bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of repeated blood donations on iron status and hematologic variables of canine blood donors
Authors: Ferreira Rui R. F. , Gopegui Rafael R. , Araujo Maria Manuela R. C. , de Matos Augusto J. F. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Objective—To evaluate the bone marrow regenerative response and iron status of canine blood donors subjected to repeated blood collections for 1 year.
Design—Prospective cohort study.
Animals—57 blood donor dogs.
Procedures—Hematologic variables, including reticulocyte percentage, were evaluated before and 10 days after each blood collection in 16 dogs donating 13% of total blood volume (TBV) every 2 months (group 1), 16 dogs donating 13% of TBV every 3 months (group 2), and 25 dogs donating 15% of TBV every 3 months (group 3) for 1 year. Serum concentrations of iron, transferrin, and ferritin were analyzed before inclusion in the study and 10 days after the last donation.
Results—Significant increases in RBC distribution width, platelet count, WBC count, and reticulocyte percentage were detected after blood donation in all groups. Dogs of group 2 had a significantly higher serum ferritin concentration than did dogs of group 1; dogs of group 1 had a significant decrease in serum ferritin concentration. A positive correlation between the number of blood donations and both RBC distribution width and reticulocyte percentage was found for all groups.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—All blood donation regimens induced a bone marrow regenerative response, which was able to restore depleted blood cells within 10 days after blood donation while maintaining iron status within the calculated reference range. However, dogs donating 13% of TBV every 2 months had a significant decrease in iron stores, which suggested that iron-related variables must be monitored during prolonged blood donor programs.
Toll-Like Receptors and their Contribution to Innate Immunity: Focus on TLR4 Activation by Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Czerkies Maciej , Kwiatkowska Katarzyna 
Published: May 2014

Summary
Mechanisms of innate immunity are triggered as a result of recognition of evolutionarily conserved structures of microorganisms, named pathogen-associated molecular patterns. Their recognition is mediated by specialized receptors which initiate signalling cascades leading to expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and regulation of acquired immunity. Among several classes of such receptors, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are extensively studied as they can sense an array of microbial cell wall and membrane components as well as single- and double-stranded RNA and DNA motifs typical for microorganisms. Each TLR consists of a ligand-binding domain containing leucine-rich repeats, a single transmembrane domain and a signalling TIR domain. After ligand binding, TLRs dimerize which facilitates the interaction of their TIR domains with adaptor proteins triggering signalling cascades. TLRs engage four common adaptor proteins, about ten signalling kinases, and a few transcription factors including NFκB, IRF and AP-1. In this review, special attention is paid to TLR4 activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, since an exaggerated response to LPS may lead to potentially deadly septic shock. In recent years considerable progress has been made in the understanding of how the cooperation of several proteins, including CD14, TLR4/MD-2 complex and scavenger receptors, modulates the cell response to LPS. These studies have also revealed a dichotomy of signalling pathways triggered by TLR4 which depends on the participation of MyD88 and TRIF adaptor proteins and leads to the expression of genes encoding pro-inflammatory cytokines and type I interferons, respectively. The key event in the TRIF-dependent pathway is the internalization of activated TLR4.
Storytelling for the Masses: A Rhetorical Approach to Public Sector Transformations in Lithuania
Authors: Zidonis Zilvinas , Jaskunaite Neringa 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
This paper aims to shed new light on the “old-fashioned” concept of New Public Management from the perspective of rhetorical managerial activities. The role of rhetoric and narratives in governance, management and philosophy of science is discussed. Second, it is showed how and why post-modern private and public management has adopted persuasive speaking and narratives as a new managerial practice. The paper argues that New Public Management, rather to be considered as a theory or normative model, should be approached from the perspective of meta-narrative, based on classic myths, such as the myth of the Manichaean battle between Good (public sector reformers) and Evil (old-fashioned bureaucrats), and the myth of Salvation of Israelites (managers as public sector saviours). The arguments are illustrated with cases of propaganda rhetoric in the Lithuanian public sector: the construction of the nuclear power plant station and the development of knowledge economy. Finally, the article concludes that the rhetoric of public management reforms seeks to direct public opinion and aims to suggest “the agenda of our concern”.
Genetic parameters of carcass traits in ducks from a crossbred population
Authors: Mucha Sebastian , Gornowicz Ewa , Lisowski Mirosław , Grajewski Bartosz , Radziszewska Jolanta , Szwaczkowski Tomasz 
Published: May 2014

Abstract The aim of this study was to estimate coefficients of heritability as well as genetic and phenotypic correlations among body weight and carcass traits. The dataset contained records of 387 birds from the second crossbred generation. The following traits were recorded: body weight (BW) at 11 weeks, carcass weight (CW), breast muscle weight including superficial and deep muscle (BMW), leg muscle weight including thigh and shank (LMW), wings weight (WW), skin with subcutaneous fat weight (SW), abdominal fat weight (AFW), skeleton with the back muscle and inedible elements (SBM), and liver weight (LW). Estimates of variance components were obtained by the average information - REML algorithm in the ASReml package. Very high slaughter yield (74.90%) was obtained. Generally, the coefficients of heritability were high. The highest one of 0.75 was estimated for body weight at 11 weeks. High coefficients of h2 were estimated for breast muscle weight (0.69), wings weight (0.70), carcass weight (0.65), skin with subcutaneous fat weight (0.57) and skeleton with the back muscle (0.58), whereas h2 of liver weight was 0.29. Both phenotypic and genetic relationships between the recorded traits were usually positive. Generally, it seems that the crossbreeding scheme can be perceived as a suitable proposal for the breeding practice.
Ammonia concentrations in a free-stall dairy barn
Authors: Herbut Piotr , Angrecka Sabina 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe paper presents the results of research on indoor ammonia (NH3) concentrations in the air in a free-stall barn. The differences in measurement results mainly depended on the season and weather conditions. The study also showed a significant correlation (P<0.01) between the NH3 concentration and temperature, relative humidity and air movement velocity inside the barn. The lowest NH3 concentration was recorded in the summer (0.0 ppm) in the presence of high air temperatures, low humidity and increased exchange of ventilated air. In winter during severe frosts, highest ammonia concentration (8.0 ppm) was noted, caused by limited ventilation. The highest daily ammonia concentration was usually recorded during the night. This was due to increased relative air humidity and low air velocities. It was concluded that the average level of ammonia of 2.73 ppm during the entire year was significantly below values defined as harmful for animals and people.
A Place-Based Approach in EU Regional Development and Its Application in Latvia
Authors: Baltiņa Līga 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The EU’s regional development policy is gradually moving from the redaction of regional disparities towards regional development growth. The role and involvement of regional and local authorities in regional development policy is increasing. Global changes and challenges call for a growing need to develop more efficient regional development policy instruments that would result in growth and increased quality&gt; of life. Place-based approach is a strategic approach aimed at the development of territorial resources. The aim of this research is to evaluate the role of place-based approach in regional development, to identify and assess the main elements and opportunities brought by the implementation of such an approach.
The Influence of Cultural Competence on the Interpretations of Territorial Identities in European Capitals of Culture
Authors: Lähdesmäki Tuuli 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The EU’s cultural initiative ‘the European Capital of Culture’ (ECOC) includes high identity political aims. It requires the designated cities to introduce and foster local, regional, and European cultural identities. In addition, the cities have used the designation as an opportunity to promote national cultural identity. Audiences of the ECOC events recognize and interpret different kinds of representations of territorial cultural identities from what the cities have to offer in culture. However, the contents of these interpretations vary drastically in the ECOCs. The article discusses whether the competence of interpreting the representations of territorial cultural identities is related to some social determinants of the audiences. Based on a questionnaire study conducted in recent ECOCs-Pécs (Hungary), Tallinn (Estonia), and Turku (Finland)-the study indicates that, for example, education, source of livelihood, and active cultural participation impact the interpretations of the representations of territorial cultural identities.
High precision computing of definite integrals with .net framework c# and x-mpir
Authors: Dzhambov Velichko 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
This paper concerns high precision numerical computing of definite integrals in a specific environment, namely .NET Framework. The work is a part of a series, tracing the progress of creating tools for high precision computations in this environment and may be considered as a continuation, in this direction, of the beginning, described in [15], that includes special function calculations with arbitrary precision. Some of the methods used are described. The results are clearly illustrated with the help of an application, purposefully created, using the current state-of-the-art library being created for realization of functions and numerical methods of arbitrary precision in a given environment.
Selection of Optical Tomography Parameters for Gas Bubble Shape Analysis
Authors: Rząsa Mariusz R. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
An optical tomograph in which a tested object is illuminated from five directions has been presented in the paper. The measurements of luminous intensity after changing into discrete signals (0 or 1) in the detectors equipped with 64 optical sensors were subjected to reconstruction by means of the matrix algorithm. Detailed description of the measuring sensor, as well as the principles of operation of the electronic system, has been given in the paper. Optical phenomena occurring at the phase boundary while transmitted through the sensor wall and phenomena inside the measuring space have also been taken into account. The method of the sensor calibration has been analysed and a way of technical solution of the problem under consideration has been discussed. The elaborated method has been tested using objects of the known shape and dimensions. It was found that reconstruction of the shapes of moving bubbles and determination of their main parameters is also possible with a reasonable accuracy.
Legal aspects of the association of overseas countries and territories with the European Union
Authors: Hruškovic Ivan 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
This article is concerned with an issue in European law that is historically derived from the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community. The aim is to illuminate the functions and objectives of the European Union that correspond to the provisions of Part Four of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union - Association of the Overseas Countries and Territories. The basic provisions are laid down in the primary law of the European Union but there are also other documents and legislative acts that lay down more detailed provisions on the given issue and reveal a more complex perspective. The article focuses on the existing legislation regulating the association of overseas countries and territories with the Union. The author first draws attention to the key provisions of the Treaty establishing the EEC that define the purpose, objectives and fundamental principles applied between the Union and the overseas countries and territories. The main purpose of the article, however, is to analyse the current legal basis of association and to highlight the need for a new legislative framework of cooperation. New legislation should take into account not only the interests of the Union, but also the desire of the overseas countries and territories for a new quality of mutual cooperation. The author argues that the best way to improve the association mechanism based on the Lisbon Treaty is to modernise the Union’s existing secondary legislation in this area. In this regard the author analyses issues related to Council decision 2001/822/EC on the association of the overseas countries and territories with the European Community and the proposal for a Council decision (COM/2012/362) of 16 July, 2012.
Snake Venom Poisoning in the Plovdiv Region from 2004 to 2012
Authors: Iliev Yanko T. , Tufkova Stoilka G. , Zagorov Marin Y. , Nikolova Stanka M. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Envenomation by poisons of biological origin is very common globally in the tropical and subtropical areas mainly, where the biological diversity of the species clearly leads to evolution of highly toxic species. The weather warming trend in Bulgaria, whether cyclic or permanent, allows for a change in the biological response of reptiles and insects inhabiting the temperate zone by a possible migration of biological species from the subtropical zone towards the temperate zone because of the new environmental conditions. There are very few studies on snake bite envenoming in Bulgaria. The AIM of the study was to find the incidence of the acute accidental intoxication (AAI) caused by snake venom in adult individuals in a large region of Bulgaria between 2004 and 2012 and characterises it by number, type, main clinical features, course and socio-demographic parameters of the victims so that preventive measures can be taken, wherever necessary. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied retrospectively all 68 cases of AAI caused by snake venom in adult individuals (> 18 years old) hospitalized in the Clinic of Toxicology in St. George University Hospital, Plovdiv over the period from 2004 to 2012 by 23 quantitative and qualitative parameters. RESULTS: We found that the average annual incidence of snake venom AAI in adult population in the region of Plovdiv was relatively low for the specified period (9.5 per 100000 residents); the snake venom AAI increases or decreases every other year, with no clearly delineated trend for now. The prevalence of envenomation by poisons of biological origin increased from 2.3% in 1990-1998 to 9.5-10.33% between 2007 and 2012. The main sociodemographic characteristics of snake bite victims are similar to those in other Balkan and Central European countries. The clinical response to poisons of biological origin is generally identical with the response to the viper (Vipera ammodytes) - mild to medium intensity with predominantly local toxic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: The algorithm of Clinical Pathway 293 (CP) is effective and conducive to the reduction of duration of the morbid condition. There are, however, still aspects of it that can be optimised
Graphene-based Bolometers
Authors: Du Xu , Prober Daniel E. , Vora Heli , Mckitterick Christopher B. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractTo achieve the state-of-the-art photon detectors, extensive research has been carried out on graphene-based bolometers. These utilize graphene’s promising properties including its small heat capacity, weak electron-phonon coupling, and small resistance. This article reviews the recent development of cryogenic graphene-based bolometers, which are of particular interest and importance for understanding as well as for taking advantage of the intrinsic properties of graphene. We summarize the major theoretical and experimental developments in the field, including the phonon cooling mechanism and its dependence on temperature, doping, and disorder, and the experimental approaches for realizing bolometric detectors.We also estimate the ultimate performance of an ideal graphene bolometer as a power detector and a single-photon detector if superconducting contacts are employed.
Effect of irrigation and nutrient on physical properties of safflower seeds
Authors: Feyzollahzadeh Maziar , ModaresMotlagh Asaad , Nikbakht Ali M. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The effect of irrigation and nutrient treatments on physical properties of safflower seeds was investigated. Physical properties of safflower seeds were determined at a moisture content of 7% w.b. The parameters determined at different treatments were: size, geometric mean diameter, sphericity, surface area, mass, volume, bulk and true densities, porosity, and static and dynamic coefficient of friction. The results showed a better effect of the use of organic fertilizers in comparison with chemical ones. The results showed that nutrient and irrigation treatments had a significant effect on most of the physical properties of safflower seeds at p<0.01.
Diatomaceous earth used against insect pests, applied alone or in combination with Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Shafighi Yasaman , Ziaee Masumeh , Ghosta Yobert 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Laboratory bioassays were conducted to assess the insecticidal efficacy of the formulation SilicoSec® used alone or in combination with isolates of entomopathogenic fungi, Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschinkoff) Sorokin and Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin. SilicoSec® is a commercial diatomaceous earth (DE) formulation. Wheat was treated with 200 mg/kg of DE, 400 mg/kg of each isolates alone or a combination of them, against Tribolium castaneum Herbst, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), and Oryzaephilus surinamensis L. The experiments were carried out at 27±1°C and 65±5% relative humidity (RH) in continuous darkness. The pathogenicity of all isolates was significantly low even after 7 days of exposure, with the exception of R. dominica. The isolates were virulent to the beetles, but the efficacy of the isolates was enhanced in combination with the DE. Tribolium castaneum was the most resistant species, followed by R. dominica. The findings indicated that the addition of the DE to the isolates increased the pathogenicity especially at the highest exposure interval. The addition of DE may provide satisfactory control of the insect-pests of stored products.
Metazachlor residues in soil and rape seed
Authors: Kucharski Mariusz , Sadowski Jerzy 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The purpose of the work was to analyse metazachlor contamination of the soil and metazachlor contamination of rape seeds. Monitoring tests were carried out during the 2010-2012 time period, on winter and spring oilseed rape fields located in south-western Poland. Soil and seed samples were collected at harvest time. The determination of metazachlor residues was conducted using gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC/ECD). Based on the analysis of a total of 59 soil samples and 59 rape seed samples, metazachlor residue was detected in 45% of the soil samples of winter oilseed rape and in 71% of the soil samples of spring oilseed rape. Metazachlor contamination of rape seed was detected in 29% of winter rape samples and in 53% of spring rape samples. The concentration of assayed residue did not exceed 0.0005-0.0102 mg/kg. There were significantly higher amounts of metazachlor residue determined for the soil and seed samples of spring oilseed rape. None of the analyzed samples of oilseed rape seed showed a residue content exceeding the Maximum Residue Level (MRL).
What are cleats? Preliminary studies from the Konin lignite mine, Miocene of central Poland
Authors: Widera Marek 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Cleats (fractures, joints) are discontinuities in coals, including lignites. They are important in mining activity because of their gas and water permeability in hard coal, and mainly because of their water permeability in lignites. As opposed to hard-coal cleats, lignite cleats have not been studied in detail before. The present contribution does so, using as an example the 1st Middle-Polish Lignite Seam (MPLS-1) in the Jóźwin IIB opencast mine in central Poland. It should be mentioned here that any remarks in the present contribution concerning MPLS-1 refer exclusively to this lignite seam in the Jóźwin IIB opencast mine.
The investigated discontinuities consist of two sets, i.e. the face and butt cleats, which are roughly oriented NW-SE and NE-SW, respectively. The mean spacing of the face cleats is ~12.4 cm, while the mean spacing of the butt cleats is ~12.8 cm. The maximum average aperture is ~4.9 mm for the face cleats and ~4.1 mm for the butt cleats. The cleat spacing and aperture do not depend on the lignite thickness, but the cleat spacing increases with increasing mineral-matter and xylite content, whereas the aperture increases when the contents decrease. The regional folding and local salt diapirism tentatively explain the formation of the orthogonal system of the lignite cleats, partly because of the parallelism of the face cleats and the major tectonic directions in central Poland.
Methods for Estimation of the Riverflow Potential for Hydrokinetic Power Generation
Authors: Kalnacs A. , Kalnacs J. , Mutule A. , Persis U. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The authors propose methods for estimation of the potential of riverflows for electricity production at hydrokinetic power plants. The methods can be applied to any river or its span where it is possible to move using a floating means. The methodical part includes validation of the flow velocity and bed depth measurement data using the available statistics as well as a case study. Analysis of the in-river measurement results for the selected spans of river Daugava shows that the flow rate variations exert only a minor influence on the flow velocity at particular sites. This testifies the hydrokinetic power plants as stable and predictable sources of electrical energy, both in a long term and, especially, in a short one. The proposed estimation methods could be useful in explorations of rivers, making them simpler and cheaper.
Determination of 3D Surface Roughness Parameters by Cross-Section Method
Authors: Rudzitis J. , Krizbergs J. , Kumermanis M. , Mozga N. , Ancans A. , Leitans A. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Currently, in the production engineering the surface roughness parameters are estimated in three dimensions, however, the equipment for these measurements is rather expensive and not always available. In many cases to buy such equipment is not economically justified. Therefore, the 3D surface roughness parameters are usually determined from the well-known 2D profile ones using the existing 2D equipment. This could be done best using the cross-section (or profile) method, especially in the case of nanoroughness estimation, with calculation of the mean values for the roughness height, spacing, and shape. This method - though mainly meant for irregular rough surfaces - can also be used for other types of rough surfaces. Particular emphasis is here given to the correlation between the surface cross-section (profile) parameters and 3D parameters as well as to the choice of the number of cross-cuttings and their orientation on the surface.