bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of Defense against Intracellular Pathogens Mediated by Human Macrophages
Authors: Bloom Barry R. , Modlin Robert L. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTThe key question our work has sought to address has been, “What are the necessary and sufficient conditions that engender protection from intracellular pathogens in the human host?” The origins of this work derive from a long-standing interest in the mechanisms of protection against two such paradigmatic intracellular pathogens,Mycobacterium tuberculosisandMycobacterium leprae, that have brilliantly adapted to the human host. It was obvious that these pathogens, which cause chronic diseases and persist in macrophages, must have acquired subtle strategies to resist host microbicidal mechanisms, yet since the vast majority of individuals infected withM. tuberculosisdo not develop disease, there must be some potent human antimicrobial mechanisms. What follows is not a comprehensive review of the vast literature on the role of human macrophages in protection against infectious disease, but a summary of the research in our two laboratories with collaborators that we hope has contributed to some understanding of mechanisms of resistance and pathogenesis. While mouse models revealed some necessary conditions for protection, e.g., innate immunity, Th1 cells and their cytokines, and major histocompatibility complex class I-restricted T cells, here we emphasize multiple antimicrobial mechanisms that exist in human macrophages that differ from those of most experimental animals. Prominent here is the vitamin D-dependent antimicrobial pathway common to human macrophages activated by innate and acquired immune responses, mediated by antimicrobial peptides, e.g., cathelicidin, through an interleukin-15- and interleukin-32-dependent common pathway that is necessary for macrophage killing ofM. tuberculosis in vitro.
Good concordance between patients and their non-professional carers about factors associated with a ‘good death’ and other important end-of-life decisions
Authors: Davies Andrew , Todd Jennifer , Bailey Fiona , Gregory Amanda , Waghorn Melanie 
Published: May 2016

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate concordance between patients and non-professional carers about factors associated with a ‘good death’ and other end-of-life decisions.MethodsPatients completed a questionnaire about end-of-life care issues, and were asked to rank the importance of factors linked to a ‘good death’. Carers also completed a questionnaire about end-of-life care issues relating to the patient, and whether or not they agreed with those choices (ie, medical treatments, PPD). Carers were also asked to rank the importance of factors linked to a ‘good death’ to the patient, and to them personally at that point in time.ResultsOnly 69% of patients stated they had discussed their preferences for end-of-life care with their respective carer. The rankings were similar for the patient and the carer's views of what was important for the patient, although the patients ranked ‘to be involved in decisions about my care’ as less important than the carers, while the carers ranked ‘to have sorted out my personal affairs’ as less important than the patients.ConclusionsWhen discussions around end-of-life choices do occur, carers generally appear to agree with the patients' preferences around end-of-life treatment, and preferred place of death.
Leadership behaviours and healthcare research performance: prospective correlational study
Authors: Patel Vanash M , Ashrafian Hutan , Uzoho Chukwudi , Nikiteas Nikolaos , Panzarasa Pietro , Sevdalis Nick , Darzi Ara , Athanasiou Thanos 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectivesThe aims of the study were to determine whether differences in leadership self-perception/behaviour in healthcare researchers may influence research performance and to evaluate whether certain leadership characteristics are associated with enhanced leadership efficiency in terms of motivation, effectiveness and satisfaction.Design and participantsAll Faculty of Medicine Professors at Imperial College London (n=215) were sent the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) Self form as a means of evaluating self-perception of leadership behaviours.Main outcome measuresFor each professor, we extracted objective research performance measures (total number of publications, total number of citations and h index) from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2009. The MLQ measured three leadership outcomes, which included motivation, effectiveness and satisfaction. Regression analysis was used to determine associations.ResultsA total number of 90 responses were received, which equated to a 42% response rate. There were no significant correlations between transformational, transactional or passive/avoidant leadership behaviours and any of the research performance measures. The five transformational leadership behaviours (ie, idealised attributes (IA), idealised behaviours (IB), inspirational motivation (IM), intellectual stimulation (IS), individual consideration (IC)) were highly significant predictors of leadership outcomes, extra effort (all B&gt;0.404, SE=0.093–0.146, p&lt;0.001), effectiveness (IA, IM, IS, IC B&gt;0.359, SE=0.093–0.146, p&lt;0.001; IB B=0.233, SE=0.103, p=0.026) and satisfaction (IA, IM, IS, IC B&gt;0.483, SE=0.086–0.139, p&lt;0.001; IB B=0.296, SE=0.101, p=0.004). Similarly, contingent reward was a significant predictor of extra effort (B=0.400, SE=0.123, p=0.002), effectiveness (B=0.353, SE=0.113, p=0.002) and satisfaction (B=0.326, SE=0.114, p=0.005).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that transformational leadership and contingent reward positively influence leadership efficiency in healthcare researchers. Although we did not show an association between leadership behaviours and research performance metrics, further studies using contextual performance measures at team and organisational levels are required.
Predicting the Best Fit: A Comparison of Response Surface Models for Midazolam and Alfentanil Sedation in Procedures With Varying Stimulation
Authors: Liou Jing-Yang , Ting Chien-Kun , Mandell M. Susan , Chang Kuang-Yi , Teng Wei-Nung , Huang Yu-Yin , Tsou Mei-Yung 
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND:
Selecting an effective dose of sedative drugs in combined upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy is complicated by varying degrees of pain stimulation. We tested the ability of 5 response surface models to predict depth of sedation after administration of midazolam and alfentanil in this complex model. The procedure was divided into 3 phases: esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), colonoscopy, and the time interval between the 2 (intersession).

METHODS:
The depth of sedation in 33 adult patients was monitored by Observer Assessment of Alertness/Scores. A total of 218 combinations of midazolam and alfentanil effect-site concentrations derived from pharmacokinetic models were used to test 5 response surface models in each of the 3 phases of endoscopy. Model fit was evaluated with objective function value, corrected Akaike Information Criterion (AICc), and Spearman ranked correlation. A model was arbitrarily defined as accurate if the predicted probability is <0.5 from the observed response.

RESULTS:
The effect-site concentrations tested ranged from 1 to 76 ng/mL and from 5 to 80 ng/mL for midazolam and alfentanil, respectively. Midazolam and alfentanil had synergistic effects in colonoscopy and EGD, but additivity was observed in the intersession group. Adequate prediction rates were 84% to 85% in the intersession group, 84% to 88% during colonoscopy, and 82% to 87% during EGD. The reduced Greco and Fixed alfentanil concentration required for 50% of the patients to achieve targeted response Hierarchy models performed better with comparable predictive strength. The reduced Greco model had the lowest AICc with strong correlation in all 3 phases of endoscopy. Dynamic, rather than fixed, γ and γalf in the Hierarchy model improved model fit.

CONCLUSIONS:
The reduced Greco model had the lowest objective function value and AICc and thus the best fit. This model was reliable with acceptable predictive ability based on adequate clinical correlation. We suggest that this model has practical clinical value for patients undergoing procedures with varying degrees of stimulation.
The possible importance of income and education as covariates in cohort studies that investigate the relationship between diet and disease
Authors: Temple Norman 
Published: May 2016

Background: Many cohort studies have been carried out that have provided information on the relationship between diet and health-related outcomes. Omission of important covariates during multivariate analysis may give rise to error due to residual confounding. A possibly important covariate is socioeconomic status (SES) as this is related to both diet and health. Objective: To determine the frequency with which different measures of SES are included as covariates during multivariate analysis of cohort studies that investigated the relationship between diet and health. Methodology: An analysis was carried out of 76 randomly selected papers from 66 cohort studies. The papers covered many dietary variables and a wide variety of diseases/health-related outcomes. The cohort studies were carried out in many different locations and the subjects varied widely in age. Results: Approximately two-thirds of the papers (65.8%) used at least one measure of SES as a covariate. Education was used most often (60.5% of papers), followed by income (14.4%) and social class (2.6%). More than one measure of SES was used in 11.8% of papers. Conclusions: Failure to include income (or another measure of present SES, such as occupation) may be a common source of error in cohort studies. Over-reliance on education may be particularly important as it is likely to be a weaker measure of present SES than is income. There is a need for more research on this question. SES in childhood is almost never included in multivariate analysis in cohort studies carried out on adults. This could also play a significant role in disease risk in middle age or later. Very little is known regarding whether this is also a source of residual confounding.
The flea reproductive break point — what it is and how it is pivotal for successful flea control
Authors: Wright Ian 
Published: May 2016

The cat flea Ctenocephalides felis is a source of revulsion, distress and irritation for pet owners worldwide. In addition, C. felis can also cause flea allergic dermatitis (FAD) in susceptible pets as well as significant bite reactions in people. This in combination, with the cat flea’s capability of transmitting a number of vector-borne diseases, makes control of this parasite vital. Veterinary nurses play a key role in educating clients about fleas and putting practical control programmes in place. A crucial component of this is the flea reproductive break point, which if not considered will lead to failure of flea control programmes. This article considers flea control, and the importance of the reproductive break point in ensuring that flea control strategies are successful.
Kinetic and equilibrium studies on adsorption of Reactive Blue 19 dye from aqueous solutions by nanohydroxyapatite adsorbent
Authors: Ciobanu Gabriela , Barna Simona , Harja Maria 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIn the present study the adsorption of Reactive Blue 19 dye on the hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanopowders was investigated. The batch adsorption experiments were performed by monitoring the adsorbent dosage, contact time, dye solution concentration, pH and temperature. At pH 3 and 20°C, high dye removal rates of about 95.58% and 86.95% for the uncalcined and calcined nanohydroxyapatites, respectively, were obtained. The kinetic studies indicated the dye adsorption onto nanohydroxyapatite samples to follow a pseudo-second order model. The Langmuir isotherm was found to be the best to represent the equilibrium with experimental data. The maximum adsorption capacity of uncalcined and calcined nanohydroxyapatite samples has been found to be 90.09 mg/g and 74.97 mg/g, respectively.
Somatic Changes of University Students in BMI and WHR
Authors: Cepková Alena , Kyselovičová Olga , Honz Oto , Uváček Marián , Žiška Ján 
Published: May 2016

Summary
The article dealt with the assessment of somatic changes of the students at the Slovak University of Technology (STU), Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FME), specifically expressed by Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist Hip Ratio (WHR) during the years 2007 and 2013. In total 2228 men were involved in the study and measured upon their entry at the university. It was found out that the values of BMI belonged to the category of average range measured for adults (from 22.96 kg.m-2 to 24.60 kg.m-2) and indicates standard values. Statistically significant differences (p<0.01) were discovered between the years 2011 (23.70 kg.m-2) and 2012 (24.60 kg.m-2), 2012 (24.60 kg.m-2) and 2013 (22.96 kg.m-2). In 2012 participants achieved in average the highest values (BMI = 24.60 kg.m-2), which borders with a moderate overweight. In the contrary, in 2013 the students achieved the lowest values of BMI (22.96 kg.m-2). A slight increase of average BMI values may be observed from the first test in 2007 until 2012. The predominance of standard weight was measured at 71% of the total number of monitored students and the predominance of overweight was measured at 22% of students from the total number of university students. The observation of WHR numbers makes us conclude that during our seven year study no significant differences were discovered in the first five years. The values were stable and from the mean point of view, they do not indicate the risk of development of diseases relating to overweight and obesity. In 2012 and 2013 a slight decrease of WHR values was detected < 0.85. Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were discovered between the years 2010 (0.854) and 2011 (0.864), and also between 2011 (0.864) and 2012 (0.843). The lowest mean value of WHR was measured when performing the last test in the year 2013 (0.823). There was a statistically significant difference at p<0.05 within the years 2012 and 2013. The highest mean value was discovered in 2011 (0.864). However, the average values achieved in a group of students were lower than 1.0, which can be evaluated as a set with no risk of obesity and overweight disease development.
The Impact of Endurance Training on Functional Parameters During the Preparation Phase among Cross-Country Skiers
Authors: Žiška Peter , Olasz Dávid , Krčmár Matúš 
Published: May 2016

Summary
In the study, we have tried to demonstrate the effect of endurance training on changes in functional parameters during the preparation phase (12-week mesocycle) among cross-country skiers. The group consisted of 10 male cross-country skiers (age: 21.4 ±5 year) who completed control (1st 6 week mesocycle) and experimental period (2nd 6 week mesocycle).We focused on the following time-varying parameters: changes in maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), the level of aerobic (AeT) and anaerobic thresholds (AT), maximum heart rate (HRmax) and performance on the running treadmill. The intra-individual monitoring of each athlete revealed statistical significance of VO2max (mid_VO2max = 69.48 ± 5.72 l.kg-1.min-1, post_ VO2max = 70.96 ± 5.67 ml.kg-1.min-1; p≤0.05) and the level of AT (mid_AT = 86.2 ± 5.43 %, post_AT = 87.8 ± 5.59 %; p≤0.01) the performance on the running treadmill (mid_t = 14:54 ± 1:43 min., post_t = 15:30 ± 1:50 min.; p≤0.05).The significant changes were recorded in the AeT(pre_AeT = 70.3 ± 7.56 %, mid_AeT = 72.5 ± 7.59 %; p≤0.05) in theHRmax(pre_HRmax = 190 ± 8.04 bpm, mid_HRmax = 189 bpm, post_HRmax = 188 ± 7.34 bpm; p = n.s.) during control period. We assume that the significant differences occurred as a result of adaptation changes due to training stimuli, which were induced by changes in functional parameters. Increased training volume in zone lower level of oxygen regime (A1), upper level of oxygen regime (A2) and upper level of lactate tolerance(T2) during experimental period elicited changes which reflected the increase functional parameters and performance on the running treadmill compared to that of control period.
Strontium and Barium in the Triassic Limestone of the Opole Silesia Deposits
Authors: Stanienda Katarzyna 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
This article presents the results of studies of strontium and barium content in Triassic (Muschelkalk) carbonate rock samples taken from the area of the Polish part of the Germanic Basin (the area of Opole Silesia). Sr and Ba were determined in the rocks of all formations of the Lower Muschelkalk - Gogolin Beds, Górażdże Beds, Dziewkowice (Terebratula) Beds and Karchowice Beds. Strontium and barium are chemical elements characteristic for aragonite carbonate phase. Aragonite is unstable calcium carbonate phase which is transformed such as high-Mg calcite into low magnesium calcite during diagenesis. So as Sr and Ba indicate the presence of aragonite in the primary carbonate material. Now these elements concentrate in low-Mg calcite crystal structure. The Triassic rocks of Lower Muschelkalk which are mined in different quarries of the Opole Silesia area are mainly built of low-Mg calcite with lower amounts of high-Mg calcite, protodolomite, ordered dolomite and huntite. There are smaller addition of non-carbonate minerals - quartz, chalcedony, muscovite, feldspars and iron minerals. The presence of Sr and Ba now bound in a structure of low-Mg calcite will indicate the occurrence of aragonite in the primary carbonate material. The Triassic rocks from the area of Opole Silesia were studied to determine the rocks enriched in Sr and Ba. Selected rock samples were examined using ICP AES spectrometry, XRF analysis and microprobe measurements. The results of studies show that strontium and barium occur in rocks of all Lower Muschelkalk formations. The lowest contents of these elements were determined in rocks of Gogolin Beds, higher - in rocks of other formations. The results of studies show that Sr and Ba concentrate in low-Mg calcite which dominates in Lower Muschelkalk rocks. Limestone built mainly of low-Mg calcite or “pure” calcite without substitution of other elements, especially Mg, Fe, Si and Al could be applied in lime industry or in other branches of industry, where pure quality raw material, without substitutions is needed.
Numerical Simulation of Coal Suspension Sedimentation
Authors: Kołodziejczyk Krzysztof 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The article describes the feasibility of numerical simulation of sedimentation process of coal suspension, with high concentration, using the Ansys Fluent package, with the assumption monodisperse grain composition of the disperse phase of the suspension. The analysis contains selection of computational model, determine the parameters for analysis and comparison of the results with laboratory tests. To comparison laboratory measurement and numerical simulation sedimentation test was used. In the analysis was used suspension from the coal purification process.
How to assess quality of life. Theoretical and methodological research aspects in cross-border regions
Authors: Angelovič Martin , Ištok Robert 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
In our paper we deal with both the theoretical and methodological aspects of our research, which focuses on the quality of life in cross-border regions. The aim of the paper is to draw on the methodological system for assessment of the quality of life in those regions, taking into consideration both the objective and subjective dimension. The first part of the paper contains the use of qualitative methods when assessing the quality of life, which, in our understanding, are not sufficiently applied in the process of assessment of quality, not only in the field of Geography. We also focus on the definition of the key terms related to our work, such as ‘quality of life, border and border-region/neighbour’. The main emphasis of our work lies in the formulation of the theoretical and methodological model of the quality of life assessment in the cross-border regions. The methodological outline of researching this issue is presented in the chart. The scale of the region is a key element we take into consideration, since it is significant when choosing the appropriate method of life quality assessment. We also distinguish between the application of both the qualitative and quantitative research methods on various scales. In our opinion, the representation of the qualitative methods in research should increase with the increase in the scale of the area researched. In the conclusion we provide selected outcomes of our research at various scales, which confirm the validity of our theoretical basis, since we came to various findings, depending on the scales researched.
Demographic development of Zachodniopomorskie voivodship in the years 2000-2012 in the light of transportation network accessibility
Authors: Chądzyńska Elżbieta 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The area of Zachodniopomorskie voivodship is characterized by specific features, resulting from its position in space. The location of the regional capital Szczecin at the mouth of the River Odra and near the Polish-German border, in the close vicinity of well-developed Nordic countries, and on the outskirts of the region creates special conditions for development. At the same time, the considerable remoteness of most small towns from the capital region and the inadequate network of connections in a natural North-South direction make it difficult to work with the assets of larger centres of development like Szczecin and Koszalin. The present approach is based on Webb’s typology for the gminas of Zachodniopomorskie voivodship compared with the analysis of the characteristics of the transportation network. Traffic volume of real transportation network was simulated by using a model based on the idea of intervening opportunities. Two categories of movements were analysed: movements to work and, due to the specificity of the region, tourists’ movements.
‘Close to the city centre, close to the university’. Are there symptoms of studentification in Gdańsk, Poland?
Authors: Grabkowska Maja , Frankowski Jan 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Students are increasingly recognised as important actors of urban change in contemporary cities. The article presents an analysis of incipient studentification processes in Gdańsk. Its general aim is to reveal patterns of students’ presence and activity which translate into spatial and socio-economic transformations of a post-socialist city at the level of neighbourhoods. The study consists of a survey on students’ residential behaviour, complemented by field and desk research. According to the results, due to the fact that Polish students’ housing and lifestyle choices are limited by their low purchasing power, student-dedicated services have a rather negative impact on the quality of urban space. Furthermore, under these conditions studentification may not be regarded as a stimulus to the gentrification process, which is rather driven by hipsters and affluent foreign students.