bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tailored balance exercises on people with multiple sclerosis: A pilot randomized, controlled study
Authors: Brichetto Giampaolo , Piccardo Elisa , Pedullà Ludovico , Battaglia Mario Alberto , Tacchino Andrea 
Published: November 2014

Background: Altered integration of signals from visual (VIS), somatosensory (PROP) and vestibular system (VEST) lead to balance control impairments affecting the daily living activities of patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). As a consequence, tailored interventions could be crucial in improving efficacy of balance rehabilitation treatments. Objective: The objective of this paper is to assess the efficacy of tailored rehabilitation treatments for balance disorders based on visual, somatosensory and vestibular deficits versus traditional rehabilitation exercises. Methods: Thirty-two PwMS were assessed with the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the composite score (CS) obtained by computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) test and the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Based on CDP analysis, prevalent VIS, PROP or VEST deficits were identified and patients randomly allocated to a personalized (PRG) or traditional (TRG) rehabilitation group. Results: BBS score showed a significant difference between pre- and post-treatment scores of 6.3 and 2.0 points respectively for PRG and TRG. CS showed a significant difference between pre- and post-treatment scores of 16.6 and 7.6 points respectively for PRG and TRG. No interaction effect was found for MFIS score. Conclusions: BBS and CS showed changes in the PRG group that met clinical relevant difference, underlining that tailored rehabilitation interventions based on patient-specific sensory system impairment could improve balance and postural control in PwMS.
Reduction of membrane fouling by innovative method (injection of air jet)
Authors: Amiraftabi Maryam-Sadat , Mostoufi Navid , Hosseinzadeh Mostafa , Mehrnia Mohammad-Reza 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

Background
One of the most important challenges about the Membrane Bio Reactors is membrane fouling. Fouling has been at the centre of a globe debate for more recent years. It leads to high operational and maintenance costs such as membrane damage and replacement of membrane. Membrane fouling is attributed to the physicochemical interactions between the bio fluid and membrane. In order to decrease the fouling in bioreactors there are common anti fouling strategies such as operation at low flux, Optimization of aeration flow-rate and Physical and chemical cleanings. However, often they are not effective.

Methodology
This work deal with fouling crisis by a new and innovative method in order to reduce of fouling on membrane surface by injection of parallel air jet on membrane bio reactor. This is a new idea and fundamental study about the influence of wall jet on fouling of membrane surface. This study is included both experimental and numerical investigations. In order to polarize the stream path on the surface of the membrane, four symmetric nozzles were implemented at the bottom of the membrane surface upon the sparger. The changes in the fouling resistance were experimentally measured at five various jet velocities and all of them recorded by a computer system. In addition the effect of air jet velocity and shear stress on fouling resistances was also investigated by computational fluid dynamics at the similar conditions.

Results
It was revealed that the permeate flux and resistance of fouling can be related to shear stress of air flow at the membrane surface. When the velocity of air jets increase, the permeate flux increase too. Also, results illustrate that jet injection can partially remove the cake which was formed on the surface of the membrane.

Conclusions
Correlations were developed for estimating each resistance of the membrane surface via the shear stress. The resistances of the cake are removed by the jet velocity changes, from 20% in lower jet velocity up to 40% in higher jet velocity.
Spatial distribution of heavy metals in soil, water, and vegetables of farms in Sanandaj, Kurdistan, Iran
Authors: Maleki Afshin , Amini Hassan , Nazmara Shahrokh , Zandi Shiva , Mahvi Amir Hossein 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

Background
Heavy metals are ubiquitous elsewhere in nature and their measurement in environment is necessary to develop health management strategies. In this study, we aimed to find out concentrations and spatial patterns of heavy metals in main farms of Sanandaj in Kurdistan, Iran.

Methods
Over May to October 2012, six farms were selected to analyze concentrations and spatial patterns of several heavy metals, namely aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in their soil, irrigation water, and edible vegetables. Overall, 36 samples of soil and water and 72 samples of vegetables including coriander (Coriandrum sativum), dill (Anethum graveolens), radish (Raphanus sativus) root and radish leaf were collected. The concentrations of metals were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The spatial surfaces of heavy metals were created using geospatial information system.

Results
The order of metals in soil was Al > Zn > Ni > Cu > Cr > Pb > Co > As > Cd while in water it was Cr > Co > Zn > Pb > Cu > Ni > Al = As = Cd. The order of heavy metals in vegetables was Al > Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > Co > As > Cd. Totally, the minimum concentrations of Al, Cu, Pb, and Zn were found in radish root while the maximum of Al, Co, Cr, and Ni were found in radish leaf. The minimum concentrations of Cd and Cr and maximum concentrations of Cu and Zn were also deciphered in dill. Noteworthy, coriander had the minimum concentrations of Co and Ni. The concentrations of Cr and Pb in vegetables were more than maximum allowable limits of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Conclusion
In summary, albeit the concentrations of heavy metals in soil and water samples were below FAO and the WHO standards, vegetables were contaminated by chromium and lead.
11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Activity in the Brain Does Not Contribute to Systemic Interconversion of Cortisol and Cortisone in Healthy Men
Authors: Kilgour Alixe H.M. , Semple Scott , Marshall Ian , Andrews Peter , Andrew Ruth , Walker Brian R. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

Context and Objective:
11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βHSD1) catalyses regeneration of cortisol in liver, adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle, making a substantial contribution to circulating cortisol as demonstrated in humans by combining stable isotope tracer infusion with arteriovenous sampling. In the brain, 11βHSD1 is a potential therapeutic target implicated in age-associated cognitive dysfunction. We aimed to quantify brain 11βHSD1 activity, both to assess its contribution to systemic cortisol/cortisone turnover and to develop a tool for measuring 11βHSD1 in dementia and following administration of 11βHSD1 inhibitors.

Design, Setting, and Participants:
With ethical approval and informed consent, 8 healthy men aged 38.1 years (sd 16.5) underwent an ECG-gated phase-contrast magnetic resonance scan to quantify internal jugular vein blood flow and were infused with 1,2 [2H]2-cortisone and 9,11,12,12 [2H]4-cortisol for 3 h before samples were obtained from the internal jugular vein and an arterialized hand vein. Steroids were quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Main Outcome Measures and Results:
Steady state tracer enrichments were achieved and systemic indices of cortisol/cortisone interconversion were consistent with previous studies in healthy men. However, there was no measurable release or production of cortisol, 9,12,12 [2H]3-cortisol or cortisone into the internal jugular vein.

Conclusions:
Although cerebral 11βHSD1 reductase activity may be greater in cognitively impaired patients, in healthy men any contribution of 11βHSD1 in the brain to systemic cortisol/cortisone turnover is negligible. The influence of 11βHSD1 in the brain is likely confined to subregions, notably the hippocampus. Alternative approaches are required to quantify pharmacodynamics effects of 11βHSD1 inhibitors in the human brain.
Circulating MicroRNA Biomarker Studies: Pitfalls and Potential Solutions
Authors: Witwer Kenneth W 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Circulating microRNAs have been proposed as disease biomarkers that may aid in risk assessment, diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of treatment response. The perceived opportunity has loomed particularly large in neoplastic disease, where alterations in cancer cells are thought to be reflected in the extracellular space as affected cells release upregulated miRNAs or fail to release apparently downregulated species. Despite the promise of miRNA biomarkers, evaluation of the diagnostic specificity and reproducibility of reported markers suggests that realizing this promise remains a work in progress.

CONTENTS
This review examines issues of diagnostic specificity and reproducibility that have afflicted circulating miRNA studies. Surveying the breast cancer literature as an example, few miRNAs are reported consistently. Furthermore, it is posited that the assumptions underlying models of direct contributions of diseased tissue to biofluid miRNA profiles may not hold. Suggestions for improving diagnostic specificity and reliability are provided.

SUMMARY
To maximize the likelihood of return on investment as miRNAs continue to be evaluated as specific and clinically useful markers, a focus is needed on miRNAs found in specific carriers, such as extracellular vesicles. Alternative sampling techniques should be developed, and nonblood biofluids should be considered. Careful optimization and standardization of preanalytical and analytical methods is needed to ensure that future results, positive or negative, are reliable.
A comparative evaluation of the inulin utilization potential of two Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis strains for the development of a synbiotic powder
Authors: JAMES LIGIMOL , Puniya Anil K. , Singh Kishan 
Published: November 2014

Assessment of the compatibility between the probiotic and prebiotic is identified as a critical step while developing synbiotic products. So a study was conducted to compare the inulin utilization potential of two Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis strains for selecting a strain for the development of a lyophilized synbiotic product. The growth stimulatory effect of inulin was found to be more prominent on Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis B420 than on Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bb-12. So a synbiotic pair of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis B420 and inulin was selected for the development of the synbiotic product. The developed product had a high probiotic count of 6.5x108 cfu/g, showing a survival rate of 65%. On assessing the probiotic count of the developed product during storage, a marked reduction was observed on room temperature storage with the counts reducing to the level of less than five log cfu/g after 60 days. In contrast the count remained in the range of eight to nine log cfu/g even after 60 days of refrigerated storage. So it could be a suggested that considering the probiotic stability and viability problems pertaining to fermented dairy products, lyophilized products could be potential alternatives as matrices for the delivery of probiotics to humans. Keywords: Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bb-12, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis B420, Inulin, Lyophilized powder, Synbiotics.
A comparative overview on good fats and bad fats: guide to control healthy body
Authors: Banik Sujan , Hossain Mohammad 
Published: November 2014

An ideal food has six components such as carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamin, salt and water. Every component is essential for our body for maintaining good health. Fat is necessary because it plays many critical roles in the body. It’s a very rich source of energy that supports in cell function, helps insulate the body, protects us from injury, helps vitamin absorption and adds flavor and texture to foods. As well as fat also responsible for the risk of developing obesity, diabetes and heart disease in many cases. There are two classes of fat categorized in our listed daily food items; one is good fat (unsaturated fat) reduce the risk of developing heart diseases by helping to reduce blood cholesterol another is bad fat (saturated fat) can rise blood cholesterol. A fat diet, low in unsaturated fatty acids and rich in saturated fatty acids is thought to be an imperative basis of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. For maintaining good health, every person should update his knowledge regarding his food habits. This review focuses on the studies to summarize the good fats and bad fats from our daily listed food intake. Keywords: Fat, Cholesterol, Saturated Fat, Trans Fat, Unsaturated Fat, Good Fat, Bad Fat.
Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of urinary tract isolates of citrobacter species in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: K.L Shobha , S.J Akshatha , G.S Amin , L Ramachandra 
Published: November 2014

Introduction: The genus Citrobacter is a distinct group of aerobic Gram-negative bacilli from the Enterobacteriaceae family. It is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause diarrhea, septicemia, meningitis, urinary tract and respiratory system infection. Its isolation in the hospital settings is increasing. It is a present challenge to the clinical microbiologist because of their increased occurrence in nosocomial infection. Objectives: The current study was done to find out the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Citrobacter species from urinary tract isolates. Materials and Methods: Urine samples received from January 2013 to December 2013 were considered. A total of 9186 urine samples were considered, out of which 6381 were sterile and 2805 plates had growth.65(2.312%)of the growth plates had Citrobacter species growth. Citrobacter species were identified by conventional biochemical method. Antibiotic sensitivity test was performed by Kirby-Bauer Disc diffusion method. Results: Out of 65 patients female: male ratio was 17:15.5.The age groups were 0-9years; 8 patients(12.3%),10-19years;3 patients(4.615%),20-29years;11patients (16.9%),30-39years;6patients(9.28%),40-49years;12 patients(18.46%),50-59years;5patients(7.69%),?60years;20 patients(30.76%).The effective agent against Citrobacter species was found to be Imipenem (90.76%) then Cefoperazone-Sulbactum (89.23%) followed by Piperacillin-Tazobactam and Amikacin (87.69%).6 Multidrug resistant strains and 8 were ESBL producers. Conclusion: From the study it was seen that multidrug resistant strains are emerging. Proper surveillance in the antimicrobial sensitivity of Citrobacter was required. The age group 60 and above was found in majority to have culture positive Citrobacter spp. Depending on antibiotic sensitivity pattern of Citrobacter isolates, the antibiotics should be used. Proper infection control measures should be taken to prevent the spread of the pathogen. Keywords: Antibiotic Susceptibility, Citrobacter Spp, Multi-Drug Resistant Bacteria, Urinary Tract Infections.
The Unity of the Proposition in the later Wittgenstein
Authors: Kemp Gary 
Published: November 2014

SummaryI compare a relatively standard response to the challenge of the Unity of the Proposition with the very different attitude towards it of the later Wittgenstein. I articulate the problem as it arises within a Tarskian framework, explain (what I think ought to be) Davidson’s response to it and also the earlier Wittgenstein’s response to it, and then explain why, from Wittgenstein’s later perspective, the problem collapses.
Propositions, Predications, and Aesthetic Judgments
Authors: Neumaier Otto 
Published: November 2014

SummaryMany philosophers have been puzzled by the problem of the unity of a proposition which, according to some of them, is provided by its structure and by its relation to the states of affairs it represents. In the present paper it is argued that this specific quality attributed to propositions by Russell has not necessarily to be regarded as something due to a structural property that is simply there but as the result of the way we use language in order to assert something. This is demonstrated by an analysis of the relationship between descriptive and prescriptive predications in aesthetics, and of the conditions that are necessary in order to be justified to move from one language game to the other one.
Flektierte Familiennamen im Luxemburgischen
Authors: Krier Fernande 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
This paper deals with a morphological issue, the inflection in Luxemburgish family names. While in colloquial High German only the one inflective form -s is attested in the plural forms of family names, for instance Schmit-s, we discover in colloquial Luxemburgish, besides the different plural forms, the composition ‘family name + first name’, for instance Schmit’s Paul instead of Paul Schmit. First, we give precise details about the morphological complexity of this construction. Next, its numerous connotations are emphasized. Finally, we put the question, if the new attitude of the young generation towards the inflected composite form generates a linguistic development in this local specified field.
The Romanian linguistic cartography in the digitizing era: the electronic atlases
Authors: Olariu Florin-Teodor , Olariu Veronica 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The three series of national linguistic atlases (WLAD, ALR and NALR) proof that the Romanian linguistic cartography has one of the richest and most important traditions in Europe, fact acknowledged by the linguistic community starting from the first half of the last century. This tradition continues nowadays with the digitization of the linguistic atlases. The first achievement in this direction is the release in 2007 of the third volume from series NALR. Moldavia and Bukovina with the help of bespoke software built in collaboration by linguists and computer scientists from Iasi Branch of the Romanian Academy. Another project in the same field, done by a Romanian-Canadian team, is the Online Romanian Dialect Atlas which plans to build an interactive database for dialects using a multidimensional scaling statistical technique. The Bukovina Audiovisual Linguistic Atlas (ALAB) is the most recent project for a digital atlas of the Romanian academic community and it is based in the research centre from Iasi. The ALAB project, started in 2010, plans to build, for the first time in Romania, an audio-video atlas centred on sociolinguistic features. This atlas will present, with the help of online support in one interface, diatopic, diastratic (diasexual and diagenerational), and possible diaphasic variations on dialect level.
Alchian, Buchanan, and Coase: A Neglected Branch of Chicago Price Theory
Authors: Boettke Peter J. , Candela Rosolino A. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
This paper suggests that there exists a neglected third branch of Chicago price theory, which includes Armen Alchian (1914–2013), James Buchanan (1919–2013), and Ronald Coase (1910–2013). While this branch shares characteristics that are common to the other branches of Chicago price theory, there are two fundamental contributions of this branch that distinguishes it from the others in the Chicago price theory tradition. The first contribution is the application of the logic of choice in discovering alternative institutional arrangements. That is, individuals will engage in exchange not only within a given institutional arrangement, but will also engage in exchange behavior to foster more preferable institutional arrangements that further the particular goals of the exchanging parties. The second contribution is the notion that the provision of markets is an entrepreneurial activity. We argue that this Alchian, Buchanan, Coase approach to price theory provides not only a bridge between the “Old” Chicago School and the “New” Chicago School but also an alternative development of the Chicago School. Our paper, while building on the joint insights of Alchian, Buchanan, and Coase, is focused on Coase’s development of this approach, and clarifying his contribution. By drawing the economist’s attention to transactions costs, Coase more than any other economist of the twentieth century brought institutional analysis to the foreground by stressing the role they play in ameliorating or exacerbating conflicts in a world of positive transactions costs.
Schäden durch salpetersäurebildende Bakterien am Breisacher Münster
Authors: Wilimzig M. , Bock E. 
Published: November 2014

Zusammenfassung
Die statistische Auswertung ausgewählter biologischer und beschreibender Parameter von Proben des Breisacher Münsters zeigte einen deutlichen Zusammenhang zwischen dem Auftreten von Schalen und dem Bewuchs mit Nitrifikanten. In der Vorstufe dieses Schadensbildes, der Klasse "Abbröckeln bis Schalenbildung", konnten diese Organismen in großen Mengen nachgewiesen werden. In der fertig ausgebildeten Schale waren sie dann wieder auf der neuen Oberfläche unterhalb der Schale zu finden. Für spätere Restaurationen sollten Ersatzmaterialien auf ihre Eignung zum mikrobiellen Bewuchs getestet werden. Roter Tuff am Breisacher Münster war am stärksten durch Nitrifikanten gefährdet. Dieses Baumaterial aus Restaurationen des 19. Jahrhunderts hat sich als ungeeignet erwiesen. Weiterhin zeigen die Daten daß Kaiserstühler Tuff, im Vergleich mit Naturstein, heterotrophen Organismen gute Wachstumsbedingungen bietet. Eine Ursache hierfür ist wahrscheinlich die hohe Wasseraufnahmekapazität (große innere Oberfläche).
Application of Path-integral for Studying EXAFS Cumulants
Authors: Hieu Ho Khac , Hai Nguyen Manh 
Published: November 2014

In this work, the path-integral effective potential (PIEP) method has been applied to re-study the temperature dependence of extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) cumulants of materials. Using the trial density matrix and effective potential expression, we derived the analytical expressions of the first three EXAFS cumulants in the first shell of materials. The cumulant relation is also calculated to determine the temperature range in which the PIEP method could be applied. Our results are compared with available experimental data as well as with those calculated by the first-order perturbation approach in anharmonic Einstein model and the reasonable agreements are achieved.
Investigation of Thermal Annealing Condition on the Optical and Electrical Properties of Hybrid Silver Nanowires/Reduced Graphene Oxide (AgNWS/rGO) Films
Authors: Thu Hoang Thi , Hoa Huynh Tran My , Phuong Pham Hoai , Nhu Nguyen Huynh , Trung Tran Quang , Long Lam Minh , Dinh Nguyen Nang 
Published: November 2014

Herein we report a electrode in the hybrid structure of the silver nanowires (AgNWs) with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) deposited on glass or PET substrate. The assembly and contacting in procedures of this hybrid film have been strongly affected by preparation conditions, especially annealing temperature. In this work, we have investigated the effects of thermal annealing on interconnected at nanowire junctions and between AgNWS network and rGO films via their sheet resistance and transmission. The annealing temperature was varied from 120\(^{\circ}\)C to 180\(^{\circ}\)C with 10\(^{\circ}\)C step to find out optimal temperature at which the wires can be joined together. The results show that at 170\(^{\circ}\)C, the sheet resistance and transmission of the hybrid rGO/Ag NW film are \(R_{s} = 10.7\;\Omega\) sq\(^{ - 1 }\) and \(T = 77\)% (at wavelength 550 nm) corresponding to the ratio of direct conductivity to optical conductivity \(\sigma _{DC}/\sigma _{OP} = 126\) which is the best obtained value. It is expected that the hybrid AgNWS/rGO film can replace ITO film in the near future.