bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of polymorphisms of the ADIPOQ, ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2 genes with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Khodyrev Dmitry Sergeevich , Nikitin Aleksey Georgievna , Brovkin Aleksey Nikolaevich , Lavrikova Elena Yur'evna , Lebedeva Nadezhda Olegovna , Vikulova Olga Konstantinovna , Shamkhalova Minara Shamkhalovna , Shestakova Marina Vladimirovna , Nosikov Valery Vyacheslavovich , Averyanov Alexander Vyacheslavovich 
Published: June 2015

The study of hereditary predisposition to multifactorial diseases is essential for diagnosis and selection of the optimal treatment. The study of polymorphisms of candidate genes whose products are involved in the pathogenesis of multifactorial diseases is of great clinical importance. Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of rs2241766 and rs1501299 polymorphisms in the ADIPOQ gene, rs2275737 and rs2275738 polymorphisms in the ADIPOR1 gene and rs11061971 and rs16928751 polymorphisms in the ADIPOR2 gene with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the Russian population. Materials and methods. The study included a group of 500 patients with T2DM diagnosed based on standard diagnostic criteria (T2DM+). The control group (T2DM-) was a random sample of 500 patients with no evidence of the disease and was matched to the T2DM+ group for gender, age and body mass index. The determination of alleles and genotypes was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction with TaqMan probes. The X2 test and contingency tables were used to compare the distribution of allele and genotype frequencies. A p-value of
One-stage thermo-hydro treatment (THT) of hardwoods: an analysis of form stability after five soaking-drying cycles
Authors: Biziks Vladimirs , Andersons Bruno , Sansonetti Errj , Andersone Ingeborga , Militz Holger , Grinins Juris 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
A newly developed thermo-hydro treatment (THT) for use in a one-stage heat treatment process was examined by focusing on the form stability-related properties of European aspen (Populus tremula), birch silver (Betula pendula), and gray alder (Alnus incana). In particular, wood specimens were subjected to THT in a saturated steam atmosphere in a pilot-scale autoclave heated between 140 and 180°C for 1–3 h. Several parameters of untreated and treated samples after several soaking and drying cycles were compared, namely, the changes in the volumetric swelling, swelling in the radial and tangential directions, cell wall total water capacity, and anti-swelling efficiency (ASE). Due to repeated wetting in the cyclic water submersion-drying test, the original ASE of 73% decreased to 65% (180°C for 1 h), and the original ASE of 33% decreased to 5% (140°C for 1 h). Wood modified at 170°C presented good results that were not significantly lower than wood treated at higher temperatures while consuming less energy to deliver ASE improvement and was selected as optimum. To increase the ASE by 1%, the amount of energy consumed was decreased by 41%, 39%, and 17% compared with the treatment regimes of 160°C for 1 h, 160°C for 3 h, and 180°C for 1 h, respectively. The new THT regime led to improved long-term dimensional stability due to the cross-linking of cell wall polymers, which resulted in increased cell wall rigidity.
Opportunities and challenges in adolescent health training abroad: trainees’ experience and perspective
Authors: Harrison Abigail , Areemit Rosawan , Kanbur Nuray 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAs the global adolescent population increases and as there is enhanced recognition internationally of the unique nature of the adolescent period, the need for specialized training in adolescent medicine for international physicians becomes more apparent. There are challenges in securing placement in an adolescent medicine fellowship program, as well as, on acceptance, challenges with acculturation to a new setting, socially, academically and clinically. During fellowship, international medical graduates (IMGs) are exposed to new opportunities such as learning best-practices and being mentored by experienced advocates and clinicians in the field of adolescent health and medicine. This paper considers recommendations for improving adolescent medicine fellowship programs with a focus on IMGs.
Production and Thermal Characterization of an Alkaline Pectin Lyase from Penicillium notatum
Authors: Siddiqua Umme Habibah , Bhatti Haq Nawaz , Nouren Shazia , Noreen Saima , Bibi Ismat 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
The present study was aimed to investigate the potential of Penicillium notatum for the production of pectin lyase under solid state culture using wheat bran as substrate. Different process parameters were optimized using completely randomized design for enhanced production of the pectin lyase. P. notatum showed maximum production (1875 U/gds) of pectin lyase with substrate amount 15 g/250 ml, moisture level 60%, pH 6, incubation period 120 h at 30°C. Pectin lyase activity was further improved with the addition of maltose and ammonium sulphate as carbon and nitrogen additives (1%), respectively. Partial purification of enzyme was carried out by ammonium sulphate precipitation at 80% saturation level. The P. notatum pectin lyase showed maximal activity at 65°C and pH 8. K
m and V
max values were 0.29% and 0.487 µmol/min, respectively. Energy of activation was found to be 5.33 kJ/mol. A detailed kinetic study of thermal inactivation was carried out. The results showed that pectin lyase exhibited resistance against thermal unfolding. Effect of various metals on pectin lyase activity was also investigated. All the metals showed inhibitory effect on the enzyme activity. The present investigation revealed that pectin lyase isolated from P. notatum is thermally stable and alkaline in nature.
On Hyperbolic Monomolecular growth model in Height/Diameter growth of PINES
Authors: Oyamakin S. O. , Chukwu A. U. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
This paper proposed a hyperbolic monomolecular growth model (HMMGM). it came as a solution to the improved monomolecular growth equation which was developed by injecting an allometric parameter θ into the intrinsic rate of growth of the monomolecular growth equation using a hyperbolic sine function. Its ability in model prediction was compared with the classical monomolecular growth model an approach which mimicked the natural variability of height/diameter increment with respect to age and therefore provides a more realistic height/diameter predictions using goodness of fit tests and model selection criteria. The Kolmogorov Smirnov test and Shapiro-Wilk test was also used to test the compliance of the error term to normality assumptions while using testing the independence of the error term using the runs test . The mean function of top height/Dbh over age using the two models under study predicted closely the observed values of top height/Dbh in the hyperbolic monomolecular nonlinear growth models better than the source model (classical monomolecular growth model) while the results of R2, Adj. R2, MSE and AIC confirmed the predictive power of the Hyperbolic Monomolecular growth models over its source model.
On the quotient moment of lower generalized order statistics and characterization
Authors: Kumar Devendra 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
In this paper we consider general class of distribution. Recurrence relations satisfied by the quotient moments and conditional quotient moments of lower generalized order statistics for a general class of distribution are derived. Further the results are deduced for quotient moments of order statistics and lower records and characterization of this distribution by considering the recurrence relation of conditional expectation for general class of distribution satisfied by the quotient moment of the lower generalized order statistics.
Neurostimulation, neuromodulation, and the treatment of epilepsies
Authors: Bolden Lauren B. , Pati Sandipan , Szaflarski Jerzy P. 
Published: June 2015

SUMMARYIntroduction.Neurostimulation and neuromodulation are techniques that may be able to affect the course of epilepsy. In the last 20 years, since the approval of VNS, we have observed a surge of studies assessing the potential of other devices and techniques for the treatment of pharmacoresistant epilepsies including deep brain stimulation (DBS), responsive neurostimulation (RNS), trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). Are these devices and techniques simply another treatment option that can be offered to patients with epilepsy or do they offer specific advantages when compared to the standard antiepileptic drugs (AEDs)?Aim.The aim of this review is to present the neurostimulation and neuromodulation devices and techniques that are now in use, or at least available for testing and to discuss the science behind them, their applications, efficacy, potential risks vs. benefits and, above all, how to navigate the choices so clinicians are able to provide their patients with the best possible option for the treatment of epilepsy.Material and methods.We analyzed PubMed and MEDLINE databases to select the most salient and recent (up to November 2014) publications on each treatment device. In addition to these searches bibliographies of selected articles were hand-searched for possible sources.Discussion and conclusions.Great progress in neurostimulation and neuromodulation has been made over the last two decades with 2 devices (VNS, RNS) approved for the treatment of epilepsy in the US and three (DBS in addition to VNS and RNS) in Europe. The future of neuromodulation/neurostimulation is exciting – various studies and efforts are underway and will provide us with more data in the future. There appears to be one clear advantage of these treatments/devices over the AEDs that is consistently noted – routinely observed is continuous improvement in seizure control over time. This is something that the AEDs have thus far failed to deliver.
High-frequency analysis of Earth gravity field
models based on terrestrial gravity and
GPS/levelling data: a case study in Greece
Authors: Papanikolaou T. D. , Papadopoulos N. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
The present study aims at the validation of global
gravity field models through numerical investigation in
gravity field functionals based on spherical harmonic synthesis
of the geopotential models and the analysis of terrestrial
data. We examine gravity models produced according
to the latest approaches for gravity field recovery
based on the principles of the Gravity field and steadystate
Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) and Gravity Recovery
And Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite missions.
Furthermore, we evaluate the overall spectrum of
the ultra-high degree combined gravity models EGM2008
and EIGEN-6C3stat. The terrestrial data consist of gravity
and collocated GPS/levelling data in the overall Hellenic
region. The software presented here implements the algorithm
of spherical harmonic synthesis in a degree-wise
cumulative sense. This approach may quantify the bandlimited
performance of the individual models by monitoring
the degree-wise computed functionals against the terrestrial
data. The degree-wise analysis performed yields
insight in the short-wavelengths of the Earth gravity field
as these are expressed by the high degree harmonics.
Evaluation of Systemic Antioxidant Level and Oxidative Stress In Relation to Lifestyle and Disease Progression in Asthmatic Patients/ Evaluacija nivoa antioksidanasa i oksidativnog stresa u sistemu u odnosu na životni stil i progresiju bolesti kod obolelih od astme
Authors: Singh Yadav Abhay , Saini Manisha 
Published: June 2015

SummaryAsthma is a chronic disorder of the airways. Oxidative stress is an important part of asthma pathogenesis. It plays a crucial role in exacerbating the disease, as well as an important consequence of airways inflammation.Aim: The present study was undertaken to investigate the lipid peroxidation and catalase activity in serum and antioxidant level in plasma of asthmatic patients and their association with lifestyle and severity of the disease.Methods: A total of 210 subjects, 120 asthmatics and 90 healthy controls matched in respect to age, sex, lifestyle and socioeconomic status, were chosen randomly for the present study. The samples were analyzed for MDA concentration and catalase activity in serum and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP). Statistical analysis was done using unpaired Student’s t-test, ANOVA with Duncan post hoc test and Pearson coefficient of correlation.Results: The serum MDA was found to be significantly higher in the asthmatics as compared to healthy individuals (p<0.01) while catalase activity in serum and antioxidant level of the plasma were markedly lower in the asthmatics as compared to healthy individuals (p<0.01). A significant difference was observed in serum MDA, catalase activity and plasma antioxidant level among the patients in relation to the severity of disease. There was a marked increase in the serum MDA in the patients with longer duration of the disease (p<0.05).Conclusion: The oxidant-antioxidant imbalance occurs in asthma leading to oxidative stress and is an important part of the asthma pathogenesis.
Quality Assessment of Imputations in Administrative Data
Authors: Schnetzer Matthias , Astleithner Franz , Cetkovic Predrag , Humer Stefan , Lenk Manuela , Moser Mathias 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
This article contributes a framework for the quality assessment of imputations within a broader structure to evaluate the quality of register-based data. Four quality-related hyperdimensions examine the data processing from the raw-data level to the final statistics. Our focus lies on the quality assessment of different imputation steps and their influence on overall data quality. We suggest classification rates as a measure of accuracy of imputation and derive several computational approaches.
Current situation and population trend of the lesser spotted eagle (Aquila pomarina) in Hungary
Authors: Pongrácz Ádám , Szitta Tamás 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
First reports on the population of the lesser spotted eagle in Hungary appeared between 1978 and 1982, and based on these data, we estimate that their population was about 90 pairs during that period. By 2014 this number had decreased to below 40 pairs. The species disappeared from its former nesting sites in the lowlands, riparian habitats and also in a few hilly and mountainous areas. The reasons for its decline appear complex in Hungary. Changes in agricultural practice are suspected of being one of the main reasons which are discussed in the article. We presume that populations of prey species were also negatively affected. Decrease in undisturbed forest stands older than 100 years was probably also a significant factor affecting nesting habitats. As a marginal population, it greatly depends on the larger ones in the surrounding countries, and it is also affected by mortality during migration. Positive changes in the past four years in agricultural land use have already caused a slight increase in their numbers. Main tasks for the near future should be the establishment of a special support scheme focusing on the species’ foraging habitats.
The effect of selective head-neck cooling on physiological and cognitive functions in healthy volunteers
Authors: Jackson Kevin , Rubin Rachael , Van Hoeck Nicole , Hauert Tommy , Lana Valentina , Wang Huan 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
In general, brain temperatures are elevated during physical sporting activities; therefore, reducing brain
temperature shortly after a sports-related concussion (SRC) could be a promising intervention technique. The
main objective of this study was to examine the effects of head and neck cooling on physiological and cognitive
function in normal healthy volunteers. Twelve healthy volunteers underwent two different sessions of combined
head and neck cooling, one session with a cold pack and one session with a room temperature pack. Physiological
measurements included: systolic/diastolic blood pressure, pulse oximetry, heart rate, and sublingual and
tympanic temperature. Cognitive assessment included: processing speed, executive function, and working
memory tasks. Physiological measurements were taken pre-, mid- and post-cooling, while cognitive assessments
were done before and after cooling. The order of the sessions was randomized. There was a significant decrease
in tympanic temperature across both sessions; however more cooling occurred when the cold pack was in the
device. There was no significant decrease in sublingual temperature across either session. The observed heart
rates, pulse oximetry, systolic and diastolic blood pressure during the sessions were all within range of a normal
healthy adult. Cognitive assessment remained stable across each session for both pre- and post-cooling.
We propose that optimizing brain temperature management after brain injury using head and neck cooling
technology may represent a sensible, practical, and effective strategy to potentially enhance recovery and
perhaps minimize the subsequent short and long term consequences from SRC.
FSH treatment of male idiopathic infertility improves pregnancy rate: a meta-analysis
Authors: Santi D , Granata A R M , Simoni M 
Published: June 2015

IntroductionThe aim of this study is to comprehensively evaluate whether FSH administration to the male partner of infertile couples improves pregnancy rate, spontaneously and/or after assisted reproductive techniques (ART).MethodsMeta-analysis of controlled clinical trials in which FSH was administered for male idiopathic infertility, compared with placebo or no treatment. Randomization was not considered as an inclusion criterion.ResultsWe found 15 controlled clinical studies (614 men treated with FSH and 661 treated with placebo or untreated). Concerning the type of FSH, eight studies used recombinant FSH, whereas seven studies used purified FSH. Nine studies evaluated spontaneous pregnancy rate, resulting in an overall odds ratio (OR) of about 4.5 (CI: 2.17–9.33). Eight studies evaluated pregnancy rate after ART, showing a significant OR of 1.60 (CI: 1.08–2.37). Sub-dividing studies according to the FSH preparations (purified/recombinant), pregnancy rate improvement remained significant for each preparation. Eleven studies considered sperm quality after FSH treatment, finding a significant improvement of sperm concentration (2.66×106/ml, CI: 0.47–4.84), but not of concentration of sperm with progressive motility (1.22×106/ml, CI: −0.07 to 2.52). Three trials evaluated testicular volume, showing a non-significant increase in men treated (1.35 ml, CI: −0.44 to 3.14).ConclusionThe results of controlled clinical trials available in the literature indicate an improvement of pregnancy rate after FSH administration to the male partner of infertile couples, both spontaneously and after ART. However, the heterogeneity of studies, the high risk of bias and the lack of precise criteria to guide FSH administration limit the strength of these results. Future studies should be designed to identify the markers of FSH response which are helpful in the decision-making process. Meanwhile, the use of FSH in the treatment of male infertility should be cautious.
The Role of the Pediatrician in Primary Prevention of Obesity
Authors: Daniels Stephen R. , Hassink Sandra G. ,   COMMITTEE ON NUTRITION, Abrams Steven A. , Corkins Mark R. , de Ferranti Sarah D. , Golden Neville H. , Magge Sheela N. , Schwarzenberg Sarah Jane 
Published: June 2015

This Clinical Report was revised. See https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2023-065480.
The adoption of healthful lifestyles by individuals and families can result in a reduction in many chronic diseases and conditions of which obesity is the most prevalent. Obesity prevention, in addition to treatment, is an important public health priority. This clinical report describes the rationale for pediatricians to be an integral part of the obesity-prevention effort. In addition, the 2012 Institute of Medicine report “Accelerating Progress in Obesity Prevention” includes health care providers as a crucial component of successful weight control. Research on obesity prevention in the pediatric care setting as well as evidence-informed practical approaches and targets for prevention are reviewed. Pediatricians should use a longitudinal, developmentally appropriate life-course approach to help identify children early on the path to obesity and base prevention efforts on family dynamics and reduction in high-risk dietary and activity behaviors. They should promote a diet free of sugar-sweetened beverages, of fewer foods with high caloric density, and of increased intake of fruits and vegetables. It is also important to promote a lifestyle with reduced sedentary behavior and with 60 minutes of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity. This report also identifies important gaps in evidence that need to be filled by future research.
Influence of Cu film microstructure on MOCVD growth of BN
Authors: Snure Michael , Vangala Shivashankar , Shoaf Jodie , Hu Jianjun , Paduano Qing 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTBoron nitride is of great interest as a 2 dimensional (2D) insulator for use as an atomically flat substrate, gate dielectric and tunneling barrier. At this point the most promising and widely used approach for growth of mono-to-few layer BN is metal catalyzed chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Bulk Cu foil has been the most popular metal substrate for growth of h-BN and graphene, as such there are well developed processes for substrate preparation and growth. As an alternative thin Cu films deposited on an insulating substrate have some advantages over foil, including more uniform thermal contact with substrate heater, better mechanical stability, transfer free processing, and selective area growth. However, Cu films deposited on SiO2 present their own unique problems like Cu SiO2 stability and small Cu grain size. Here we present results on the growth on few-layer BN by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) on Cu thin films on SiO2/Si. We explore the effects of substrate preparation and annealing conditions on the Cu morphology in order to understand the impact on the BN. To minimize the effects of Cu SiO2 interdiffusion, we investigate the use of a Ni buffer layers. BN films were studied after transfer to SiO2/Si films using Raman and AFM to determine the impact of Cu film microstructure on the morphology of few layer BN films.
Inelastic Neutron Scattering Studies of Natural Silkworm Proteins
Authors: Crain Christopher Alan , Strange Nicholas A. , Larese J. Z. 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTUnderstanding the interaction of water with biological materials is of fundamental importance. One of main driving forces behind the renewed activity of biomimetic materials involves the dramatic physical properties that many of them exhibit. Two main factors that are critical for understanding silks: the nanoscale semi-crystalline folding structure, and the degree of hydration of the disordered fraction. We describe our investigation of the preparation, characterization and inelastic neutron scattering (INS) studies of the microscopic dynamics of natural Bombyx mori silk fibroin proteins derived from silkworm cocoons. An in situ quartz microbalance is used for monitoring/controlling the hydration and solvent levels of the proteins electrospun onto neutron sample holders. By employing these novel methods our INS investigation facilitated a snapshot of the microscopic silk protein dynamics heretofore not investigated or reported. Preliminary INS measurements illustrate the effect of water and methanol interaction on the dynamics of the fibroin β-pleated sheet component. Evidence of what appears to be a water component (intersheet) distinct from bulk water is clearly apparent in the INS spectrum when the dynamical response from the dry silk is subtracted away.