bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The technology of preparing green coating by conducting micro-arc oxidation on AZ91D magnesium alloy
Authors: Wang Sheng , Liu Pengcheng 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Micro-arc oxidation was applied to AZ91D magnesium alloy by taking K2Cr2O7 as the colouring salt in the silicate system. It was shown that the green coating obtained through performing micro-arc oxidation on magnesium alloy consisted of Mg, Mg2SiO4, MgO, and MgCr2O4 based on analysis of X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Among which, MgCr2O4 was the colouring salt; there were something in the lamellar, pit, and convex forms found on the surface of the coating. The coating consisted of a porous, and a compact, layer from the outside to the inside. As demonstrated, the colour of the coating depended on the K2Cr2O7 concentration: it became gradually deeper with the addition of K2Cr2O7 and the increasing micro-arc oxidation time. The corrosion resistance and hardness of the green coating were greater than that of the matrix.
Graphene hydrogels with embedded metal nanoparticles as efficient catalysts in 4-nitrophenol reduction and methylene blue decolorization
Authors: Żelechowska Kamila , Kondratowicz Izabela , Gazda Maria 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Synthesis and characterization of the graphene hydrogels with three different metallic nanoparticles, that is Au, Ag and Cu, respectively is presented. Synthesized in a one-pot approach graphene hydrogels with embedded metallic nanoparticles were tested as heterogeneous catalysts in a model reaction of 4-nitrophenol reduction. The highest activity was obtained for graphene hydrogel with Cu nanoparticles and additional reaction of methylene blued degradation was evaluated using this system. The obtained outstanding catalytic activity arises from the synergistic effect of graphene and metallic nanoparticles. The hydrogel form of the catalyst benefits in the easiness in separation from the reaction mixture (for example using tweezers) and reusability.
Thin-layer drying of sawdust mixture
Authors: Górnicki Krzysztof , Kaleta Agnieszka , Bryś Andrzej , Winiczenko Radosław 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Drying behaviour of sawdust mixture was investigated in a convective dryer at 0.01 m/s and 25, 60, and 150°C air temperature. Sawdust mixture (60% of spruce and 40% of the second ingredient: beech, willow, ash, alder) and sawdust of spruce, beech, willow, alder and ash was used in the drying experiments. The sawdust mixture drying was affected by the drying of its ingredients. The experimental drying data were fitted to the theoretical, semi–theoretical, and empirical thin-layer models. The accuracies of the models were measured using the correlation coefficient, root mean square error, and reduced chi–square. All semi-theoretical and empirical models described the drying characteristics of sawdust mixture satisfactorily. The theoretical model of a sphere predicts the drying of sawdust mixture better than the theoretical model of an infinite plane. The effect of the composition of the sawdust mixture on the drying models parameters were also taken into account.
Improvement of the stainless steel electropolishing process by organic additives
Authors: Lochynski Pawel , Kowalski Maciej , Szczygiel Bogdan , Kuczewski Krzysztof 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
The influence of organic additives on the process of surface electropolishing of AISI 304 type steel was determined. Additives were selected in initial potentiodynamic tests pursuant to the plateau analysis on the current/potential curves. The assessment of the operational effectiveness of additives consisted in determining the relationship between surface gloss after electropolishing and the mass loss of the sample and in determining surface roughness. The applied electropolishing bath consisted of a mixture of concentrated acids: H3PO4 and H2SO4, and the following organic additives were used: triethylamine, ethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether and glycerol. The best electropolishing result, i.e. low roughness and high gloss of stainless steel surface with a relatively low mass loss of the sample at the same time were obtained for baths containing triethanolamine.
Adsorption of Ni2+from aqueous solution by magnetic Fe@graphite nano-composite
Authors: Konicki Wojciech , Pelka Rafał , Arabczyk Walerian 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe removal of Ni2+from aqueous solution by iron nanoparticles encapsulated by graphitic layers (Fe@G) was investigated. Nanoparticles Fe@G were prepared by chemical vapor deposition CVD process using methane as a carbon source and nanocrystalline iron. The properties of Fe@G were characterized by X-ray Diffraction method (XRD), High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), BET surface area and zeta potential measurements. The effects of initial Ni2+concentration (1–20 mg L−1), pH (4–11) and temperature (20–60°C) on adsorption capacity were studied. The adsorption capacity at equilibrium increased from 2.96 to 8.78 mg g−1, with the increase in the initial concentration of Ni2+from 1 to 20 mg L−1at pH 7.0 and 20oC. The experimental results indicated that the maximum Ni2+removal could be attained at a solution pH of 8.2 and the adsorption capacity obtained was 9.33 mg g−1. The experimental data fitted well with the Langmuir model with a monolayer adsorption capacity of 9.20 mg g−1. The adsorption kinetics was found to follow pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Thermodynamics parameters, ΔHO, ΔGO and ΔSO, were calculated, indicating that the adsorption of Ni2+onto Fe@G was spontaneous and endothermic in nature.
Experimental investigation of N2O formation in selective non-catalytic NOx reduction processes performed in stoker boiler
Authors: Krawczyk Piotr 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Stoker fired boiler plants are common throughout Eastern Europe. Increasingly strict emission standards will require application of secondary NOx abatement systems on such boilers. Yet operation of such systems, in addition to reducing NOx emissions, may also lead to emission of undesirable substances, for example N2O. This paper presents results of experimental tests concerning N2O formation in the selective non-catalytic NOx emission reduction process (SNCR) in a stoker boiler (WR 25 type). Obtained results lead to an unambiguous conclusion that there is a dependency between the NOx and N2O concentrations in the exhaust gas when SNCR process is carried out in a coal-fired stoker boiler. Fulfilling new emission standards in the analysed equipment will require 40–50% reduction of NOx concentration. It should be expected that in such a case the N2O emission will be approximately 55–60 mg/m3, with the NOx to N2O conversion factor of about 40%.
Synthesis and antibacterial properties of Fe3O4-Ag nanostructures
Authors: Pachla Anna , Lendzion-Bieluń Zofia , Moszyński Dariusz , Markowska-Szczupak Agata , Narkiewicz Urszula , Wróbel Rafał J. , Guskos Niko , Żołnierkiewicz Grzegorz 
Published: January 2017

AbstractSuperparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were obtained in the polyethylene glycol environment. An effect of precipitation and drying temperatures on the size of the prepared nanoparticles was observed. Superparamagnetic iron oxide Fe3O4, around of 15 nm, was obtained at a precipitation temperature of 80°C and a drying temperature of 60°C. The presence of functional groups characteristic for a polyethylene glycol surfactant on the surface of nanoparticles was confirmed by FTIR and XPS measurements. Silver nanoparticles were introduced by the impregnation. Fe3O4-Ag nanostructure with bactericidal properties against Escherichia coli species was produced. Interesting magnetic properties of these materials may be helpful to separate the bactericidal agent from the solution.
Effect ofGluconacetobacter xylinuscultivation conditions on the selected properties of bacterial cellulose
Authors: Fijałkowski Karol , Żywicka Anna , Drozd Radosław , Kordas Marian , Rakoczy Rafał 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe aim of the study was to analyze the changes in the parameters of bacterial cultures and bacterial cellulose (BC) synthesized by four reference strains ofGluconacetobacter xylinusduring 31-day cultivation in stationary conditions. The study showed that the most visible changes in the analyzed parameters of BC, regardless of the bacterial strain used for their synthesis, were observed in the first 10–14 days of the experiment. It was also revealed, that among parameters showing dependence associated with the particular bacterial strain were the rate and period of BC synthesis, the growth rate of bacteria anchored to the cellulose fibrils, the capacity to absorb water and the water release rate. The results presented in this work may be useful in the selection of optimum culturing conditions and period from the point of view of good efficiency of the cellulose synthesis process.
Therapeutic potential of flavonoids in spinal cord injury
Authors: Zhang Peng , Hölscher Christian , Ma Xun 
Published: January 2017

AbstractSpinal cord injury (SCI) is a catastrophic event that can profoundly affect a patient’s life, with far-reaching social and economic effects. A consequential sequence of SCI is the significant neurological or psychological deficit, which obviously contributes to the overall burden of this condition. To date, there is no effective treatment for SCI. Therefore, developing novel therapeutic strategies for SCI is highly prioritized. Flavonoids, one of the most numerous and ubiquitous groups of plant metabolites, are the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine such asScutellaria baicalensisGeorgi (Huang Qin) orGinkgo biloba(Ying Xin). Accumulated research data show that flavonoids possess a range of key pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, anti-viral, anti-cardiovascular disease, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective effects. Based on this, the flavonoids show therapeutic potential for SCI diseases. In this paper, we will review the pharmacological properties of different types of flavonoids for the treatment of SCI diseases, and potential underlying biochemical mechanisms of action will also be described.
NIPAL4 mutation c.527C˃A identified in Romanian patients with autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis
Authors: Maier Dalila , Florea Adrian , Tilinca Mariana Cornelia , Zazgyva Ancuța , Cosgarea Rodica 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

Introduction: Autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis is a non-syndromic ichthyosis, with a genetic background of mutations in 9 genes. This case series presents clinical and paraclinical particularities of 3 Romanian ARCI patients with NIPAL4 mutation c.527C>A.

Material and methods: Three Caucasian patients were investigated, two sisters and an unrelated female patient, aged 47, 49, and 42 respectively. Skin anomalies were recorded and documented photographically; peripheral blood samples were harvested for DNA extraction and gene analysis. Skin biopsies were used for histological assessment, electron microscopy, and evaluation of in situ transglutaminase 1 activity.

Results: All patients presented with generalized ichthyosis, palmoplantar keratoderma, normal hair shafts, and significant oral manifestations. Natural evolution was relatively stable in all cases, without phenotype changing. Medical treatment with retinoids in patients 1 and 2 resulted in normalisation of the skin condition.
Histological samples showed hyperkeratosis, acanthosisand perivascular inflammatory infiltrates in the dermis. Positive findings of transglutaminase 1 in situ activity excluded TGM1 deficiency. Direct sequencing of amplicons revealed one homozygous mutation in exon 4, a c.527C>A missense mutation.

Conclusions: This is the first report of the hotspot mutation NIPAL4 c.527C>A in Romanian autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis patients. The phenotype was similar to that reported in the literature, while transglutaminase 1 activity in situ assay detected differences in enzyme distribution between patients bearing the same mutation but different phenotypes. Based on the current data, NIPAL4 mutations are more frequent than TGM1 mutations in Romanian patients with autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis.
Down-regulation of miRNA-30c predicts poor prognosis in Colorectal Cancer patients
Authors: Bin Liu , Zhang Meng , Lixia Liu , Aimin Zang , Hua Yang , Yanhong Shang , Yang Yang , Feng Gao , Bo Liu , Yonggang Zhang , Huiping Tian 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

Background: MiRNA-30c was a tumor suppressor in several human cancers, however, its association with clinicopathological features and prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC) is unclear.

Materials and Methods: The expression level of miRNA-30c in 192 pairs of colorectal cancer and adjacent normal tissues was detected by Quantitative RT-PCR, the association between miRNA-30c expression and clinical characteristics and prognosis were statistically analyzed.

Results: miRNA-30c was significantly lower in CRC tissues specimens compared with matched normal adjacent tissue (P<0.001). MiRNA-30c was positively correlated with tumor size (P=0.012), TMN stage (P=0.002) and lymph node metastasis (P=0.004). The univariate analysis showed CRC patients with low miRNA-30c had distinctly shorter overall survival (P<0.001) than patients with high miRNA-30c expression level. The multivariate analysis was performed and informed that low miRNA-30c expression (P<0.001) might be an independent prognostic predictor for poor prognosis.

Conclusion: miRNA-30c could predict the prognosis of colorectal cancer which is helpful to choose reasonable treatment measures.
Evaluation of Transcription Factor 7 like 2 polymorphisms and haplotypes in risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Saravani Ramin , Irani Zahra , Galavi Hamid Reza 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic disorder with different genetics and environmental factors. It is one of growing diseases in the world. Previous studies show association between Transcription Factor 7 Like2 (TCF7L2) and T2D. The current study set to evaluate the relation between TCF7L2 polymorphisms and T2D in Southeast Iran. The present case-control study was done on 250 T2D and 250 healthy controls (HCs). For genotyping polymorphisms TCF7L2 (rs11196205) and (rs4132670) Amplification-Refractory Mutation System-Polymers Chain Reaction (ARMS-PCR) was used. The results showed frequency rates of GC and CC genotypes increased in patients compared to controls (31% vs. 6% and 55% vs. 8%, respectively), showing a statistically significant difference (OR=2.67(1.37-5.21), P<0.05 and OR=3.31(1.92-5.71), P< 0.05, respectively). The C allele was associated with an increased risk of T2D, with the frequency of 28% and 11% in patients and controls, respectively (OR=3.11 (2.22-4.37), P< 0.05). Another Polymorphism of this gene TCF7L2 (rs4132670) was not associated with T2D. Furthermore, the haplotype analysis revealed that rs11196205C/rs4132670C and rs11196205C/rs4132670T are risk factors against T2D (OR=2.08 (1.49-2.86, P<0.05 and OR=1.72 (1.06-2.78) P<0.05, respectively). The findings demonstrated that TCF7L2 (rs11196205) genotypes GC, CC, and allele (C) confer risk for susceptibility to T2D.
Comparison of four chromatographic methods used for measurement of glycated hemoglobin
Authors: Nemes-Nagy Enikő , Fazakas Zita , Balogh-Sămărghițan Victor , Simon-Szabó Zsuzsánna , Dénes Lóránd , Uzun Cosmina Cristina , Fodor Márta Andrea , Tilinca Mariana Cornelia , Reid Deborah , Higgins Trefor 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
This parameter’s results accuracy has a special importance in the management of diabetic patients since targets for optimal glycemic control are established using HbA1c values. Several error sources can influence the obtained value, some of them can be counteracted (ex. pipetting errors, storage), and others should be taken into consideration at the interpretation of the result (ex. presence of hemoglobin variants). The aim of this study was to compare four chromatographic methods regarding the costs and the influence of certain error sources on the accuracy of the result. Materials and methods: Samples and controls were analyzed using Variant I, Micromat II and In2it (Bio-Rad) systems, and the BIOMIDI reagent kit for HbA1c measurement. Results: Positive correlation could be observed comparing the results obtained using different methods, except the patients presenting elevated HbF. Pipetting errors modify the results up to 5% in case of Variant I, and up to 10% in case of Micromat II in the tested range. One day of improper storage at room temperature causes 3% deviation from the actual value using the Variant I analyzer and 5% in case of Micromat II and In2it equipment. As a conclusion, depending on the number of samples, automated chromatographic analyzers are the most appropriate equipments for the determination of HbA1c.
Occurrence of Several Viruses Infecting Wild Growing Stone Fruit Trees in Central Bohemia
Authors: Winkowska L. , Grimova L. , Rysanek P. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
The phytosanitary status of wild growing stone fruit trees and shrubs was examined in surveys conducted in 2013 and 2014 in the region of Central Bohemia, Czech Republic. A total of 159 leaf samples were collected (42 cherries, 77 bird cherries, 10 cherry plums, 13 blackthorns, 2 round plums, 15 plums) and tested for the presence of Plum pox virus (PPV), Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV), Prune dwarf virus (PDV), Apple mosaic virus (ApMV), Apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV), Cherry virus A (CVA), Cherry necrotic rusty mottle virus (CNRMV), Cherry green ring mottle virus (CGRMV), and Cherry leafroll virus (CLRV) using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Totally 28.3% of the investigated trees and shrubs were infected by at least one monitored virus. Mixed infection occurred in 5 out of 159 trees (3.1%). PPV was the most widespread virus (13.2% of samples), followed by PDV (11.3%). Contrary to these two most relevant viral pathogens, the incidence of CLRV and CVA was negligible in individually growing trees of the genus Prunus and ApMV, ACLSV, CGRMV, and CNRMV were not detected at all.
Changes of Some Biochemical Parameters in Rats Supplemented with High Doses of Zinc Lactate
Authors: Sloup V. , Jankovská I. , Langrová I. , Štolcová M. , Sloup S. , Nechybová S. , Peřinková P. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
The experiment was conducted on 18 Wistar rats during a six-week period; 12 animals were given zinc lactate (120 mg/rat and week) in feed mixture and 6 control animals were fed a standard mixture for rats (ST-1). Sixteen biochemical parameters were measured from blood (serum) samples: total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), urea (UREA), glucose (GLU), triacylglycerols (TAG), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), cholesterol (CHOL), creatinine (CREAT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), uric acid (UA), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and trace elements such as Fe and Zn. When compared to the control group, we found that rats fed zinc lactate had higher concentrations of GLU, UA, UREA, Fe, Mg, Ca, TAG, TP, ALB, and ALP in the blood serum. Contrarily, the concentrations of AST, NEFA, CHOL, CREAT, P, and Zn were higher in the blood serum of control rats. Statistically significant differences between rats fed Zn and the control were found only in the concentrations of GLU, AST, ALP, UA, and P.
Nutritional Effects on Boar Taint in Entire Male Pigs: A Review
Authors: Urbanová D. , Stupka R. , Okrouhlá M. , Čítek J. , Vehovský K. , Zadinová K 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Boar taint is one of topical problems in fattening pigs. It is caused by two main compounds — androstenone and skatole. Androstenone is a steroid feromone, which is synthesized and metabolized in liver and testes. Skatole is produced by intestinal bacteria by metabolization of trypthophan. Both these substances are metabolized by cytochrome P450 and the unmetabolized residues accumulate in adipose tissue. This review describes the possible nutritional effects on boar taint reduction. Skatole is the main component, which could be reduced by nutrition in entire male pigs. The presence in adipose tissue can be reduced by apoptosis of intestinal cells by raw potato starch. Another method is to influence the microbial population in the gastrointestinal tract by organic acids or fructooligosaccharides. Recently, attention has been directed towards the enzymatic system in the liver. There are a few possibilities of reducing skatole as well as androstenone by influencing the liver enzymatic system. They may be particularly affected by secondary plant metabolites and flavonoids. However, more research is required in this area to clarify physiological regularities and all the relationships in the metabolism detoxification from xenobiotic substances.
Evaluation of Active Management Applied to Meadows with Phengaris Butterflies Occurrence
Authors: Bubová T. , Kulma M. , Vrabec V. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
In recent decades, changes in meadows maintenance have reduced the populations of endangered butterfly species Phengaris nausithous (Bergsträsser, 1779) and P. teleius (Bergsträsser, 1779). Currently, meadows are either abandoned or intensively used. Unfortunately, both these managements are considered unfavourable for grassland butterfly species. In this study, the effect of suitable meadow management on population sizes of both the above mentioned Phengaris species was investigated. The experiment was performed at the locality Dolní Labe (Děčín, Czech Republic). The most suitable models, based on the lowest values of Akaike’s information criterion corrected for small sample sizes, were selected using MARK statistical software. The results were subsequently compared with data obtained from this locality prior to the management application. Unexpectedly, no significant positive effects were found. To reach the desirable status, suitable management practices should be applied for long-term. To verify the management effect on the population size, the meadows were divided into three groups: (i) application of favourable management, (ii) mowing in inappropriate term, (iii) without management. Based on the statistical evaluation, the management application proved to be the most favourable option for both studied butterflies species.
Bioactive Enterococci Isolated from Slovak Ewes’ Lump Cheese
Authors: Lauková A. , Strompfová V. , Szabóová R. , Slottová A. , Tomáška M. , Kmeť V. , Kološta M. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Enterococci are widespread organisms; some of their properties are desired in dairy industry. They can produce antimicrobial proteinaceous substances (enterocins) linked to food biopreservation. This study focused on bioactive Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis strains from Slovak ewes’ lump cheeses to check genes encoding enterocins production and inhibition activity. The total counts of enterococci in ewes’ lump cheeses reached 5.95 ± 2.44 log CFU/g on average. Genotypization by PCR and identification by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry alloted 12 strains to the species Enterococcus faecium and 18 strains to the species E. faecalis. Enterococci were hemolytic phenotype free. Gelatinase negative strains were tested for the presence of enterocins genes. E. faecium and E. faecalis strains from Slovak ewes’ lump cheeses possessed mostly genes for enterocins P and A. Enterocin gene free E. faecalis EE29E3 inhibited indicator Enterococcus avium EA5 (inhibition zone > 10 mm); EE36E1inhibited Listeria innocua LMG 13568 (inhibiton zone 12 mm). Among E. faecium possessing enerocins genes, inhibition activity was only noted in EF27E4 strain (against E. avium EA5, Listeria monocytogenes CCM4699; inhibiton zone 10–22 mm). E. faecium EF27E4 was selected for more detailed studies in vitro aimed at its potential use in dairy industry.