bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antiplatelets in secondary stroke prevention: should clopidogrel be the first choice?
Authors: Aw Darren , Sharma Jagdish C 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Antiplatelet therapy has proven efficacy in the secondary prevention of recurrent non-cardioembolic ischaemic stroke. Recent evidence suggests clopidogrel is as effective as combined therapy with aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole for the prevention of recurrent stroke. As cerebrovascular and ischaemic heart disease are closely related, it would be sensible to use a drug shown to prevent vascular events in both territories. Clopidogrel meets these criteria, is superior to aspirin monotherapy, and has fewer side effects compared with extended-release dipyridamole. While there is no direct evidence supporting the use of clopidogrel in transient ischaemic attacks, it is likely that clopidogrel is effective because transient ischaemic attacks and stroke are part of the same disease spectrum. Clopidogrel could thus be useful as first line secondary prevention therapy in all non-cardioembolic stroke subtypes and transient ischaemic attacks, to prevent recurrent ischaemic events in all vascular territories.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of antipyretic medications on mortality in Streptococcus pneumoniae infections
Authors: Jefferies Sarah , Weatherall Mark , Young Paul , Eyers Sally , Beasley Richard 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Aim
To determine whether the use of antipyretic medications in the treatment of Streptococcus pneumoniae infection affects mortality in humans or animal models.

Design
A systematic search of Medline, Embase, and The Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials was undertaken to identify in vivo animal experiments or randomised, controlled trials in humans of antipyretic medication in S pneumoniae infection which reported mortality data. Meta-analysis was by inverse variance weighted method for odds ratios.

Setting
Antipyretics are recommended for the symptomatic treatment of various diseases caused by S pneumoniae. However, there is evidence that fever is a protective physiological response to infection, that treating fever secondary to infection may be harmful, and that some strains of S pneumoniae are temperature sensitive.

Main outcome measures
Mortality associated with antipyretic use in S pneumoniae infection.

Results
Four studies from two publications met the inclusion criteria and investigated the use of aspirin in animal models. The pooled estimate of mortality was an OR with aspirin treatment of 1.97 (95% CI 1.22 to 3.19). There were no suitable human studies identified.

Conclusions
A twofold increased risk of mortality was found with aspirin treatment in animal models of S pneumoniae infection. No relevant human studies were identified. It is difficult to generalise from animal models to clinical medicine, but based on these findings and the prevalence and severity of S pneumoniae infections worldwide, future study of the effects of antipyretic therapy in S pneumoniae infection in humans is recommended.
Integrative set enrichment testing for multiple omics platforms
Authors: Poisson Laila M , Taylor Jeremy M , Ghosh Debashis 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Enrichment testing assesses the overall evidence of differential expression behavior of the elements within a defined set. When we have measured many molecular aspects, e.g. gene expression, metabolites, proteins, it is desirable to assess their differential tendencies jointly across platforms using an integrated set enrichment test. In this work we explore the properties of several methods for performing a combined enrichment test using gene expression and metabolomics as the motivating platforms.

Results
Using two simulation models we explored the properties of several enrichment methods including two novel methods: the logistic regression 2-degree of freedom Wald test and the 2-dimensional permutation p-value for the sum-of-squared statistics test. In relation to their univariate counterparts we find that the joint tests can improve our ability to detect results that are marginal univariately. We also find that joint tests improve the ranking of associated pathways compared to their univariate counterparts. However, there is a risk of Type I error inflation with some methods and self-contained methods lose specificity when the sets are not representative of underlying association.

Conclusions
In this work we show that consideration of data from multiple platforms, in conjunction with summarization via a priori pathway information, leads to increased power in detection of genomic associations with phenotypes.
In vitro activities of natural products against oral Candida isolates from denture wearers
Authors: Marcos-Arias Cristina , Eraso Elena , Madariaga Lucila , Quindós Guillermo 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background

Candida-associated denture stomatitis is a frequent infectious disease. Treatment of this oral condition is difficult because failures and recurrences are common. The aim of this study was to test the in vitro antifungal activity of pure constituents of essentials oils.

Methods
Eight terpenic derivatives (carvacrol, farnesol, geraniol, linalool, menthol, menthone, terpinen-4-ol, and α-terpineol), a phenylpropanoid (eugenol), a phenethyl alcohol (tyrosol) and fluconazole were evaluated against 38 Candida isolated from denture-wearers and 10 collection Candida strains by the CLSI M27-A3 broth microdilution method.

Results
Almost all the tested compounds showed antifungal activity with MIC ranges of 0.03-0.25% for eugenol and linalool, 0.03-0.12% for geraniol, 0.06-0.5% for menthol, α-terpineol and terpinen-4-ol, 0.03-0.5% for carvacrol, and 0.06-4% for menthone. These compounds, with the exception of farnesol, menthone and tyrosol, showed important in vitro activities against the fluconazole-resistant and susceptible-dose dependent Candida isolates.

Conclusions
Carvacrol, eugenol, geraniol, linalool and terpinen-4-ol were very active in vitro against oral Candida isolates. Their fungistatic and fungicidal activities might convert them into promising alternatives for the topic treatment of oral candidiasis and denture stomatitis.
Trimester-specific reference intervals for haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in pregnancy
Authors: O’Connor Catherine , O’Shea Paula Mary , Owens Lisa Ann , Carmody Louise , Avalos Gloria , Nestor Laura , Lydon Katherine , Dunne Fidelma 
Published: November 2011

AbstractDiabetes in pregnancy imposes additional risks to both mother and infant. These increased risks are considered to be primarily related to glycaemic control which is monitored by means of glycated haemoglobin (HbAThe authors recruited 311 non-diabetic Caucasian pregnant (n=246) and non-pregnant women (n=65). A selective screening based on risk factors for gestational diabetes was employed. All subjects had a random plasma glucose <7.7 mmol/L and normal haemoglobin level. Pregnancy trimester was defined as trimester 1 (T1, n=40) up to 12 weeks +6 days, trimester 2 (T2, n=106) 13–27 weeks +6 days, trimester 3 (T3, n=100) >28 weeks to term.The normal HbAHbA
Determination of the biological variation of S100β and lactate dehydrogenase in disease-free patients with malignant melanoma
Authors: Trapé Jaume , Montesinos Jesús , Franquesa Josefina , Sala Maria , Fígols Cristina , Miguel Ana , Domenech Montserrat 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBiological variation is important for determining analytical goals and for establishing the magnitude of change between two consecutive measurements. The aim of this study was to determine the biological variation for S100β and lactate dehydrogenase in patients diagnosed with malignant melanoma but without evidence of disease recurrence.The biological variation of S100β and lactate dehydrogenase was estimated from a mean of four consecutive measurements in 32 patients diagnosed with malignant melanoma but without evidence of disease recurrence, 3 months after tumor resection or 4 months after finishing adjuvant treatment. The mean sampling interval was 3 months.Mean concentrations of S100β and lactate dehydrogenase were 0.0557 μg/L and 6.3 μkat/L, respectively. Between-run analytical variation was 3.5% at 0.181 μg/L for S100β and 3.5% at 2.83 μkat/L for lactate dehydrogenase. Biological variations obtained for S100β and lactate dehydrogenase were 14.2% and 8.2%, respectively. The analytical goals (defined as 50% of biological variation) were 7.1% for S100β and 4.1% for lactate dehydrogenase.The estimation of biological variation allows us to calculate analytical goals and reference change values. These are necessary tools for the correct interpretation of serial measurements in patient follow-up.
Using Ultrasound to Quantify Tongue Shape and Movement Characteristics
Authors: Zharkova Natalia 
Published: November 2011

Objective Previous experimental studies have demonstrated abnormal lingual articulatory patterns characterizing cleft palate speech. Most articulatory information to date has been collected using electropalatography, which records the location and size of tongue-palate contact but not the tongue shape. The latter type of data can be provided by ultrasound. The present paper aims to describe ultrasound tongue imaging as a potential tool for quantitative analysis of tongue function in speakers with cleft palate. A description of the ultrasound technique as applied to analyzing tongue movements is given, followed by the requirements for quantitative analysis. Several measures are described, and example calculations are provided. Measures Two measures aim to quantify overuse of tongue dorsum in cleft palate articulations. Crucially for potential clinical applications, these measures do not require head-to-transducer stabilization because both are based on a single tongue curve. The other three measures compare sets of tongue curves, with the aim to quantify the dynamics of tongue displacement, token-to-token variability in tongue position, and the extent of separation between tongue curves for different speech sounds. Conclusions All measures can be used to compare tongue function in speakers with cleft palate before and after therapy, as well as to assess their performance against that in typical speakers and to help in selecting more effective treatments.
Methodology for post-event analysis of flash floods - Svacenický Creek case study
Authors: Blaškovičová Lotta , Horvát Oliver , Hlavčová Kamila , Kohnová Silvia , Szolgay Ján 
Published: November 2011

Methodology for post-event analysis of flash floods - Svacenický Creek case study
In this paper a methodology for a post-event analysis of a flash flood and estimation of the flood peak and volume are developed and tested. The selected flash flood occurred on the 6th of June, 2009 in the Svacenický Creek Basin. To understand rainfall-runoff processes during this extreme flash flood, the runoff response was simulated using the spatially-distributed hydrological model KLEM (Kinematic Local Excess Model). The distributed hydrological model is based on the availability of raster information about the landscape's topography, soil and vegetation properties and radar rainfall data. In the model, the SCS-Curve Number procedure is applied to a grid for the spatially-distributed representation of the runoff-generating processes. A description of the drainage system's response is used to represent the runoff's routing. The simulated values achieved by the KLEM model were comparable with the maximum peak estimated on the basis of the post-event surveying. The consistency of the estimated and simulated values from the KLEM model was evident both in time and space, and the methodology has shown its practical applicability.
Pairwise control principle in large-scale systems
Authors: Filasová Anna , Krokavec Dušan 
Published: November 2011

Pairwise control principle in large-scale systems
The purpose of the paper is present an algorithm of partially decentralized control design for one type of large-scale linear dynamical system. The pairwise autonomous principle is preferred where design conditions are derived in the bounded real lemma form, and global system stability is reproven to formulate potential application principle in fault tolerant control. The validity of the proposed method is demonstrated by the numerical example.
Evolutionary computation approaches to tip position controller design for a two-link flexible manipulator
Authors: Subudhi Bidyadhar , Ranasingh Subhakanta , Swain Ajaha 
Published: November 2011

Evolutionary computation approaches to tip position controller design for a two-link flexible manipulator
Controlling multi-link flexible robots is very difficult compared rigid ones due to inter-link coupling, nonlinear dynamics, distributed link flexure and under-actuation. Hence, while designing controllers for such systems the controllers should be equipped with optimal gain parameters. Evolutionary Computing (EC) approaches such as Genetic Algorithm (GA), Bacteria Foraging Optimization (BFO) are popular in achieving global parameter optimizations. In this paper we exploit these EC techniques in achieving optimal PD controller for controlling the tip position of a two-link flexible robot. Performance analysis of the EC tuned PD controllers applied to a two-link flexible robot system has been discussed with number of simulation results.
High performance backstepping control of induction motor with adaptive sliding mode observer
Authors: Bakhti Ibtissem , Chaouch Souad , Maakouf Abdesselam 
Published: November 2011

High performance backstepping control of induction motor with adaptive sliding mode observerIt is well known that modern control of induction motor relies on a good dynamic model of the motor. Extensive research and activity have been devoted to the problem of induction motor control over the last decade. In this paper we introduce backstepping control with amelioration of performance to guarantee stability of the system. Accurate knowledge of the rotor speed and flux position is the key factor in obtaining a high-performance and high-efficiency induction-motor drive. Thus a sliding mode observer design is presented. Simulation results are included to illustrate good performance of backstepping control of sensorless induction motors with flux observer.
A mathematical model for calculating contact mass loss resulting from bridge disintegration in vacuum
Authors: Borkowski Piotr 
Published: November 2011

A mathematical model for calculating contact mass loss resulting from bridge disintegration in vacuum
The paper presents descriptions of bridge disintegration types and contact mass loss in the bridge stage. There is presented Matlab solvers to solve equation describing dynamic changes of temperature in the bridge region. The final result of program calculations is the mass loss and the volume of the metal of contacts which was lost during the bridge stage.
Estimation of an equivalent short solenoid model using different numerical methods
Authors: Miron O. , Desideri D. , Micu D. , Maschio A. , Ceclan A. , Czumbil L. 
Published: November 2011

Estimation of an equivalent short solenoid model using different numerical methodsThis paper deals with an inverse magnetostatic problem related to the reconstruction of a permanent magnet encapsulated inside the cathode of a magnetron sputtering device. The numerical analysis is aimed to obtain the estimation of a short solenoid equivalent to the unknown magnet. Least squares approach has been used to solve the functional defined as squared sum of the residuals. A comparison of the results obtained with Genetic Algorithm approach and nonlinear system of equations is performed. A regularized solution, which is in good agreement with the experimental data, was found by applying a Newton adapted regularization technique.
Six-phase motor drive supplied by four voltage source inverters with synchronized space-vector PWM
Authors: Oleschuk Valentin , Grandi Gabriele 
Published: November 2011

Six-phase motor drive supplied by four voltage source inverters with synchronized space-vector PWMNovel method of space-vector-based pulsewidth modulation (PWM) has been disseminated for synchronous control of four inverters feeding six-phase drive based on asymmetrical induction motor which has two sets of windings spatially shifted by 30 electrical degrees. Basic schemes of synchronized PWM, applied for control of four separate voltage source inverters, allow both continuous phase voltages synchronization in the system and required power sharing between DC-sources. Simulations show a behavior of six-phase system with continuous and discontinuous versions of synchronized PWM.
Nanotechnology for biomedical applications - enhancement of photodynamic activity by nanomaterials
Authors: Ulatowska-Jarża A. , Pucińska J. , Wysocka-Król K. , Hołowacz I. , Podbielska H. 
Published: November 2011

Nanotechnology for biomedical applications - enhancement of photodynamic activity by nanomaterialsOver the last two decades nanotechnology has become one of the most dynamically evolving field of research. The unique properties of nanomaterials, not disclosing at microscale, are examined and exploited to extend our understanding of the interactions taking place at atomic or molecular level. Those findings affect research in many areas, like e.g. alternative energy sources, electronics, physics and medicine. In this paper, the possibility of using nanomaterials for the enhancement of photodynamic activity, is discussed. A brief review on drug-delivery facilitating nanomaterials, regarding their characteristic features, is presented. An exemplary application of silver-doped nanomaterials for enhancement of photodynamic properties of two photosensitizers: Photolon and Protoporphyrin IX, is described. Influence of silver-doped nanomaterials addition on the fluorescence intensity of photosensitizers immobilized in silica-titania (SiO2-TiO2) sol was examined via VIS spectroscopy. Influence of sonication on the fluorescence enhancement was also investigated. It was demonstrated that the fluorescence enhancement of photosensitizers depends on the concentration of both: photosensitizer and silver-doped nanoparticles.
Portable Raman spectrometer - design rules and applications
Authors: Gnyba M. , Smulko J. , Kwiatkowski A. , Wierzba P. 
Published: November 2011

Portable Raman spectrometer - design rules and applications
Raman spectroscopy has become more popular due to its new prospective field applications in forensic sciences, war against terrorism, environment protection and other field chemical analysis. Raman spectrometers can be miniaturised to portable devices and their price is decreasing due to development of optoelectronics components. Unfortunately, this technology has still numerous limitations that influence their design and limit the scope of possible applications. The conception and design of the portable Raman spectrometer is described, including discussion of performance and limitations of representative components of such device available on the market. An enhanced portable Raman spectrometer using two lasers, one emitting at 355 nm and the other at 785 nm, and employing advanced signal acquisition and data processing methods is presenented. Advantages of such system are outlined and example measurement results acquired using equivalent hardware are presented. Data processing flow for identification of chemicals is also described.
Dynamically established transmission paths in the future Internet - proposal of a framework
Authors: Kamola M. , Arabas P. 
Published: November 2011

Dynamically established transmission paths in the future Internet - proposal of a framework
An idea of a global system for dynamic contracting data paths in the global IP network is presented. System scalability and efficiency is based on the current natural hierarchy of Internet providers. Architecture of the bandwidth market service accomplishing operation of such system is outlined. Benefits from dynamic provisioning of such dedicated paths with QoS guarantees are shown. Utilization of various technologies for this system is discussed.
Impact of Globulins Derived from Genetically Modified and Conventional Soybean on Swine Lymphocyte Proliferation in in vitro Cultures
Authors: Galbas Mariola , Borys Kamila , Woźniak Anna , Selwet Marek 
Published: November 2011

Impact of Globulins Derived from Genetically Modified and Conventional Soybean on Swine Lymphocyte Proliferation in in vitro CulturesThe majority of the global feed market is dominated by the Roundup Ready 40-3-2 transgenic soybean varieties developed and marketed by Monsanto Company, which are characterized by tolerance to glyphosate, the active ingredient of the Roundup herbicide. It should be remembered, however, that soybean is one of the major allergens which may affect animal health. The aim of the study was to compare allergenic properties of globulins derived from genetically modified (GM) soybean imported from the USA and conventional soybean developed in Poland. Analyses were performed by measuring porcine lymphocyte proliferation in in vitro cultures. It turned out that both genetically modified and conventional soybean proteins caused immune response at the level of negative control. A slight increase in relation to the negative control was observed in the case of 7S and 11S fractions derived from the GM meal and 7S fraction isolated from Nawiko meal.
Comparison of Sex Steroid Concentration in Blood Plasma and Ovarian Follicles of White Leghorn and Greenleg Partridge Laying Hens
Authors: Sechman Andrzej , Staruszczak Mirosława , Rząsa Janusz 
Published: November 2011

Comparison of Sex Steroid Concentration in Blood Plasma and Ovarian Follicles of White Leghorn and Greenleg Partridge Laying HensThe study was performed to compare plasma and ovarian levels of progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) with laying rate in two different breeds of egg-type chickens, i.e. White Leghorn (WL) and Greenleg Partridge (GP). Thirty-five-week-old WL (line H22; n = 8) and GP (line Z11; n = 8) hens were used in the experiment. Blood samples were collected from hens at the time of C1 oviposition (i.e. 0.5 h before C2 ovulation), then at 20, 16, 12, 8, 4, 2 h before C3 ovulation, and at the time of predicted C3 ovulation (i.e. just after C2 oviposition). On the following day, six birds of each breed were decapitated 2 h before ovulation on the next day after the last blood collection. A stroma, small (SWF; 1-4 mm), medium (MWF; 4-6 mm) and large (LWF; 6-8 mm) white prehierarchical follicles, and yellow hierarchical (F6-F1; 8-36 mm) ovarian follicles were isolated. P4 and E2 levels in blood plasma and ovarian follicles were determined radioimmunologically. The average rate of lay in WL hens was significantly higher than in GP hens (P<0.05). The highest concentrations of P4 and E2 were found 4 h before ovulation in both WL and GP hens. In WL hens the levels of P4 at the time of oviposition and at 4 and 2 h before ovulation were significantly higher in comparison with GP hens (P<0.05). On the other hand, higher E2 concentrations were found in GP hens at the time of oviposition and 12, 8 and 4 h before ovulation (P<0.05). In LWF and hierarchical follicles of WL hens the level of P4 was significantly lower than in GP hens (P<0.05). With respect to E2, a reverse relationship was observed in LWF and F6-F4 follicles. In conclusion, the results obtained indicate that in egg-type layers the profiles of plasma and ovarian sex steroids depend on their genotype. The significant differences in sex steroid levels in blood and ovarian follicles of the WL and GP breeds may contribute to explain the endocrinological factors that determined their laying performance and productivity.