bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of motor activity and anxiety-related behaviour in rodents: methodological aspects and role of nitric oxide
Authors: Sestakova Natalia , Puzserova Angelika , Kluknavsky Michal , Bernatova Iveta 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT
In various areas of the bio-medical, pharmacological and psychological research a multitude of behavioural tests have been used to investigate the effects of environmental, genetic and epi-genetic factors as well as pharmacological substances or diseased states on behaviour and thus on the physiological and psycho-social status of experimental subjects. This article is reviewing the most frequently used behavioural tests in animal research (open field, elevated plus maze, zero maze, and black and white box). It provides a summary of common characteristics as well as differences in the methods used in various studies to determine motor activity, anxiety and emotionality. Additionally to methodological aspects, strain, sex and stress-related differences as well as the involvement of nitric oxide in modulation of motor activity and anxiety of rodents were briefly reviewed.
Hemolytic activity and platelet aggregation inhibitory effect of vipoxin’s basic sPLA2 subunit
Authors: Stoykova Silviya , Goranova Yana , Pantcheva Ivayla , Atanasov Vasil , Danchev Dobri , Petrova Svetla 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT
In the present study we evaluated the effect of secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) (the toxic subunit of the heterodimeric neurotoxin vipoxin, isolated from the Bulgarian long-nosed viper Vipera ammodytes meridionalis) on hemolysis, erythrocyte morphology and platelet aggregation. Hemolytic activity of sPLA2 was examined in the presence of saturated (palmitic) and unsaturated (oleic) fatty acids and it was found that oleic acid increased the hemolytic activity of sPLA2 in a concentration-dependent manner, compared to the effect of palmitic acid and controls. The addition of heparin to red blood cells (RBC) suspension containing sPLA2 or mixture of sPLA2 and the corresponding fatty acid led to an inhibition of hemolytic activity. The effect of sPLA2 on RBC morphology resulted in formation of echinocytes (spherocyte subtype), suggesting that RBC could be the possible targets attacked by sPLA2. Vipoxin sPLA2 inhibited (in a dose-dependent manner) platelet aggregation when arachidonic acid and collagen were used as inducers, while in the case of ADP its inhibitory effect was inappreciable.
Analysis of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use in hospitalized patients and perception of their risk
Authors: Varga Zoltán , Kriška Milan , Kristová Viera , Petrová Miriam 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) belong to the most widely prescribed and used pharmacological agents worldwide. Data gathered in the last decade show increased incidence of thrombotic events during NSAID administration. Analysis of NSAID usage and assessment of risk for development of cardiovascular adverse effects is needed for improving patient safety. For limiting the impact of adverse effects on the health of patients, NSAID users should be informed about the possible adverse effects and their symptoms to ensure early detection and treatment discontinuation. In the presented study, we retrospectively analyzed the administration of NSAIDs in a group of patients (n=428) in need of analgesic treatment hospitalized at a department of internal medicine. Factors increasing the risk for cardiovascular adverse effects were also investigated. A separate questionnaire study was conducted to gather information concerning the knowledge of hospitalized NSAID users (n=251) about adverse effects of the medication used. For purpose of comparison, we conducted a similar study in a group of 234 random respondents from a shopping center. Data were evaluated using descriptive statistics, Student´s t-test and chi-squared test. Our results suggest that the majority of patients treated with NSAIDs have factors indicating increased risk of development of adverse effects, most commonly arterial hypertension (58.2% of patients). The results of our questionnaire study show limited knowledge of NSAID users about the risk of the therapy. Nearly half of the respondents were unaware of any adverse effects. We consider as alarming that only a limited number of respondents were informed by their physician or pharmacist about the possible risks of treatment. In conclusion, we found that hospitalized NSAID users often have a history of diseases predisposing to the development of cardiovascular adverse effects of NSAIDs. Despite this, their knowledge about the risk of treatment is insufficient.
Phytochemical and acute toxicity of ethanolic extract of Enantia chlorantha (oliv) stem bark in albino rats
Authors: Adebiyi Olamide E. , Abatan Mathew O. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT
It is presumed that drugs sourced from herbs have lesser side effects than allopathic drugs. Enantia chlorantha is widely used in herbal medicine for the treatment of several ailments such as jaundice, malaria, fever, infective hepatitis, etc. However its toxicity profiles are not well documented. The effects of ethanolic extract of E. chlorantha stem bark on body weight changes, biochemical and haematological parameters as well as histology of vital organs (heart, kidneys and liver) were assessed. Also, the phytochemical constituent of the plant was analysed. Albino rats of both sexes were randomly divided into five groups (A-E) of five rats each and the ethanolic extract of E. chlorantha stem bark extract was administered by oral gavage in a single dose. Group A rats were administered 500 mg/kg of the extract, group B; 1000 mg/kg, group C; 2000 mg/kg, group D; 3000 mg/kg and group E rats received distilled water (10 ml/kg) and served as control. The extract caused significant (p<0.05) decreases in the levels of packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and red blood cell counts in a dose dependent manner. Further, significant alterations were not observed in the serum biochemical parameters analysed (AST, ALP, ALT, blood urea nitrogen, total protein, albumin, globulin and bilirubin). In addition, the extract at 1000, 2000 and 3000 mg/kg caused congestion in the heart and kidney of experimental rats. These results suggest that oral administration of E. chlorantha may produce severe toxic effects at relatively high doses, thus caution should be exercised in its use.
Evaluation of hepatic antioxidant capacities of Spirogyra neglecta (Hassall) Kützing in rats
Authors: Thumvijit Tarika , Thuschana Waristha , Amornlerdpison Doungporn , Peerapornpisal Yuwadee , Wongpoomchai Rawiwan 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT
Free radicals are one of the causes of chronic and degenerative diseases. Antioxidants can protect the progression of free radical mediated disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of Spirogyra neglecta (Hassall) Kützing in rats. The rats were divided into 5 groups. Group 1 served as control. Groups 2 and 3 were administered hot water extract of S. neglecta at 50 and 200 mg/kg bw, respectively, while groups 4 and 5 were fed 1% and 4% S. neglecta mixed diet, resp., for 13 weeks. Antioxidant enzymes were evaluated in livers of the rats. The activities of catalase and glutathione reductase were significantly increased in the group fed 50 mg/kg of the extract, compared with the control group. Glutathione peroxidase activity was also significantly higher in the group fed 50 and 200 mg/kg of the extract. The study suggests that S. neglecta may enhance antioxidant systems in the rat liver.
Competitive analysis of outdoor ornamental plants sector: a case study of Konya province, Turkey
Authors: Çelik Yusuf , Arisoy Hasan 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT In this study, development and alteration trends of ornamental plants sector in Turkey and the rest of the world were analysed. The competitive and structural analysis of outdoor ornamental plants sector in Konya province, Turkey, was carried out in accordance with the Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) analytical technique and Diamond Model of Porter. Main data of the study have been obtained by a survey method from 16 managers of enterprises. According to the results, the ornamental plants sector in Turkey developed vigorously, especially after 1980s, in parallel with other parts of the world. The cultivated area of ornamental plants in Turkey, which was 1513.2 ha in 2000, tripled to 4786.0 ha in 2011. Outdoor ornamental plants sector in Konya province has developed in parallel with that in the whole country and the number of enterprises producing has increased by 50% in the last decade. Competition level of outdoor ornamental plants sector is low in Konya. As a strategy to increase it, the aggregation of production in larger companies and diversification of the spectrum of plants more adapted to the natural conditions are discussed.
First report on the association of a begomovirus with chrysanthemum indicum exhibiting yellowing of leaf vein disease characterized by molecular studies
Authors: Marwal Avinash , Sahu Anurag Kumar , Gaur Rajarshi Kumar 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT
Infected leaf samples of an ornamental plant Chrysanthemum indicum showing yellowing of leaf veins were collected from gardens of New Delhi (India). An expected PCR product of size ~500 bp was amplified from total DNA extracts of symptomatic leaf samples with universal primers on the gene of coat protein region of begomovirus DNA-A component. The presence of begomoviruses was also confirmed by Southern blot analysis using control cloned DNA-A probe of Cotton leaf curl virus. Sequence analysis of the virus infecting Chrysanthemum indicum showed 99% nucleotide sequence identity with Clerodendron yellow mosaic virus (EF408037).
Effect of inoculation with piriformospora indica and sebacina vermifera on growth of selected brassicaceae plants under greenhouse conditions
Authors: Kari Dolatabadi Hossein , Mohammadi Goltapeh Ebrahim 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT The effect of inoculation of two root-colonizing basidiomycete fungi Piriformospora indica and Sebacina vermifera on the host plants from the family Brassicaceae (Brassica oleracea, B. napus, B. nigra, Lepidium sativum, Descurainia sophia and Matthiola incana) was studied in a pot experiment. Both fungi were able to colonize all plant species tested but with different efficiency. Colonized plants reacted with increase of fitness, bigger leaves and more side shoots. Plant heights of five inoculated species were higher than of uninoculated controls. Five species had higher dry weight of shoots and four had higher dry weights of roots. The highest stimulation was stated for B. oleracea and the lowest for L. sativum. It can be connected with the intensity of root colonization, which was greater in B. oleracea. In most cases both fungi influenced growth and dry weight of plants similarly but B. nigra and D. sophia were stimulated more by P. indica and B. napus by S. vermifera.
Steady state of solid-grain interfaces during simulated CPT
Authors: Butlanska Joanna , Arroyo Marcos , Gens Antonio 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
It has recently been shown (Arroyo et al. [1]) that 3D DEM models are able to reproduce with reasonable accuracy the macroscopic response of CPT performed in calibration chambers filled with sand. However, the cost of each simulation is an important factor. Hence, to achieve manageable simulation times the discrete material representing the sand was scaled up to sizes that were more typical of gravel than sand. A side effect of the scaled-up discrete material size employed in the model was an increased fluctuation of the macro-response that can be filtered away to observe a macroscopic steady-state cone resistance. That observation is the starting point of this communication, where a series of simulations in which the size ratio between penetrometer and particles is varied are systematically analyzed. A micromechanical analysis of the penetrometer-particle interaction is performed. These curves reveal that a steady state is arrived also at the particle-cone contact level. The properties of this dynamic interface are independent of the initial density of the granular material.
The numerical calculations of influence of underpinning on foundations settlement
Authors: Górski Krzysztof , Ignatowicz Rajmund Leszek , Wierzbicki Jędrzej , Mazur Robert , Mazurkiewicz Jakub 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
The paper presents numerical calculations of the influence of implementation technology for underpinning the footing on settlement, with the use of finite element method. Three cases of underpinning methods were taken for calculations, depending on the diameter of the jet grouting column and the order of works. The intensity of settlement of the base of the footing foundation is significantly influenced by the growth of Young’s modulus and the jet grouting column with time, until its complete curing and reaching final technological parameters.
Efficient implementation of background generation method based on pixel occurrences
Authors: Bubliński Zbigniew , Pawlik Piotr 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
The paper presents the implementation of modified background generation algorithm based on analysis of the frequency of occurrences of pixels. The proposed solution allows the use of the algorithm in real-time systems, which was quite difficult in the original method. The results show that the modified algorithm gives practically the same background as the original method but in significantly less time and can be applied in many tasks related to the detection and analysis of moving objects.
Hardware-software vision system for moving people counting based on 3D information
Authors: Kryjak Tomasz , Komorkiewicz Mateusz 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
The article presents a hardware-software system for people counting based on analysis of 3D information. It consists of a 3D video source (3D camera), an FPGA evaluation board and a PC computer. The computationaly demanding disparity map calculation and median filtering are realized in hardware. The software part is responsible for people segmentation, tracking and counting. The data between system nodes is transferred via Ethernet. In the paper the system architecture, proposed algorithms and obtained results are presented.
Comparison of non-linear palette usage for gamma-ray tomography imaging
Authors: Budzisz Jan , Mosorov Volodymyr , Biedron Sebastian 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Gamma-ray tomography is used for non-invasive studying of objects. To enable correct interpretation of such measurements, they need to be presented in analysis-friendly way. One method is to use ILST (Iterative Least Squares Technique) algorithm to visualize 1D detector data on a 2D grid, so that gammaray attenuation is visible with a resemblance to cross-section structure. However algorithm imperfections and thresholding do not always allow inferring shapes of the structure correctly. To remedy this, the analyses of the whole range of reconstructed values are to be used with a non-linear transformation function to visualize and emphasize density gradient.
All things considered? Alternative reasons for hamster extinction
Authors: Monecke Stefanie 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
In 2002 a pest biologist (LEIRS 2002) calculated the survival chances of the European hamster (Cricetus cricetus) according to data provided by participants of the meeting of the International Hamster Workgroup in Tongeren. His model was based predominantly on demographic data as birth rates and predicted that the European hamster will be extinct in Western Europe within the next 50 years. Since then, the mean number of litters females raise in a year has diminished from 2-3 to 1-2. It is thus to be feared that the remaining time is only half as long as predicted and extinction might occur around 2030. However, since then hamster protection measures have improved considerably and two major milestones have been reached: (1) we are able to breed captive hamsters in a sufficient number and (2) most released hamsters survive long enough to reproduce once. Thus, at the present state we can claim that the hamster won.t go extinct as long as such breeding and releasing programs are in place. However, we haven.t achieved a state yet at which it is clear that the hamster will survive with its own means when such programs are stopped. To work on this will be the task of the coming years. This review might be a starting point for that. It reflects on which other factors possibly impair the survival of European hamster populations besides some aspects of modern agriculture, thus it searches for parameters which are not yet considered in conservation programs. Historical data as well as observations and research data from other species are reviewed. Additionally, new insights from the subterranean life of European hamsters in outdoor terrariums are presented, which suggest that the soil as habitat might need more attention in conservation. However, this conjecture can provide only new ideas, which still have to be confirmed by research. The intention is to spark a lively discussion on such potential alternative reasons for the decline of European hamsters, whether some of them are worth being investigated and whether we overlooked something. There is not much time left.
Relationship Between Lower Extremity Muscle Strength and All-Cause Mortality in Japanese Patients Undergoing Dialysis
Authors: Matsuzawa Ryota , Matsunaga Atsuhiko , Wang Guoqin , Yamamoto Shuhei , Kutsuna Toshiki , Ishii Akira , Abe Yoshifumi , Yoneki Kei , Yoshida Atsushi , Takahira Naonobu 
Published: February 2014

Background
Skeletal muscle wasting is common and insidious in patients who are undergoing hemodialysis. However, the association between lower extremity muscle strength and all-cause mortality remains unclear in this population.

Objective
The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of lower extremity muscle strength on 7-year survival in a cohort of patients who were clinically stable and undergoing hemodialysis.

Design
A prospective cohort study was conducted.

Methods
A total of 190 Japanese outpatients who were undergoing maintenance hemodialysis 3 times per week at a hemodialysis center were followed for up to 7 years. Lower extremity muscle strength was evaluated using a handheld dynamometer at the time of patient enrollment in the study. Muscle strength data were divided by dry weight and expressed as a percentage. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to assess the contribution of lower extremity muscle strength to all-cause mortality.

Results
The median age (25th and 75th percentiles) of this study population was 64 years (57 and 72 years), 53.2% of the patients were women, and the time on hemodialysis was 39.0 months (15.9 and 110.5 months) at baseline. During a median follow-up of 36.0 months, there were 30 deaths. With a multivariate Cox model, the hazard ratio in the group with a knee extensor strength of &lt;40% was 2.73 (95% confidence interval=1.14–6.52) compared with that in the ≥40% group.

Limitations
This was a small-scale observational study, and the mechanisms underlying the higher mortality risk in patients with poor muscle strength undergoing hemodialysis than in other patients undergoing hemodialysis remain to be elucidated.

Conclusions
Decreased lower extremity muscle strength was strongly associated with increased mortality risk in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Finite Element Based Vehicle Component Fatigue Life Assessment According to a Customer Usage Profile
Authors: Şener Arif Şenol 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
In this study, construction and standardization of a track for performing fatigue and reliability tests of light commercial vehicles are described. Such a test track is necessary for design and manufacturing verification of these vehicles. Fatigue characteristics of Turkish roads were determined by analyzing fifty different roads. This paper focuses on defining the load spectrum and equivalent fatigue damage of the leaf spring resulting from accelerated tests on a route. Fatigue analysis and estimated lifetime of the part were calculated using Finite Element Analyses and verified by the Palmgren-Miner rule. When as customer profile the Turkish automotive user is taken into consideration and accelerated test tracks are designed for the reliability and fatigue tests of the related company, linear FEA of the spring represents a convenient procedure.
Formation of Carbon Nano Onions by Thermo-Mechanical Processing of Graphite Powders
Authors: Güler Ömer , Evin Ertan 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
This study reports on the thermo-mechanical synthesis of carbon nano onions from elemental graphite powders. Initially, amorphous carbon was obtained by high energy ball milling technique from graphite powders. X-ray spectra taken from ball milled samples indicated that the hexagonal graphite, composed of layers, was transformed into the amorphous carbon for a shorter milling time of 5 h by high energy input about 78 times of gravity. Subsequent isothermal annealing of milled graphite powders was conducted at 1400 °C for 4 h in Ar gas. It was revealed via investigation of transmission electron microscopy that carbon nano onions were formed after annealing.
Effects of Al2O3 phase composition on AlON powder synthesis via aluminothermic reduction and nitridation
Authors: Qi Jianqi , Wang Ying , Xie Xiumin , Wang Yuezhong , Zhou Jicheng , Wei Nian , Wang Jun , Wu Di , Lu Tiecheng 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Using micro-sized aluminum powder (11 wt.%) and nano-sized Al2O3 powder (89 wt.%) with five different phase compositions, AlON powders were synthesized at different temperatures in flowing-nitrogen atmosphere. Our results suggest that for starting materials with low γ-Al2O3/total Al2O3 ratio R (0 and 0.15), a calcination temperature of 1 750 °C is required to obtain single-phase AlON. This temperature is about 50 °C higher than for other batches starting with larger R values (0.5, 0.85, and 1.0). The AlON powders fabricated from reactants with a high R value in this work show narrower particle size distribution and better particle homogeneity than those prepared from batches with lower R values.
Studies on salt fog corrosion behavior of friction stir welded AA7075–T651 aluminum alloy
Authors: Rao T. Srinivasa , Reddy G. Madhusudhan , Rao G. Srinivasa , Rao S. R. Koteswara 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
High strength aluminum alloy 7075 is used in aerospace applications. This alloy is considered unweldable using fusion welding processes. Friction stir welding being a solid state process has been proved to be a suitable process for obtaining sound welds of these materials. Although no solid–liquid phase transformation occurs during friction stir welding, relatively high temperatures, up to 475 °C for AA7075 aluminum alloy, are generated by friction between the tool and the workpiece. This produces modified microstructures that may be more susceptible to corrosion than the parent alloy. In the current study, 16 mm thick rolled AA7075–T651 aluminum alloy plates were joined using friction stir welding. The corrosion behavior of base material and friction stir welds was investigated using the Salt fog test (ASTM B117). It was observed that the corrosion resistance of the welds in the basic solution is better than that in the acidic and neutral solutions. In contrast, no significant difference has been found in the corrosion resistance of the base material with change in pH value. It was also found that the corrosion rate decreases with increase in time of exposure. It has been observed that corrosion attack is greater in the weld region than in the parent material and within the weld, the heat-affected zone has been found to be more susceptible to corrosion compared to the weld nugget and thermo-mechanically-affected zone regions. Transmission electron microscopy studies showed coarser precipitates and wider precipitate-free zones in the heat-affected zone which are concluded to be reasons for more susceptibility to corrosion.