bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Utility of Creatinine- and Cystatin C–Based Definition of Renal Function for Risk Prediction of Primary Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Schöttker Ben , Herder Christian , Müller Heiko , Brenner Hermann , Rothenbacher Dietrich 
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE
To assess the cardiovascular risk of diabetic subjects with chronic kidney disease (CKD) based on different estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equations and to evaluate which definition of CKD best improves cardiovascular risk prediction of the Framingham Cardiovascular Risk Score (Framingham-CV-RS).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
CKD was defined as eGFR &lt;60 mL/min/1.73 m2, estimated by the creatinine-based Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equations and a cystatin C–based equation (CKD-CysC). Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) of subjects with CKD for incident cardiovascular events in a cohort of 1,153 individuals with diabetes (baseline age 50–74 years). Furthermore, the CKD definitions were added individually to a reference model comprising the Framingham-CV-RS variables and HbA1c, and measures of model discrimination and reclassification were assessed.

RESULTS
During 5 years of follow-up, 95 individuals had a primary cardiovascular event. Crude HRs were increased for all CKD definitions. However, after adjusting for established cardiovascular risk factors, HRs for both creatinine-based CKD definitions were attenuated to point estimates of 1.03, whereas the HRs for the cystatin C–based CKD definition remained significantly increased (HR 1.75 [95% CI 1.07–2.87]). Extension of the reference model by the different CKD definitions resulted in an increase in the c statistic only when adding CKD-CysC (from 0.638 to 0.644) along with a net reclassification improvement of 8.9%.

CONCLUSIONS
Only the cystatin C–based CKD definition was an independent risk predictor for cardiovascular events in our diabetic study cohort and indicated a potentially better clinical utility for cardiovascular risk prediction than creatinine-based equations.
Continuous microwave saturation of EPR spectra of melanin complexes at different temperatures
Authors: Zdybel Magdalena , Pilawa Barbara , Buszman Ewa , Wrzesniok Dorota , Krzyminiewski Ryszard , Kruczynski Zdzislaw 
Published: February 2012

Continuous microwave saturation of EPR spectra of melanin complexes at different temperatures
Paramagnetic centers in DOPA-melanin and complexes of DOPA-melanin with netilmicin and Cu(II) were studied by the use of an X-band (9.3 GHz) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Measurements of continuous microwave saturation of EPR spectra at temperatures: 125 K, 175 K, 225 K, 275 K, were performed. Homogeneous broadening of all the examined EPR spectra was observed. EPR spectra of DOPA-melanin-Cu(II) complexes saturated at higher microwave powers than the others tested melanin samples. Fast spin-lattice relaxation exists in DOPA-melanin-Cu(II) complexes. Slow spin-lattice relaxation processes exist in melanin's paramagnetic centers of DOPA-melanin and its complexes with netilmicin, and its complexes with both netilimicin and Cu(II). EPR spectra of all the tested samples saturated at higher microwave powers with increasing of the measuring temperature. Faster spin-lattice relaxation processes occurs in DOPA-melanin and its complexes with netilmicin and Cu(II) at higher temperature.
Biometrical Assessment of Interspecific Hybrids of Capsicum Genus
Authors: Olszewska Dorota , Jędrzejczyk Iwona , Nowaczyk Paweł 
Published: February 2012

Biometrical Assessment of Interspecific Hybrids of Capsicum Genus
The F1 hybrids obtained as the result of interspecific crosses: C. annuum x C. frutescens, C. frutescens x C. annuum, C. frutescens x C. chinense and C. chinense x C. frutescens were analysed biometrically. The plants were cultured in unheated foil tent. Yield and the number of fruit from plant were qualified. For ten plants of each of the hybrids detailed fruit analysis were performed. The tested traits were: weight of fruit, length, width, technological weight and weight of pericarp, pericarp thickness, the weight of placenta without seeds, the weight of dry seeds and the dry matter content. The analysis of variance was conducted on the obtained results. The tested hybrids were characterised by the large differentiation of the estimated characters. The hybrids obtained from crosses: C. annuum x C. frutescens and C. frutescens x C. annuum seem to be the most valuable material for the future pepper breeding work. Fruits of these hybrids combine high weight, typical for cultivated forms of C. annuum with increased dry matter content characteristic for C. frutescens. These materials will be used as the parental forms of homozygous lines which possess traits valuable in genetic improvement of pepper.
The fragile X syndrome: 13 years of experience
Authors: Daneberga Zanda , Krūmiņa Zita , Lāce Baiba , Bauze Daiga , Lugovska Rita 
Published: February 2012

The fragile X syndrome: 13 years of experience
Fragile X syndrome (FXS; MIM #300624; FRAXA, Xq27.3) is well known and a common cause of X-linked mental retardation. The syndrome is caused by dynamic mutation of FMR1 gene CpG island CGG repeats. Clinically FXS patients demonstrate delayed developmental milestones, particularly speech, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autistic features, and psychomotor development delay. Dysmorphic face and macroorchidism are important features in the postpubertal age. We present our 13-year experience with FXS patients who were confirmed by molecular diagnostic. Phenotype-genotype evaluation was made for 12 male FXS patients. Genotype-phenotype analysis did not reveal significant correlation between clinical symptoms observed in FXS patients and genotypes obtained from leucocytes DNA analysis. The prevalence of the fragile X syndrome in the Latvian male population was estimated to be 1/6428 (95% CI 5538-7552) or 15.55/100 000 males (95% CI 13.24 - 18.05). The prevalence of the fragile X syndrome among mentally retarded male patients was estimated to be 2.67%. The low number of diagnosed patients with fragile X syndrome demonstrated in our study led to the conclusion that fragile X syndrome is generally clinically unrecognised.
The role of oral anaerobic bacteria, and influence of social and health factors in halitosis aethiology
Authors: Rostoka Dagnija , Kroiča Juta , Reinis Aigars , Kuzņecova Valentīna 
Published: February 2012

The role of oral anaerobic bacteria, and influence of social and health factors in halitosis aethiology
The aim of this work was to identify the bacteria associated with halitosis, and by questionnaire to test whether diet, oral hygiene habits and illness factors were associated with bacterial amounts in the oral cavity and the Il-1α/Il-1β polymorphism. Bad breath is a frequent problem in Latvia and for many patients may cause important emotional and psychological distress. As there are different causes of halitosis, this might be also reflected in the bacterial community of the oral cavity. The concentration of bacteria in the oral cavity was significantly higher in halitosis patients than in the studied control group, who did not complain about halitosis. The PCR results corresponded with halimetric values. The main cause of halitosis was found to be oral pathology — increased amounts of oral anaerobic bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythietensis, Treponema denticola, and Prevotella intermedia.
Dietary modulation of immune responses by ascorbic acid in healthy and cadmium-induced immunocompromised chickens
Authors: Vasiļjeva Svetlana , Bērziņa Nadežda , Remeza Inesa 
Published: February 2012

Dietary modulation of immune responses by ascorbic acid in healthy and cadmium-induced immunocompromised chickens
The assessment of immunological changes induced in chickens by feeding 50 mg cadmium per 1 kg of diet from hatching to 30 days of age was studied. Furthermore, the modulatory effects of different supplemental doses of ascorbic acid (100 and 1000 mg per 1 kg of diet) were investigated. The observed immunocompromise in chickens continuously exposed to cadmium resulted in a decreased growth rate and disturbance of immune responses, both on nonspecific and specific levels. The effect of supplements 100 and 1000 mg of ascorbic acid per 1 kg of diet differed. The low dosage of ascorbic acid had immunostimulative action in healthy cadmium-untreated chickens, provided correction of compromised immunity, and increased tolerance of the birds to subtoxic cadmium intake. In contrast, the higher supplement of ascorbic acid had a slight or no effect on healthy birds and either caused no significant shifts in immunological indices or manifested synergistic effect combined with cadmium.
Distortion in Electrodynamic Loudspeakers Caused by Force Factor Variations
Authors: Erza Mehran , Lemarquand Guy , Lemarquand Valerie 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
The non linearities in the motor of an electrodynamic loudspeaker are still a discussed topic. This paper studies the influence of the force factor variation with the coil displacement on the harmonic and inter-modulation distortions. The real variation is described at least by a linear and a quadratic term. The effect of each term is studied separately, as they don't influence the same kind of frequencies, harmonics or inter-modulation. Both terms considered together result in enhanced effects. The dissymmetry of the Bl variation with regard to the coil centered position has also peculiar effects. This paper presents the method developed to calculate the power of each harmonic and inter-modulation frequency. This allows to compare the obtained values and thus the induced nonlinearities.
Efficiency of Ultrasonic Comb Transducers
Authors: Danicki Eugeniusz 
Published: February 2012

AbstractComb transducers are applied in ultrasonic testing for generation of Rayleigh or Lamb waves by scattering of the incident bulk waves onto surface waves at the periodic comb-substrate interface. Hence the transduction efficiency, although rarely discussed in literature, is an important factor for applications determining the quality of the measured ultrasonic signals. This paper presents the full-wave theory of comb transducers concluded by evaluation of their efficiency for a couple of examples of standard and certain novel configurations.
The influence of sampling point on solids suspension density applied in scaling of the hydrodynamics of a supercritical CFB boiler
Authors: Mirek Paweł , Ziaja Jolanta 
Published: February 2012

The influence of sampling point on solids suspension density applied in scaling of the hydrodynamics of a supercritical CFB boiler
The article presents the results of laboratory tests carried out on a scaling model of the 966MWth fluidised-bed boiler operating in the Lagisza Power Plant, made on a scale of 1:20 while preserving the geometrical similarity. The tests were carried out for scaled-down material taken from different locations on the circulation contour in the state of full boiler loading. To reflect the hydrodynamic conditions prevailing in the combustion chamber, solids with properly selected density and particle size distribution were used. The obtained results have made it possible to determine the location for taking the most representative granular material sample.
An approach to modeling and thermodynamic analysis of modern power engineering systems
Authors: Kozaczka Jarosław , Kolat Pavel 
Published: February 2012

An approach to modeling and thermodynamic analysis of modern power engineering systemsThe new efficient method of modeling and thermodynamic analysis of power engineering systems has been presented. With its help a comparison of different structures and investigation of the influence of a particular constituent process onto the whole system efficiency is possible. The shaft work or the exergy is the main thermodynamic quantity taken into account in analyses, and the appropriate dimensionless modeling parameter has been introduced.
The Application of Zoo-Fish Technique for Analysis of Chromosomal Rearrangements in the Equidae Family
Authors: Pawlina Klaudia , Bugno-Poniewierska Monika 
Published: February 2012

The Application of Zoo-Fish Technique for Analysis of Chromosomal Rearrangements in the Equidae FamilyGenome analysis is necessary to trace evolutionary rearrangements and relationships between species. Initially, to this end, the tools of classical cytogenetics were used but along with the development of molecular cytogenetics methods it became possible to analyse the genome more thoroughly. One of the widely used methods is fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and its different types. Zoo-FISH, or cross-species chromosome painting, which uses painting probes specific for whole chromosomes, enables detecting homologous synteny blocks, the occurrence of which is evidence that species share a common ancestry and are related. Zoo-FISH technique is complemented by FISH with probes specific to chromosome arms or repetitive sequences (telomeres, centromeres), which provide additional information about karyotype organization, as well as karyotype polymorphism and conservation. Another method used is FISH with gene-specific probes, which enable the localization of single loci, thus making it possible to determine linkages between genes and verify data obtained after using painting probes in Zoo-FISH technique. Because of its diverse karyotype and rapid karyotypic evolution, the Equidae family is an ideal object of study using a number of methods based on in situ hybridization, which, in turn, enables information to be obtained at many levels of DNA organization.
The Gonadotropins Subunits, GNRH and GNRH Receptor Gene Expression and Role of Carbon Monoxide in Seasonal Breeding Animals
Authors: Romerowicz-Misielak Maria , Koziorowski Marek 
Published: February 2012

The Gonadotropins Subunits,GNRHand GNRH Receptor Gene Expression and Role of Carbon Monoxide in Seasonal Breeding AnimalsSeasonality in reproduction occurs mainly in wild species and it is the result of natural selection. Signals to start or finish the period of reproductive activity, both environmental and hormonal depend on the neuroendocrine pathway - synthesis and secretion of pituitary hormones, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), under the control of the hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. Variable frequency of GnRH pulses is not only the main factor governing primary and preovulatory release of gonadotropins, but it can also play a role in the specific transcriptional activity of gonadotropin subunit genes (LHβ, FSHβandCga). However, changes in release of GnRH pulse pattern do not explain the preferential stimulation of the synthesis and secretion of gonadotropins in the annual reproductive cycle. In this regulation also a GnRH independent mechanism participates. It seems that the main factor responsible for the occurrence of the seasonal modulation of reproduction in sheep and other mammals, is significant changes in response of GnRH systems to gonadal steroids. The effect of carbon monoxide on regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis has not been studied to date. There is substantial evidence to suggest that it may play a role in the transduction of information on day length. The presence of heme oxygenase-2 in hypothalamic areas important for regulation of pituitary secretory function and in the pituitary itself suggests that carbon monoxide, the product of this enzyme, may participate in the regulation of hormone secretion by the pineal gland.
Effect of Pasture or Maize Silage Feeding on the Nutritional Value of Beef
Authors: Łozicki Andrzej , Dymnicka Maria , Arkuszewska Ewa , Pustkowiak Henryk 
Published: February 2012

Effect of Pasture or Maize Silage Feeding on the Nutritional Value of BeefThe objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional value of beef from different production systems. The study was conducted with Hereford bulls on organic and conventional farms. On the organic farm, fattening was mainly based on roughages, including pasture forage in the summer season, when the end of fattening occurred. On the conventional farm the bulls were fed maize silage and concentrate. On both farms, the animals were aged 7-9 months at the beginning of fattening. The bulls were fattened to a final body weight of 550-600 kg. Samples oflongissimus thoracismuscle were collected from half-carcasses of slaughtered bulls originating from each farm to analyse fat content, fatty acid profile, and content of selected minerals and vitamin E. Muscle samples were additionally analysed for the concentration of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances 3 and 7 days after slaughter. Analyses showed a lower fat content inlongissimus thoracismuscle of bulls from the pasture feeding system. The fatty acid profile was also characterized by a lower content of C 14:0, and a higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), including C18:3n-3, conjugated linoleic acid, C 20:5n-3, and C 22:5n-3, as well as by a lower ratio ofn-6/n-3 PUFA. The total content of monounsaturated fatty acids was significantly higher in animals fed maize silage and feed concentrate. In turn, the muscle of pasture fed animals had higher levels of Na, Zn and Fe as well as of vitamin E.
Annotating photographs of places of interest in Taiwan – a multifaceted photo summarisation method based on TELDAP
Authors: Hsiao Yu-Ting , Cheng Chun-Yuan , Li Cheng-Hung , Wang Yu-Zheng , Wang Hsiang-An 
Published: February 2012

As Taiwan was governed by several colonial powers in the past, many places of interest reflect the cultural influences during different periods of the nation's history. However, people may be unaware of the historical background when they visit such places, so they are unable to annotate their photographs with appropriate descriptions. Helping people find historical information about places of interest in a short time is therefore an important issue. In this paper, we propose a multifaceted photo summarisation approach that exploits a host of analytical techniques. The techniques include content-based image and colour analysis, as well as data mining techniques, which are used to annotate images with relevant information. The system also contains a user interface that provides users with an interactive recommendation method for image annotation, and helps them annotate their collections by suggesting several relevant annotation terms. The annotation database is integrated with related information obtained from the Taiwan e-Learning and Digital Archives Program in order to generate a relevant semantic snippet for each image.
Influences on children's visual cognition capabilities through playing ‘intelligent matrix’ developed by the augmented virtual reality technology
Authors: Ho Pei-Chi , Chung Szu-Ming , Lin Yi-Hua 
Published: February 2012

In the development of young children's senses and action mobility, good visual cognition could help them with good habits of reading, writing, and logical learning. Digital teaching materials are common in use of enhancing the creativity and learning effects. Within them, the interacting manners and their influences on learning effects and learning attitudes lead to enhance the learning motivations and effects. The fun of game maintains a longer learning attention and advances the cognitive skills in easy manners. Thus, this study intends to design a learning system – GoGoBox – by using augmented virtual technology. The methodology is to device a testing game, pre-test and after-test, to test a group of young children so as to understand the learning effects of augmented virtual game of GoGoBox on their visual cognitive skills. The esult of this study is: this learning system – GoGoBox can enhance the young children's cognitive skills. Furthermore, after experiencing this learning system, children's cognitive capability of visual discerning, figure and background, visual memory, and visual closure is all enhanced. The learning effects of visual discerning stand out of four. The capability of special relationship is with no apparent influences. There is no differentiation between male and female. Apparently the older children of 6 have better cognitive skills than those of 5.
Clinical Efficacy of Etanercept Versus Sulfasalazine in Ankylosing Spondylitis Subjects with Peripheral Joint Involvement
Authors: BRAUN JÜRGEN , PAVELKA KAREL , RAMOS-REMUS CESAR , DIMIC ALEKSANDAR , VLAHOS BONNIE , FREUNDLICH BRUCE , KOENIG ANDREW S. 
Published: February 2012

Objective.Etanercept, a fully human tumor necrosis factor soluble receptor, is effective in treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Current guidelines suggest sulfasalazine (SSZ) treatment as initial therapy for the management of patients with AS with peripheral arthritis versus therapy with biologics. We compared the efficacy of etanercept with SSZ in patients with AS with peripheral joint involvement.Methods.The efficacy of etanercept 50 mg once weekly was compared with that of SSZ up to 3 g daily in subjects with ≥ 1 swollen peripheral joint at baseline, using data from a 16-week randomized double-blind study in subjects with AS. Efficacy was assessed by the Assessment in AS criteria and the Bath AS Disease Activity, Functional, and Metrology indices. The last observation carried forward method was used for imputation of missing values.Results.Of 566 subjects included in original study, 181 (etanercept 121; SSZ 60) had ≥ 1 swollen peripheral joint and 364 (etanercept 250; SSZ 124) had none at baseline. AS patients treated with etanercept showed significantly greater improvement than those treated with SSZ in all joint assessments regardless of swollen joint involvement.Conclusion.In this analysis, etanercept was significantly more effective than SSZ for management of patients with AS and peripheral joint involvement.
C-reactive Protein Is a More Sensitive and Specific Marker for Diagnosing Bacterial Infections in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Compared to S100A8/A9 and Procalcitonin
Authors: KIM HYOUN-AH , JEON JA-YOUNG , AN JEONG-MI , KOH BO-RAM , SUH CHANG-HEE 
Published: February 2012

Objective.C-reactive protein (CRP), S100A8/A9, and procalcitonin have been suggested as markers of infection in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We investigated the clinical significance of these factors for indication of infection in SLE.Methods.Blood samples were prospectively collected from 34 patients with SLE who had bacterial infections and 39 patients with SLE who had disease flares and no evidence of infection. A second set of serum samples was collected after the infections or flares were resolved.Results.CRP levels of SLE patients with infections were higher than those with flares [5.9 mg/dl (IQR 2.42, 10.53) vs 0.06 mg/dl (IQR 0.03, 0.15), p < 0.001] and decreased after the infection was resolved. S100A8/A9 and procalcitonin levels of SLE patients with infection were also higher [4.69 μg/ml (IQR 2.25, 12.07) vs 1.07 (IQR 0.49, 3.05) (p < 0.001) and 0 ng/ml (IQR 0–0.38) vs 0 (0–0) (p < 0.001), respectively]; these levels were also reduced once the infection disappeared. In the receiver-operating characteristics analysis of CRP, S100A8/A9, and procalcitonin, the area under the curve was 0.966 (95% CI 0.925–1.007), 0.732 (95% CI 0.61–0.854), and 0.667 (95% CI 0.534–0.799), respectively. CRP indicated the presence of an infection with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 90%, with a cutoff value of 1.35 mg/dl.Conclusion.Our data suggest that CRP is the most sensitive and specific marker for diagnosing bacterial infections in SLE.