bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Polyethylene Glycol Graftings on the in Vitro Degradation and Calcification of Bovine Pericardium
Authors: Vasudev Sindhu C. , Chandy Thomas , Sharma Chandra P. 
Published: June 2017

Calcification is a frequent cause of the clinical failure of bio-prosthetic heart valves fabricated from glutaraldehyde pretreated bovine pericardium (GATBP). This article reports on various chemical techniques for grafting polyethylene glycol (PEG) on bovine pericardium, their biostability, and calcification. The process of calcification profile was studied by in vi- tro experiments via the incubation of pericardial samples in a metastable solution of calcium phosphate. The calcification profile of PEG-modified bovine pericardium through glutaraldehyde linkages was significantly reduced compared to other methods of grafting. The mechanical property of these PEG-modified tissues after enzyme (collagenase) digestion and calcification were also investigated. PEG grafting of BP via glutaraldehyde or hexamethylene diisocyanate had shown better mechanical stability compared to other grafting methods used. In conclusion, it seems that the surface modification of bovine pericardium through high molecular weight PEGs via glutaraldehyde linkages may provide new ways of controlling tissue biodegradation and calcification.
The Pharmacist's Role in Preventing Medication Errors: Made by Cardiac and Hyperlipoproteinemic Outpatients
Authors: Chubb James M. , Winship Henry W. 
Published: June 2017

A study involving cardiac and hyperlipoproteinemic outpatients was carried out to determine whether medication compliance was affected by additional medication instruction provided by a pharmacist. Two samples of 14 cardiac and 20 hyperlipoproteinemic outpatients were each randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental groups received instruction concerning the prescribed use of their medication by the investigator/pharmacist. The control groups did not receive instruction. A home interview, including pill count, was utilized in determining compliance. Those groups which received instruction made fewer medication errors than the control groups which did not receive instruction. This difference in medication errors was significant for both cardiac and hyperlipoproteinemic outpatients.
Aspirin Intolerance Syndrome
Authors: Tse C. S. Ted 
Published: June 2017

Approximately 10–20 percent of patients with asthma are intolerant to aspirin. In such patients, symptoms of bronchospasm or urticaria/angio-edema may occur within a few minutes to several hours after the ingestion of aspirin-containing compounds. The severity of aspirin-induced asthma ranges from mild attacks of bronchospasm to severe status asthmaticus, which can prove fatal. Aspirin intolerance (A.I.) syndrome occurs most frequently in middle aged women. In many patients the onset of aspirin-induced asthma is preceded by the appearance of nasal polyps. Several analgesics which are structurally unrelated to aspirin, such as indomethacin, ibuprofen and fenoprofen, may also induce symptoms similar to those of A.I. syndrome in aspirin-sensitive patients. Aspirin and many of these nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents are known to be inhibitors of prostaglandin synthetase. There is also a similar cross-reactivity between aspirin and tartrazine dye (FDC yellow #5), although the two chemicals are structurally unrelated. It is essential that patients with known intolerance to aspirin should avoid those drugs known to produce similar effects, and foods and beverages containing tartrazine dye.
Upfront combination therapy reduces right ventricular volumes in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: van de Veerdonk Mariëlle C. , Huis in t Veld Anna E. , Marcus J. Tim , Westerhof Nico , Heymans Martijn W. , Bogaard Harm-Jan , Vonk-Noordegraaf Anton 
Published: June 2017

In pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), upfront combination therapy is associated with better clinical outcomes and a greater reduction in N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) than monotherapy. NT-proBNP levels reflect right ventricular (RV) wall stress, which increases when the right ventricle dilates. This study explored the impact of upfront combination therapy on RV volumes compared with monotherapy in PAH patients.This retrospective study involved 80 incident PAH patients (New York Heart Association class II and III) who were treated with upfront combination therapy (n=35) (i.e.endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) plus phosphodiesterase-5-inhibitors (PDE5Is)) or monotherapy (n=45) (i.e.either ERAs or PDE5Is). All patients underwent right-sided heart catheterisation and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and after 1-year follow-up.Combination therapy resulted in more significant reductions in pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary pressures than monotherapy. NT-proBNP was decreased by ∼77% in the combination therapy group compared with a ∼51% reduction after monotherapy (p<0.001). RV volumes and calculated RV wall stress improved after combination therapy (both p<0.001) but remained unchanged after monotherapy (both p=NS). RV ejection fraction improved more in the combination therapy group than in the monotherapy group (p<0.001).In PAH patients, upfront combination therapy was associated with improved RV volumes.
A sputum gene expression signature predicts oral corticosteroid response in asthma
Authors: Berthon Bronwyn S. , Gibson Peter G. , Wood Lisa G. , MacDonald-Wicks Lesley K. , Baines Katherine J. 
Published: June 2017

Biomarkers that predict responses to oral corticosteroids (OCS) facilitate patient selection for asthma treatment. We hypothesised that asthma patients would respond differently to OCS therapy, with biomarkers and inflammometry predicting response.Adults with stable asthma underwent a randomised controlled cross-over trial of 50 mg prednisolone daily for 10 days (n=55). A six-gene expression biomarker signature (CLC,CPA3,DNASE1L3,IL1B,ALPLandCXCR2) in induced sputum, and eosinophils in blood and sputum were assessed and predictors of response were investigated (changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (ΔFEV1), six-item Asthma Control Questionnaire score (ΔACQ6) or exhaled nitric oxide fraction (ΔFeNO)).At baseline, responders to OCS (n=25) had upregulated mast cellCPA3gene expression, poorer lung function, and higher sputum and blood eosinophils. Following treatment,CLCandCPA3gene expression was reduced, whereasDNASE1L3, IL1B, ALPLandCXCR2expression remained unchanged. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed the six-gene expression biomarker signature as a better predictor of clinically significant responses to OCS than blood and sputum eosinophils.The six-gene expression signature including eosinophil and Th2 related mast cell biomarkers showed greater precision in predicting OCS response in stable asthma. Thus, a novel sputum gene expression signature highlights an additional role of mast cells in asthma, and could be a useful measurement to guide OCS therapy in asthma.
The asbestos fibre burden in human lungs: new insights into the chrysotile debate
Authors: Feder Inke Sabine , Tischoff Iris , Theile Anja , Schmitz Inge , Merget Rolf , Tannapfel Andrea 
Published: June 2017

The traceability of asbestos fibres in human lungs is a matter of discussion especially for chrysotile. This issue is of high significance for differential diagnosis, risk assessment and occupational compensation. At present no intra-individual longitudinal information is available. This study addresses the question whether the asbestos fibre burden in human lungs decreases with time after exposure cessation.The database of the German Mesothelioma Register was screened for patients with asbestos body counts of at least 500 fibres per gram of wet lung, which had been analysed twice from different tissue excisions at minimum intervals of 4 years.Twelve datasets with individual longitudinal information were discovered with a median interval of about 8 years (range 4–21 years). Both examinations were performed after exposure cessation (median: surgery, 9.5 years; autopsy, 22 years). Pulmonary asbestos fibre burden was stable between both examinations (median 1623/4269 asbestos bodies per gram wet lung). Electron microscopy demonstrated a preponderance of chrysotile (median 80%).This study is the first to present longitudinal intra-individual data about the asbestos fibre burden in living human lungs. The high biopersistence of amphiboles, but also of chrysotile, offers mechanistic explanations for fibre toxicity, especially the long latency period of asbestos-related diseases.
Te Waka Kuaka, Rasch analysis of a cultural assessment tool in traumatic brain injury in Māori
Authors: Elder Hinemoa , Czuba Karol , Kersten Paula , Caracuel Alfonso , McPherson Kathryn 
Published: June 2017

Background: The aim was to examine the validity of a new measure, Te Waka Kuaka, in assessing the cultural needs of Māori with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods: Māori from around Aotearoa, New Zealand were recruited. 319 people with a history of TBI, their whānau (extended family members), friends, work associates, and interested community members participated. All completed the 46-item measure. Rasch analysis of the data was undertaken. Results: All four subscales; Wā (time), Wāhi (place), Tangata (people) and Wairua practices (activities that strengthen spiritual connection) were unidimensional. Ten items were deleted because they did not fit the model, due to statistically significant disordered thresholds, non-uniform differential item functioning (DIF) and local dependence. Five items were re-scored in the fourth subscale resulting in ordered thresholds. Conclusions: Rasch analysis facilitated a robust validation process of Te Waka Kuaka.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome after Heart Transplantation: Diagnosis and Immunosuppressive Therapy
Authors: Kapoor Aniruddh , Birks Emma , Lenneman Andrew , McCants Kelly 
Published: June 2017

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, an infrequent neurotoxicity associated with the use of tacrolimus, was first described in 1996, as a reversible syndrome manifested by headache, altered mental function, seizures, and visual disturbances. We describe the case of a 37-year-old woman who developed neurologic symptoms consistent with encephalopathy after treatment with tacrolimus, which was prescribed to maintain immunosuppression after orthotopic heart transplantation.
This report also discusses the imaging methods used in the diagnosis of posterior reversible encephalopathy and highlights the difficulty of maintaining immunosuppression and managing medication-related adverse effects, while taking into account the risk of acute rejection after transplantation.
A new method for macrolide antibiotics determination in wastewater from three different wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Landová Pavlína , Vávrová Milada 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
An effective and practical method for the determination of macrolide antibiotics azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin and roxithromycin in wastewater samples has been developed. The analytical method combines solid phase extraction followed by a chromatographic separation by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) coupled with an ion trap mass spectrometer utilizing the electrospray ionization technique. Detection of positively charged ions was performed in full scan mode from 500 to 900 m/z. The method detection limits and method quantification limits obtained were in the range of 2.03-7.59 ng L-1 and 6.08-23.84 ng L-1, respectively. Recoveries of solid phase extraction were obtained using SupelTM-Select HLB cartridges ranging from 85.76 % to 92.54 %. All target antibiotics were detected in 100 % of the collected raw influent samples with concentrations varying from 15 ng L-1 to 1849 ng L-1. Azithromycin, clarithromycin and erythromycin were also detected in 100 % of the treated water samples and roxithromycin was present in 96 % of the samples. The highest determined concentration in the treated water samples was 1404 ng L-1 of azithromycin. Based on the determined macrolide concentrations, removal efficiencies of individual wastewater treatment plants were calculated to range from 13 % to 100 %.
Information management in passenger traffic supporting system design as a multi-criteria discrete optimization task
Authors: Galuszka Adam , Krystek Jolanta , Swierniak Andrzej , Lungoci Carmen , Grzejszczak Tomasz 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
This paper presents a concept of an Integrated System of Supporting Information Management in Passenger Traffic (ISSIMPT). The novelty of the system is an integration of six modules: video monitoring, counting passenger flows, dynamic information for passengers, the central processing unit, surveillance center and vehicle diagnostics into one coherent solution. Basing on expert evaluations, we propose to present configuration design problem of the system as a multi-objectives discrete static optimization problem. Then, hybrid method joining properties of weighted sum and ε-constraint methods is applied to solve the problem. Solution selections based on hybrid method, using set of exemplary cases, are shown.
Vibration control in semi-active suspension of the experimental off-road vehicle using information about suspension deflection
Authors: Kasprzyk Jerzy , Krauze Piotr , Budzan Sebastian , Rzepecki Jaroslaw 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
The efficiency of vibration control in an automotive semi-active suspension system depends on the quality of information from sensors installed in the vehicle, including information about deflection of the suspension system. The control algorithm for vibration attenuation of the body takes into account its velocity as well as the relative velocity of the suspension. In this paper it is proposed to use the Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT) unit to measure the suspension deflection and then to estimate its relative velocity. This approach is compared with a typical solution implemented in such applications, where the relative velocity is calculated by processing signals acquired from accelerometers placed on the body and on the chassis. The experiments performed for an experimental All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) confirm that using LVDT units allows for improving ride comfort by better vibration attenuation of the body.
Effects of high molecular weight poly-γ-glutamic acid on PIGS with porcine preproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection
Authors: Seo Byoung-Joo , Lee Jee-Hoon , Kang Ick-Jae , Shabir Nadeem , Khatun Amina , Yang Myeon-Sik , Park Chul , Kim Bumseok , Kim Won-Il 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Bacillus subtilis sups. chungkookjang produces a higher molecular mass poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA). Recently, previous studies have demonstrated immune stimulation and an antitumor effect of the high molecular mass γ-PGA using various mouse models although these effects have not been shown in other species of animals. Therefore, the current study was conducted to determine the effect of γ-PGA in pigs with and without PRRSV infection. PRRS-negative pigs were intramuscularly injected with 1, 3, or 5 ml of 20 mg/mll γ-PGA, and one group of pigs served as a non-treatment (NT) group. All groups treated with γ-PGA had significantly higher weight gains, and pigs treated with 5 ml of γ-PGA exhibited higher tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-α and IFN-β expression levels compared with the NT group. According to the preliminary results, an animal challenge study was conducted with a highly virulent PRRSV strain, MN184, along with γ-PGA treatment at different time points. Pigs treated with γ-PGA had lower levels of viral loads in the sera and in lungs and gained significantly more weight (p<0.05) compared with the NT group after being challenged with MN184. Moreover, γ-PGA-treatment groups had higher levels of neutralizing antibodies and cytokines related to proinflammatory, humoral and cell-mediated responses than the control group after the PRRSV challenge. Therefore, it was concluded that γ-PGA induces higher levels of immune responses and increases resistance to PRRSV infection in pigs.
Impact of Organic Fertilisation and Subsequent Grassland Abandonment on Floristic Composition
Authors: Štýbnarová Marie , Dufek Aleš , Delagarde Rémy 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in floristic composition of permanent grasslands after the cessation of their regular utilisation and organic fertilisation. A long-term small plot trial was established in 2004 in locality Rapotín. During 2004-2012, the experiment was fertilised with compost and slurry, both with the range of stocking rates 0.9, 1.4 and 2.0 livestock units (LU)/ha (corresponding to 54, 84, and 120 kg N/ha). The plots were cut 2-4 times per year depending on given dose of fertiliser. During 2013‒2016, the regular management was ceased and the grasslands were completely abandoned. Before the grassland abandonment, the highest total number of species (24 species) was found in the treatments regularly fertilised with compost. The dominance of grasses was influenced by the grassland management, with decreasing intensity of utilisation, the dominance of grasses increased. Four years after the grassland abandonment, the species diversity in almost all treatments decreased and the dominance of grasses increased in all treatments, up to the value 67-80%. Based on the data about the soil chemical parameters from two investigated years, our results suggested not only the effect of grassland management and its subsequent abandonment, but also a residual effect of the both organic fertilisers. These findings indicated the importance of the maintenance of regular grassland management for sustainable conservation of grassland communities.
The Influence of Natural and Industrial Factors on the Efficiency of the Dairy Industry
Authors: Kitikov Vadim , Romaniuk Wacław 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
A comparative analysis of milk production in Poland and Belarus was carried out. The basic tendencies of modern development of the dairy industry and offered upcoming trends of innovative modernization of milk production processes were analyzed. On the basis of the analysis of trends in the global production of milk and new scientific knowledge on the biosynthesis of milk, a conceptual approach to the design of equipment for machine milking, is provided, considered the relationship of technical and physiological parameters.
Content-Based Image Retrieval for Multiple Objects Search
Authors: Szűcs Gábor , Papp Dávid 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe progress of image search engines still proceeds, but there are some challenges yet in complex queries. In this paper, we present a new semantic image search system, which is capable of multiple object retrieval using only visual content of the images. We have used the state-of-the-art image processing methods prior to the search, such as Fisher-vector and C-SVC classifier, in order to semantically classify images containing multiple objects. The results of this offline classification are stored for the latter search task. We have elaborated more search methods for combining the results of binary classifiers of objects in images. Our search methods use confidence values of object classifiers and after the evaluation, the best method is selected for thorough analysis. Our solution is compared with the famous web images search engines (Google, Bing and Flickr), and there is a comparison of their Mean Average Precision (MAP) values. It can be concluded that our system reaches the benchmark; moreover, in most cases our method outperforms the others, especially in the cases of queries with many objects.
Significant Secret Image Sharing Scheme Based on Boolean Operation
Authors: Verma Monu , Rani Rajneesh 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Traditionally, (k, n) secret image sharing is an approach of breaking down a secret image into n number of shadow images to assign them to n number of users, so that any k or more then k users can bring back the secret image. But in case of less than k, users cannot reveal any partial information about the original image. We have proposed a significant secret image sharing technique based on XOR with arithmetic operations that upgrade the performance of traditional secret image sharing approaches by serving importance to shadow images according to user’s significance. This scheme also conserves the fault tolerance property which plays a vital role in image sharing field.
Determination of the Airborne Sound Insulation of a Straw Bale Partition Wall
Authors: Teslík Jiří , Fabian Radek , Hrubá Barbora 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
This paper describes the results of a scientific project focused on determining of the Airborne Sound Insulation of a peripheral non-load bearing wall made of straw bales expressed by Weighted Sound Reduction Index. Weighted Sound Reduction Index was determined by measuring in the certified acoustic laboratory at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Brno University of Technology. The measured structure of the straw wall was modified in combinations with various materials, so the results include a wide range of possible compositions of the wall. The key modification was application of plaster on both sides of the straw bale wall. This construction as is frequently done in actual straw houses. The additional measurements were performed on the straw wall with several variants of additional wall of slab materials. The airborne sound insulation value has been also measured in separate stages of the construction. Thus it is possible to compare and determinate the effect of the single layers on the airborne sound insulation.
Intention, Principle, Outputs and Aims of the Experimental Pavilion Research of Building Envelopes Including Windows for Wooden Buildings
Authors: Štaffenová Daniela , Rybárik Ján , Jakubčík Miroslav 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
The aim of experimental research in the area of exterior walls and windows suitable for wooden buildings was to build special pavilion laboratories. These laboratories are ideally isolated from the surrounding environment, airtight and controlled by the constant internal climate. The principle of experimental research is measuring and recording of required physical parameters (e.g. temperature or relative humidity). This is done in layers of experimental fragment sections in the direction from exterior to interior, as well as in critical places by stable interior and real exterior climatic conditions. The outputs are evaluations of experimental structures behaviour during the specified time period, possibly during the whole year by stable interior and real exterior boundary conditions. The main aim of this experimental research is processing of long-term measurements of experimental structures and the subsequent analysis. The next part of the research consists of collecting measurements obtained with assistance of the experimental detached weather station, analysis, evaluation for later setting up of reference data set for the research locality, from the point of view of its comparison to the data sets from Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMU) and to localities with similar climate conditions. Later on, the data sets could lead to recommendations for design of wooden buildings.