bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of phantom limb pain in lower limb amputees and its effect on quality of life: a qualitative study
Authors: Trevelyan Esmé G , Turner Warren A , Robinson Nicola 
Published: June 2015

Background: Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a prevalent complication post-amputation. Currently, qualitative literature exploring the experience of PLP in amputees is sparse, and little is known about whether the educational needs of amputees are being met. Objectives: To explore lower limb amputees’ descriptive lived experiences of PLP, to understand how PLP affects quality of life and to determine whether amputees feel they are provided with adequate information about PLP. Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach, situated under the constructivist paradigm was taken, consisting of cross-sectional semi-structured interviews. A purposive sample of 15 lower limb amputees, 1–3 months post-surgery with past or current experience of PLP were interviewed once about their experience of PLP. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using Framework Analysis. Interviews were conducted while participants were inpatients at an amputee rehabilitation unit in London. Results: Six key themes were identified during analysis, of which three were related to PLP and are reported on in this article (real and physical phantoms, living with a phantom and being informed). PLP had numerous painful qualities. The phantom felt real, with kinetic and kinaesthetic properties. PLP had multiple meanings to amputees, was considered a reminder of circumstances and could affect quality of life. Information provided about PLP was inadequate. Conclusion: PLP can be a severe and annoying experience acting as a reminder of amputees’ circumstances. Information provided about PLP is inadequate, with some amputees still perceiving PLP as mental and imaginary. Education about PLP and awareness and accessibility to non-pharmacological interventions needs to be improved.
Platelets at the interface of thrombosis, inflammation, and cancer
Authors: Franco Aime T. , Corken Adam , Ware Jerry 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Although once primarily recognized for its roles in hemostasis and thrombosis, the platelet has been increasingly recognized as a multipurpose cell. Indeed, circulating platelets have the ability to influence a wide range of seemingly unrelated pathophysiologic events. Here, we highlight some of the notable observations that link platelets to inflammation, reinforcing the platelet’s origin from a lower vertebrate cell type with both hemostatic and immunologic roles. In addition, we consider the relevance of platelets in cancer biology by focusing on the hallmarks of cancer and the ways platelets can influence multistep development of tumors. Beyond its traditional role in hemostasis and thrombosis, the platelet’s involvement in the interplay between hemostasis, thrombosis, inflammation, and cancer is likely complex, yet extremely important in each disease process. The existence of animal models of platelet dysfunction and currently used antiplatelet therapies provide a framework for understanding mechanistic insights into a wide range of pathophysiologic events. Thus, the basic scientist studying platelet function can think beyond the traditional hemostasis and thrombosis paradigms, while the practicing hematologist must appreciate platelet relevance in a wide range of disease processes.
Low-level 226Ra determination in groundwater by SF-ICP-MS: optimization of separation and pre-concentration methods
Authors: Copia Lorenzo , Nisi Stefano , Plastino Wolfango , Ciarletti Marta , Povinec Pavel P 
Published: June 2015

Abstract

Background
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) techniques have been widely used for analysis of long-lived environmental radionuclides. In this paper, we present an optimization of the sector field (SF)-ICP-MS technique for the analysis of 226Ra in groundwater samples using a method of pre-concentration of radium in water samples.

Methods
The separation protocol and a sequential application of ion exchange and extraction chromatography have been optimized, and related polyatomic interferences and matrix effects affecting the 226Ra signal were investigated.

Results
Analyzing 12 replicates (water spiking at 22 fg g−1 of 226Ra), the 226Ra recovery efficiency close to 100 % has been obtained. The instrumental 226Ra detection limit of 0.09 fg g−1 (3σ criterion) and the absolute detection limit of 0.05 fg in a 25-mL groundwater sample have been reached.

Conclusions
An optimization of the radium separation method and a pre-concentration of radium in groundwater samples led to high radium recoveries, almost up to 100 %. The same could be said with respect to the separation of the interfering elements, important for the quantitative 226Ra analysis by SF-ICP-MS. The improvements in the separation and pre-concentration techniques also helped to improve the 226Ra detection limit down to 0.05 fg/25 mL of groundwater sample.
Household Production and Asset Prices
Authors: Da Zhi , Yang Wei , Yun Hayong 
Published: June 2015

We empirically examine the asset pricing implications of the Beckerian framework of household production, where utility is derived from both market consumption and home produced goods. We propose residential electricity usage as a real-time proxy for the service flow from household capital, because electricity is used in most modern-day household production activities and it cannot be easily stored. Using U.S. residential electricity usage from 1955 to 2012, our model based on household production explains the equity premium and the cross section of expected stock returns (including those of industry portfolios) with an R2 of 71%. This paper was accepted by Jerome Detemple, finance.
Responsiveness to Self-Report Interview Questions by Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disability
Authors: Stancliffe Roger J. , Tichá Renáta , Larson Sheryl A. , Hewitt Amy S. , Nord Derek 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
An important line of research involves asking people with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) to self-report their experiences and opinions. We analyzed the responsiveness of 11,391 adult users of IDD services to interview questions from Section 1 of the 2008-2009 National Core Indicators-Adult Consumer Survey (NCI-ACS). Proxy responses were not allowed for the selected questions. Overall, 62.1% of participants answered the questions and were rated by interviewers as understanding the questions and as responding consistently. Most participants responded in an all-or-none fashion, answering either all or most questions or few to none. Individuals with milder levels of IDD and with speech as their primary means of expression were more likely to answer the questions and provide a scoreable response. Interviewer ratings of interviewees’ answering questions, understanding of questions, and consistent responding were each related to responsiveness.
Teaching Sight Words to Elementary Students With Intellectual Disability and Autism: A Comparison of Teacher-Directed Versus Computer-Assisted Simultaneous Prompting
Authors: Coleman Mari Beth , Cherry Rebecca A. , Moore Tara C. , Park Yujeong , Cihak David F. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of teacher-directed simultaneous prompting to computer-assisted simultaneous prompting for teaching sight words to 3 elementary school students with intellectual disability. Activities in the computer-assisted condition were designed with Intellitools Classroom Suite software whereas traditional materials (i.e., flashcards) were used in the teacher-directed condition. Treatment conditions were compared using an adapted alternating treatments design. Acquisition of sight words occurred in both conditions for all 3 participants; however, each participant either clearly responded better in the teacher-directed condition or reported a preference for the teacher-directed condition when performance was similar with computer-assisted instruction being more efficient. Practical implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Middle-late Eocene dinoflagellate cysts from NE Ukraine (Borehole No. 230, Dnepr-Donets Depression): stratigraphic and palaeoenvironmental approach
Authors: Iakovleva Alina I. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Analysis of the stratigraphic and quantitative distribution of dinoflagellate cysts and other palynomorphs from a shallow marine Eocene section drilled from borehole No. 230 (NE Ukraine) resulted in an updated age-assessment of regional formations and a reconstruction of the major transgressive-regressive trends in the North Ukrainian palaeosedimentological province. Based on dinocyst age-diagnostic events, the Buchak Formation is attributed to the mid-upper Lutetian; the Kiev Formation is assigned to the Bartonian-?lowermost Priabonian; finally, the Obukhov Formation is dated Priabonian. The Buchak Formation accumulation reflects the first major transgressive episode in the North Ukrainian Province; the accumulation of the lower Kiev Formation corresponds to the maximum of regional marine transgression, while the palynological assemblages from the upper Kiev Formation indicate a protracted regression. The beginning of the Obukhov Formation accumulation corresponds to the last marine transgressive cycle.
Cultivated plants in medieval Kraków (Poland), with special reference to amaranth (Amaranthus lividus L. cf. var lividus) and ruderal communities
Authors: Mueller-Bieniek Aldona , Walanus Adam , Zaitz Emil 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
This paper summarises archaeobotanical studies of plant macroremains derived from medieval town deposits of Kraków, focusing on cultivated plants. Correspondence analysis was used in interpreting the botanical data and their archaeological context. Changes in cultivated plant composition were connected mainly with the chartering of the town under Magdeburg law in 1257, and are discussed in terms of their temporal relation to the chartering of Kraków and possible changes in the food preferences and wealth of the residents. Millet and wheat remains are rarer in specimens from after the establishment of the town; this seems connected mainly with the relocation of the mills outside the city walls. The number of cultivated plants generally increased in the late medieval samples, but hop and mallow were more frequent in the tribal period than later. Problems in the definition of cultivated plants are discussed. The probable escape of cultivated amaranth (Amaranthus lividus L. var. lividus) from gardens to ruderal communities is indicated in the samples. A comparison of archaeobotanical data from written sources shows the incompleteness of both types of source, including the clear underrepresentation of some cultivated plants in the archaeological deposits of the town (especially peas, Pisum sativum), a deficiency which should be considered in other archaeobotanical and palaeodietary studies.
Pollen analysis of a peaty mud sample from the Dunajec River alluvial fan (Sandomierz Basin, Poland) in the context of its morphological position, radiocarbon dating, and comparison with neighbouring sites
Authors: Mamakowa Kazimiera , Gębica Piotr 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
The paper presents the results of pollen analysis and radiocarbon dating of a peaty mud sample from a gravel-sand outlier of the Vistulian alluvial fan of the Dunajec River. The study showed the occurrence of open birch-pine forests with sporadic larch and stone pine at the time of mud deposition. The vegetation, of park tundra type, was characterised by the development of shrubby and sedge-grass communities. The radiocarbon dating of 39 100 ± 3000 BP indicates that deposition occurred in the Middle Plenivistulian (Hengelo interstadial or older, colder climatic stadial). A comparison of the palynological analysis and radiocarbon dating with data from other sites suggests that both the alluvia of the north-western part of the Dunajec River fan and the alluvia of its southern part were formed during the Middle Plenivistulian.
Macro-Elements Composition of Cystic and Follicular Fluid in the Ovaries and their Relationship to Peripheral Blood Concentration in Sows / Odnos Sastava Makroelemenata Folikularne I Cistične Tečnosti Jajnika I Njihove Koncentracije U Perifernoj Krvi Krmača
Authors: Stankiewicz Tomasz , Błaszczyk Barbara 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
The aim of this work is the comparison of sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus concentration in pre-ovulatory follicles and follicular cysts and their concentration in the serum of sows. The research was conducted on sows (Polish Large White x Polish Landrace crossbred). Sodium concentration in cystic fluid was higher than in the follicular fluid (P<0.05). Sodium concentration in the serum of cysts-bearing sows was higher than in non-cysts-bearing sows (P<0.01). Differences were also observed between cysts and serum of cysts-bearing sows (P<0.01), as well as follicles and serum of non-cysts-bearing sows (P<0.01). Calcium concentration in the serum of non-cystsbearing sows was higher than in the case of cysts-bearing sows (P<0.01). Differences were also between calcium concentration in the cysts and its concentration in the serum of cysts-bearing sows (P<0.05). Magnesium concentration in the serum of cysts-bearing sows was lower than in non-cysts-bearing sows (P<0.01). Differences in magnesium concentration were also between cysts and serum of cysts-bearing sows (P<0.01), as well as between follicles and serum of non-cysts-bearing sows (P<0.05). Phosphorus concentration in the cysts was lower than in the follicles (P<0.05). It was also lower in the serum of non-cysts-bearing sows than in the follicles (P<0.05). The concentration of sodium, magnesium and phosphorus in the serum was positively correlated with the concentration of the mentioned macro-elements in ovarian structures (r = 0.66, P<0.01; r = 0.49, and r = 0.48, P<0.05, respectively). A negative correlation was found between the concentration of serum calcium and the ovarian structures (r = -0.47, P<0.05).
The differences in the concentrations of macro-elements suggest that the ionic composition may be one of the factors associated with the processes occurring in the ovarian structures of pigs.
Identification of Cryptic Allele for Merle Patterning in Dogs by Molecular Genetics Methods / Identifikacija Skrivenog Alela Za Mramoriranu Šaru Pasa Pomoću Metoda Molekularne Genetike
Authors: Miluchová Martina , Gábor Michal , Trakovická Anna , Hanusová Jana , Zubrická Stanislava , Zubrický Pavol 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Merle patterning in dogs, caused by the insertion of a short interspersed element (SINE) in the genetic structure of SILV gene, is characterized by patches of diluted pigment intermingled with normal melanin. Sequencing analyses of SINE element localized in the canine SILV gene discovered a variability of the poly (A)-tail length which is responsible for the different expression of merle pattern. The SINE element with the length of poly(A)-tail between 91 - 101 nucleotides is responsible for the merle phenotype with all characters of merle pattern. On the contrary the dogs which have SINE element with the shorter length of poly(A) tail between 54-65 nucleotides are referred as cryptic merles without expresion of Merle pattern. The aim of this study was to improve molecular genetics method for the detection of cryptic allele for merle patterning in dogs. A total of 40 dogs of four breeds - Border collie, Shetland sheepdog, Australian Shepherd dog, and Chihuahua were used in this study. Canine genomic DNA was isolated from samples of whole blood and buccal cells by commercial column kit. Detection of merle (M), cryptic merle (Mc) and non-merle (m) alleles was done using M13-tailed primer protocol and two different allele-sizing methods for the verification of the electrophoresis result. In the analyzed population of dogs were detected 20 dogs with non-merle genotype mm, 17 dogs with merle genotype Mm, 2 dogs with double merle genotype MM and one dog with merle phenotype but with the presence of cryptic merle allele Mc with the consequential genotype MMc.
OTC Stock Market in China – The New Venture Capital Exit?
Authors: Li Jing 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Venture capital is certainly important to a country in that it finances entrepreneurship and innovation. In recent years, secondary markets for private shares have emerged as an important node in the VC cycle by both facilitating interim liquidity for non-listed firms and providing external investors with the access to good pre-IPO shares. Ready and able to play an active role on both the exit and entry sides, are VCs more engaged in reducing or increasing their ownership in these markets? Based on a sample consisting of a total of 102 firms that have been quoted on China’s New Third Board from 2006 to 2011 year end, this paper finds that VCs were much more likely to increase than decrease their ownership – there have been 128 times of increases in contrast to 45 times of decreases. In particular, VCs actively took the opportunities of subscribing new shares issued in capital increases to increase their ownership. Out of the total 85 VCs that invested in the 102 firms, 33 were already there as of first quotation, 39 VCs subscribed new shares in capital increases, 33 VCs bought shares from existing shareholders, while only 11 exited. For the purposes of enhancing the attractiveness of the New Third Board as an exit venue, this paper argues that the market should work on increasing its liquidity from both the supply and the demand sides. As the successor of the New Third Board, the National Equities Exchange and Quotations largely manages to realize this by considerably broadening the pool of potential eligible firms and investors, and also by making available various additional mechanisms such as market making and call auctions to boost share transfers. As such, it is generally reasonable to argue that for those SMEs that are not yet able to directly list on public stock exchanges but are already in need for interim liquidity, the NEEQ does serve as a useful platform to achieve the purpose, and thus fills a gap in China’s VC cycle.
Mesoscale Convective Systems Monitoring on the Basis of MSG Data – Case Studies
Authors: Szafranek K. , Jakubiak B. , Lech R. , Tomczuk M. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Analysis described in the paper were made in the frame of the PROZA (Operational decisionmaking based on atmospheric conditions, http://projekt-proza.pl/) project co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund. One of its tasks was to develop an operational forecast system, which is going to support different economies branches like forestry or fruit farming by reducing the risk of economic decisions with taking into consideration weather conditions. The main purpose of the paper is to describe the method of the MCSs (Mesoscale Convective Systems) tracking on the basis of the MSG (Meteosat Second Generation) data. Until now several tests were performed. The Meteosat satellite images in selected spectral channels collected for Central Europe Region for May 2010 were used to detect and track cloud systems recognized as MCSs in Poland. The ISIS tracking method was applied here. First the cloud objects are defined using the temperature threshold and next the selected cells are tracked using principle of overlapping position on consecutive images. The main benefit of using a temperature threshold to define cells is its efficiency. During the tracking process the algorithm links the cells of the image at time t to the one of the following image at time t+dt that correspond to the same cloud system. Selected cases present phenomena, which appeared at the territory of Poland. They were compared to the weather radar data and UKMO UM (United Kingdom MetOffice Unified Model) forecasts. The paper presents analysis of exemplary MCSs in the context of near realtime prediction system development and proves that developed tool can be helpful in MCSs monitoring.
Cobalt, nitrogen-codoped carbon quantum dots as a synergistic catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Wang Huihua , Yang Yanmei , Qu Tianpeng , Kang Zhenhui , Wang Deyong 
Published: June 2015

AbstractA cobalt/nitrogen/carbon (Co/N/C) electrocatalyst has been successfully synthesized by the solvothermal method using cobalt acetate (Co(Ac)
Financial Distress Prediction Based on Support Vector Machine with a Modified Kernel Function
Authors: Wu Chong , Wang Lu , Shi Zhe 
Published: June 2015

AbstractFor the financial distress prediction model based on support vector machine, there are no theories concerning how to choose a proper kernel function in a data-dependent way. This paper proposes a method of modified kernel function that can availably enhance classification accuracy. We apply an information-geometric method to modifying a kernel that is based on the structure of the Riemannian geometry induced in the input space by the kernel. A conformal transformation of a kernel from input space to higher-dimensional feature space enlarges volume elements locally near support vectors that are situated around the classification boundary and reduce the number of support vectors. This paper takes the Gaussian radial basis function as the internal kernel. Additionally, this paper combines the above method with the theories of standard regularization and non-dimensionalization to construct the new model. In the empirical analysis section, the paper adopts the financial data of Chinese listed companies. It uses five groups of experiments with different parameters to compare the classification accuracy. We can make the conclusion that the model of modified kernel function can effectively reduce the number of support vectors, and improve the classification accuracy.
Co-Crystal structure of 1,3-phenylenediacetic acid and 2,5-bis(4-pyridyl)- 1,3,4-oxadiazole (1:1), C22H18N4O5
Authors: Xin Ling-Yun , Wu Hai-Xia , Zhang Ying-Ge , Zhang Yan-Yan 
Published: June 2015

Abstract C22H18N4O5, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 17.153(1) Å, b = 13.4635(8) Å, c = 8.8010(6) Å, β = 90.807(2)°, V = 2032.3 Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.0414, wRref(F2) = 0.1148, T = 296 K.
“Focus on the young ones”: Discourses on substance abuse and age
Authors: Selseng Lillian Bruland 
Published: June 2015

Background & AIMS Previous research has shown that age categories play a vital part in the decision-making processes of counsellors in substance abuse services, yet very little is known about how the meanings of “age” and “substance abuse” are constructed and intertwined. This article aims to provide insights into the dynamic relationship between discourses on age and substance abuse. It explores the narratives of a group of counsellors on age and substance abuse, and looks at the subject positions this intersection produces. Design The data material consists of interviews with 23 counsellors working for the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV). The analysis is inspired by discourse psychology and intersectional and poststructuralist approaches. Findings Three positions are constructed: “the vulnerable youth”, “the formative youth” and “the agentic adult”. The article illustrates how the subject positions reinforce a “focus on the young ones” discourse. Findings are discussed against the background of the concept of ageism. Conclusion The article highlights the significance of examining categories such as “substance abuse” and “age” as dynamic and contextual phenomena. It points out the significance of continually being aware of the influence age categories have in the process of differentiating and categorising substance abusers in social services.