare performance of the converters in renewable applications, like photovoltaic, where input voltage and power can vary significantly. Power loss breakdown is detailed and its dependence on the converter output power is analyzed. Recommendations are given for the use of the converter topologies in applications with low input voltage and relatively high input current.
Of Masters, Men, Machines and (M)others: Revisiting the Virgin and the Dynamo in a Post/Trans-Human Context
Authors: Chiper Sorina 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
The Education of Henry Adams owes its cultural cachet, in part, to Adams’ elaboration of a dichotomy that has pitted religion against science and technology. Though Western ideologies of modernity have viewed religion in rather negative terms, the current revival of religiosity in the postist context (post-modern, post-communist, post-colonial, post-human) invites a reconsideration of the role of religious belief, practice and objects/symbols in the current society. This article discusses Henry Adams’s dichotomy of the Virgin and the Dynamo, and recontextualizes it from a post-human perspective. It argues that the return of religiosity or spirituality, in its multiple forms, is an ethical stance that signals a cultural need for the feminine values of care, solidarity, affection and affiliation.
Magnetostructural Relationships For Fe(III) Spin Crossover Complexes
Authors: Augustín Peter , Boča Roman 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Structural data for fifteen complexes of Fe(III) of a general formula [FeL5X], with pentadentate Schiff-base ligands L5 and unidentate coligands X−, were subjected to a statistical analysis. The multivariate methods such as Pearson correlation, cluster analysis and principal component analysis split the data into two clusters depending upon the low-spin and/or high-spin state of the complex at the temperature of the X-ray experiment. Some of these complexes exhibit a thermally induced spin crossover. The numerical analysis of the magnetic susceptibility and magnetization data for an enlarged set of Fe(III) spin crossover systems yields the enthalpy ΔH and entropy ΔS of the transition along with the transition temperature T1/2 and the solid state cooperativeness. The thermodynamic data show a mutual relationship manifesting itself by linear ΔS vs ΔH and T1/2 vs ΔH correlations.
Scaffolded Minds And The Evolution Of Content In Signaling Pathways
Authors: Korbak Tomasz 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Hutto and Myin (2013) famously argue that basic minds are not contentful and content exists only as far as it is scaffolded with social and linguistic practices. This view, however, rests on a troublesome distinction between basic and scaffolded minds. Since Hutto and Myin have to account for language purely in terms of joint action guidance, there is no reason why simpler communication systems, such as cellular signaling pathways, should not give rise to scaffolded content as well. This conclusion remains valid even if one rejects the view of language as mediated through public symbols and embraces global antirepresentationalism. Content evolves spontaneously in complex regulatory systems, such as human, animal, and cellular communication.
Legal Problems of the Forensic Odontologist
Authors: Woolridge ED 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
With the growing demand for competent forensic odontologists and the corresponding growth of interest in the field, it becomes of utmost importance for us to be aware of the legal problems involved in this area. In conjunction with the rapid growth in this field, there are more people working on more cases and, therefore, more changes of litigation and a need for the understanding of laws that govern this specialty.